You paid a plumber to do the job properly. Instead you've got a leak, a bathroom that doesn't drain, a boiler that won't run, or water damage spreading through the house — and the plumber has stopped answering the phone.
The law sets a clear standard for plumbing work. When it falls short, you can recover the cost of putting it right, including any damage the bad work caused.
Your Right: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 a plumber must perform the work with reasonable care and skill, and any parts fitted must be of satisfactory quality. Defective plumbing breaches that standard — and you can claim the cost of redoing it, plus any resulting damage.
When You Have a Claim
- Leaking joints, pipes or fittings after the work
- A bathroom, kitchen or boiler installed defectively
- Water damage caused by the plumber's mistake
- A faulty part or appliance fitted as part of the job
- Work left unfinished or not to a competent standard
Recover the cost of putting it right
JustClaim turns your story into a properly drafted court claim, with your particulars of claim written for you. File online in minutes.
Start Your Claim NowHow to Claim: Step by Step
Complain in writing. Set out the defects and give the plumber a fair chance to put them right by a clear deadline.
Get evidence. Photos of the defects and any damage, plus a quote or report from another plumber showing the cost to fix it.
Send a letter before action. A formal letter stating your claim and a deadline to pay before you issue proceedings.
File your claim. If they still refuse, file an N1 at the county court for the cost of remedial work, any damage, interest and the court fee.
What You Can Claim
- The cost of having the plumbing done properly elsewhere
- The cost of repairing water damage the bad work caused
- Related losses such as drying out or temporary repairs
- The cost of an independent report
- Interest and the court fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a plumber for bad work?
Yes. A plumber must carry out work with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If the work is defective — leaks, a botched bathroom, a boiler or pipe wrongly fitted — you can require them to put it right and, if they refuse, recover the cost of fixing it in the small claims court.
The plumber's work caused a leak and damage — what can I claim?
You can claim the cost of correcting the defective plumbing and the cost of repairing any resulting water damage to floors, ceilings or belongings, plus related losses such as drying out. Get photos and a repair quote — both are recoverable if you win.
Do I have to let the plumber come back to fix it?
Usually yes for the defective work itself — the Consumer Rights Act gives the trader a chance to repeat the service. Put your complaint in writing with a deadline. If they refuse, fail again, or you reasonably don't want them back, you can recover the cost of another plumber putting it right.
What if a faulty part or appliance was fitted?
Parts and appliances supplied as part of the job must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. If a tap, valve, boiler or fitting fails prematurely, the plumber is responsible for the part and the labour to put it right.
How much does it cost to take a plumber to court?
Court fees start at £35 for claims up to £300 and rise with the amount claimed. The fee is added to your claim and recovered from the plumber if you win. No solicitor is needed for a small claim.