Problem with Pipes and lack of Phone Line...

[stuaz]

Hi,

We recently purchased a 3 Bed detached house on a shared Persimmon/Taylor Wimpey site. We moved in on 28th April.

On 30th April, the Boiler started making "thumping" sounds so I quickly shut it off, to avoid damage, etc. It was then that I noticed water running down the walls in kitchen and across the ceiling.

The Boiler was making the Thumping sounds because it couldn't get any water, because a leak had occured above the kitchen in the spare bedroom.

A quick call to the Emergancy Customer care line and a on call Plumber came out and made sure everything was OK and that it wasn't leaking anymore.

However, because it was the Bank Holiday weekend, Persimmon Plumbers couldn't come out till Tuesday. So it was two days before we finally got heating and hot water.

The Plumber left on Tuesday afternoon around 2ish, around 6ish another leak had occured again in the kitchen but this time from the Airing Cupboard.

Another TWO days passed and Persimmon plumber came out to have a look. The issue was exactly the same as the other leak - the pipe had litrally Burst open - (I saw the evidence). Needless to say the plumber fixed the pipe and we were back up and running again.

Persimmon had the manufactor of the pipes come out and have a look as t why the pipes burst (they were plastic not copper).

Obviously my concern at this time was why the pipes were bursting, and how many more were going to burst...

Then on the 16th May, the Boiler manufacter came out and inspected the boiler, only to conclude the heating system was all back to front. The hot water was being pumped around backwards!! He then turned off the heating because he said that it being on would most likely cause it to rupture a pipe again. (The Hot water was OK).

He went and reported his findings to the Site Office who then came round the next day to do there own inspection while I was at work.

I recevied no answer as to what was going on at this stage.

So now it is the 23rd April, nearly a month since move in and we have no heating (Yes I know its Summer, but that really isn't the point). The water damage isn't fixed ether.

Then to add to it we have yet to have a Phone Line installed because Taylor Wimpey haven't laid the ground work for it - there are about 6 houses without a phone line at the moment which I think is a joke. When asked when they reckon they will do it - I got told it could be anything from 4 to 8 weeks!! However when I moved in I was told only two weeks!!!

Also the Sewage drain in the back garden is loose meaning if you stand on it it lifts up and you get a rather rough smell of raw sewage - not great when I have a little dog running round the garden who will sniff and eat anything at her age....

Sorry for the rather long post, but any suggestions as to how we can get them moving a bit quicker to not only fix the heating issue, repair the damage AND sort out the phone line?

I believe I am in my right to have my water meter reset, and re-imbursed in someway for the time I have had to take off work so far (unpaid) not to mention actually having to travel into the office as I normally work from home but can't without an internet connection.

I am currently sending a letter to the head office about all this but any other suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks,

[muddyjuddy]

If you're not happy with the speed at which Persimmon are doing things then get the NHBC involved. I've done it, and it's a really easy process that generally works - you can do it via their website. You won't get any compensation, but you should get the work done quickly. If you want any money out of Persimmon then you'll probably have to take them to court.

[SteveF]

If you're not happy with the speed at which Persimmon are doing things then get the NHBC involved. I've done it, and it's a really easy process that generally works - you can do it via their website. You won't get any compensation, but you should get the work done quickly. If you want any money out of Persimmon then you'll probably have to take them to court.

I agree whole heartedly with the comment re getting the NHBC involved as soon as possible and with the point regarding compensation, however not everyone would agree that the process is easy and that the NHBC involvement will result in the work being carried out quickly.

It is important that you should be persistent with the NHBC and that all communication is in writing.

Stevef