Cowboy plumber

[dispenser]

Please could someone advise me? I have had a plumber in to do some work which is absolutely dreadful. I have had no water for 2 days. He incorrectly fitted some bathroom taps, took the radiator off in the bathroom to fit a heated towel rail and water went all over the bathroom. He fitted a loo and wash hand basin which he messed up all the pipe work etc etc., not to mention staining my brand new hall carpet. I just want them out of my house but what can I do about this. He shouldn't be allowed to work as a plumber. I called Trading standards( or whatever they are called now) but I didn't find them a lot of help. Surely this sort of thing should not be allowed to go on. I would appreciate some advice please. Thank you

[The Builder]

The usual procedure is to insist they return to "put it right". The trouble here is that I doubt if they're capable of that. Hang around until Buildersmate comes on. He's far better informed than I on the legal side. This is a hellish situation for you. I'll come back on later in case you need some practical expertise. One thing thet comes to mind is ......... if they are so ignorant, then they're bound to argue flat out with you. It would cost a little, but I'd like to see you have a professional opinion (surveyor).

[dispenser]

Hi and thank you so much for any help you can give me. I hope Builders Mate comes on to if he is good at the legal stuff. I can't tell you how bad things are. I have phoned him and told him my boiler is now not working but he says he is not gas trained. It was working before he started. This sort of thing is so wrong. It costs such a lot of money to put things right that they have damaged. He says send the bill for the carpet but I feel sure he won't pay. Thanks so much for your help.

[WILLWONKER]

Have you paid for the work so far?

[buildersmate]

Will has asked the key question - have you paid him?
You are in so much of a stronger situation if you haven't, otherwise it is a question of getting any money paid back.
Further than that, then it is a question of whether to use the Small Claims Court to try and obtain a judgement for money - even then there is no assurance that he would pay.
As to the business of whether he should be in business at all, Trading Standards are the only folks I know of who could act, other than a call to 'Watchdog'. This might help make you feel better though it won't help to reimburse your losses.

[The Builder]

As BM has said, if you've paid anything, then it's Trading Standards and/or Small Claims Court. I can understand what he means when says he isn't terribly optimistic over recompense though.
OK ...... practicalities ........... find a "proper" plumber! Ask around for recommendations. Ask at your local Plumbers' Merchants. Tell them what's happened. Those guys will be only too glad to give you some names. Believe it or not, many people in the business do have pride in their profession. They'll have heard all these stories before.
It's going to cost you more now of course, but I assure you it'll be worth it when a decent tradesman has you completely back up and running.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[dispenser]

Sorry for the delay in replying, but I have now got hold of a plumber, as you suggested by asking around and they have put the work right for me. Thanks to all of you who offred advice. You were spot on. Didn't want to go the small claims route as always worried of reprisals.

thanks so much