Q: A plumber replaced water heater, but cut the Pipe Bollard, exposing the heater to vehicle damage. Recourse?
I had a plumber come to my house when I was at work - tenant was there. They replaced the water heater in my garage, but when I came home I found out the bollard pipe protecting it from a vehicle damage. The heater is in a little alcove inset part of the wall in the garage so he claimed that meant the bollard protection is not needed. I referenced international residential code Section M1307.3.1 which indicates there must be a bollard or a barrier that can withstand 12,000 pounds of force. The plumber claims that is false but cannot provide codes.
I late find out that during the installation a City Inspector stopped by and my tenant told me, the plumber said he lied to the inspector and told him they were just fixing a leak. What recourse may I take? I did not sign any paperwork.
A: If the bollard needed to be cut to install the water heater, that should be your expense, although the plumber should have given you a written estimate beforehand. If the bollard was cut through accident or negligence, then he should replace it. I think that these pipes are only about $65.00. I doubt that this is worth your time fighting over. Offer to buy the material if he will install it without further charge.
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