London Flat Living: Issues with Leaks from upstairs!

[DIY-NEWB]

Hi,

I've had 5 leaks from my upstairs neighbour in the last 18 months and I've had enough. I believe that the joint seals are coming to the end of their lifespan as nothing has been touched since the renovation and install over 40 years ago.

My questions is......is there a way to identify weakness in her pipe system? some sort or pressure test? or tech solution? I'm sure there is?

Please advise!

Thank you for taking time to read this, looking forward to your responses

Thanks
DIY-NEWB

 

[Sharp Point]

Could be just something simple as sealant in the shower.

 

[Burger]

Leaks from where? Bathroom, kitchen,heating, unknown?

 

[gmartine]

Why are you concerning yourself with why it is happening?

Send them the "make good" bill every single time.

 

[centralheatking]

As this is a flat are they rentals ? or are leaseholds. Either way the owner or the freeholder has a specific role in this issue. Regular inconvenience can render the offending leaseholders contract void.
If you are a freeholder then the local authority can intervene or a letter of intent before action might move things along.
centralheatking

 

[DIY-NEWB]

Leaks from where? Bathroom, kitchen,heating, unknown?

2 from the kitchen area in the last 8 months, and 3 from her Bathroom area in the last few years. It's more the regularity of these leaks, she said it's unfortunate but I'd like her to take a pro-active step and test the system some how.
[automerge]1565850387[/automerge]

Why are you concerning yourself with why it is happening?

Send them the "make good" bill every single time.

Next time it could be a massive leak when no-one is around and flood my entire flat.
[automerge]1565850521[/automerge]

As this is a flat are they rentals ? or are leaseholds. Either way the owner or the freeholder has a specific role in this issue. Regular inconvenience can render the offending leaseholders contract void.
If you are a freeholder then the local authority can intervene or a letter of intent before action might move things along.
centralheatking

Thanks, I think we're at that stage now....using the lease and T&Cs against her...it is a regular inconvenience and a massive headache when this happens

 

[Burger]

2 from the kitchen area in the last 8 months, and 3 from her Bathroom area in the last few years. It's more the regularity of these leaks, she said it's unfortunate but I'd like her to take a pro-active step and test the system some how.
[automerge]1565850387[/automerge]

Could be pinholing, in which case may need a full new pipe install, but if it's a landlord they may just want the cheapest short term fix?

 

[DIY-NEWB]

Could be pinholing, in which case may need a full new pipe install, but if it's a landlord they may just want the cheapest short term fix?

It's resident who's been there for 33 years but has done nothing to maintain their property, and yes...I understand that they don't want to spend money as would I but when It's the 5th leak it's time for action...I've had enough!

Thanks for all the replys.

 

[Scott_D]

Do you claim on her insurance or yours each time?

 

[DIY-NEWB]

Do you claim on her insurance or yours each time?

she claimed through her insurer and now through the leaseholders insurance claiming this is part of the fabric of the building. It's not and I will block a move for her to use this again as the excess how now risen sharply.

 

[Chuck]

2 from the kitchen area in the last 8 months, and 3 from her Bathroom area in the last few years. It's more the regularity of these leaks, she said it's unfortunate but I'd like her to take a pro-active step and test the system some how.

Roughly how old is your neighbour. Are you sure that they are leaks and not that the flat-owner is becoming forgetful and leaving taps running? They may be saying these are 'leaks' because they are embarassed to admit what really happened.

 

[DIY-NEWB]

late 50s maybe 60, not sure that this is the case