What do you do!

[secret squirrel]

Had a bit of a nightmare day, took out old toilet put in new one. After many hours stopping leaks from olives etc just kept chasing the drips really. Never really had a job (not plumbing but any job) where its quite so frustrating and down right aggravating.

Anyway changed donut washer, retightened everything from scratch then heard the customer say "I've had enough of this" I couldn't help it and said "your not the only one"

My problem is that I came to the conclusion that it is the cistern that is causing the leak from the two retaining screws (the type that go through the cistern). However, the customer will not give me access to the property til next thursday. The screws are still seeping and 'I'm not allowed' to take the cistern with me to get a new one. Unfortunately, I've had to leave the cistern in place even though it has a problem. They need to flush the toilet but cant use a bucket. (I know, not ideal but what can I do?)

I have explained the issue and the steps I took to cure it but they were hungry and wanted to go to the pub for dinner! this property is dirty and disgusting, I can't describe the environment I'm working in,

Has anyone any suggestions what else I could have done with this customer.......PLEASE!

 

[Winston]

Keep your cool, whatever you do drop a note by a polite one explaining it all and go back fresh as a daisy with a clear plan use plenty of LSx on the donut and smile. Get your money and walk

Easier said than done but good luck mate and dont let it knock your confidence.

 

[migoplumber]

just to cover your own back, i'd also send a writtencopy of what you have said to your solicitor, ask him to copy it and send it recorded to your customer.

you dont need a claim against you for water damage from leaking cistern, that you were the last to touch.

at the moment in court it would be your word against his. cover your back first, then try to please your customer.

as winston says stay calm and try to sort it. poo happens. i fight me way out of it twice a week without fail.

good luck
shaun

 

[secret squirrel]

Thanks for the advice, I feel better now that I've had a shower and calmed down a little and off loaded the disgusting toilet form my van.

I struggle with peoples ability not to listen and do whats right. The customer did not want me in the flat alone. My tools in my tool box are worth more than anything in the flat. I've read about other plumbers on this site having the same issue.

What are we going to do? All we want to do is get in, work hard, do a good job, get your money and finish early.

Customers call us for help and advice, when they get it they ignore it. I will shrug my shoulders and wait to be called back next thurs when the customer is off again. On a positive note I did get paid.

 

[johnmcginty]

It's funny really why make a cistern with the screw holes in , I have fitted a few like this and can't see what the added advantage of having more possible ares to leak from is ? Anyone know why they are designed like that?

 

[Plouasne]

It's funny really why make a cistern with the screw holes in , I have fitted a few like this and can't see what the added advantage of having more possible ares to leak from is ? Anyone know why they are designed like that?

If the fixing bolts go through a metal plate below the cistern, and some greet fat git comes along an leans back on the cistern it can/could spring the metal plate and let the cistern leak when flushed

If the stainless steel bolts are fitted properly, (from inside the cistern) starting from the head of the bolt, S/S spreading washer, then the cone shaped rubber sealing washer (fitted point down, into the hole)with just a smear of silicon around the head of the bolt and washer and then the bolt is drawn up tight, with the S/S nut, metal spreading washer and the flat rubber washer, again with just a smear of silicon between the china and the rubber washer

You can if you think it would give added security, after the pan and cistern has been put together, and before water is allowed in to the cistern, go right over the area where the bolt, and bolt hole is with a gob of silicon

 

[johnmcginty]

Yeah good old silicon