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hermetic

(8,258 posts)
Sun May 12, 2019, 08:36 PM May 2019

Need plumbers' advice

I bought a new toilet 3 years ago from Lowes, had it delivered. Hired a local plumber to install it for me. When setting it he told me he had a better bottom seal for it and talked me into a trade for the one that came with it. Well, 3 years later now and that seal is leaking and I am not happy. Woman alone here so what should I do? Tell him when I call? Wait until he is here and then remind him that he insisted this was a better idea? If he charges me to replace it should I call him out on the internet as one who can't be trusted?

I'd kinda rather call a different plumber but believe this guy owes me. Seriously, 3 years? What's your thoughts on this? TIA!!

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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CentralMass

(15,265 posts)
1. I suspect that he may take care of it for free. It may just be that the mounting
Sun May 12, 2019, 08:47 PM
May 2019

fasteners have loosened.

DonaldsRump

(7,715 posts)
2. Call him and tell him exactly what you want
Sun May 12, 2019, 08:48 PM
May 2019

If he doesn't give you appropriate service, you can tell him you will be sure to inform social media and the rating websites like yelp etc.

If the person is honest, they will make you right. I am no expert, but a toilet leaking within 3 years sounds like a defective installation to me. We've had rental properties for decades where there has been no leak, so that's the basis of my experience.

elfin

(6,262 posts)
3. No answer here but as another woman alone
Sun May 12, 2019, 08:50 PM
May 2019

I always call my plumber, even though I know it will cost more because of the reliability factor.

Certainly, call Lowes and if you can find the original invoice, it just may have the name of the installer. Yes, they do owe you, but listen very closely and write down what they say.

?Cost of a visit alone to examine? Cost of replacement? Cost of labor? Covered at all? It might be too much or confusing for comfort.

If they hedge on anything, call a local plumber outfit with a long history and good reputation with the specifics of your toilet type and age etc. If you go with them, strike up a relationship and use them every single time, I have found through the years to be a good investment, despite a higher cost. I rest easier, which is worth A LOT.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,750 posts)
6. Personally, if I buy something from a store like Lowes, I'll have them
Sun Jul 7, 2019, 12:41 AM
Jul 2019

do the install. I think you're better covered that way. Although three years out, it's possible neither Lowe's nor the local plumber would make good a fix.

My sympathies to you, no matter how this turns out.

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