Insurance claim from the effects of a building code compliant activity but unpermited

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Benoire

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#273288 14-Aug-2020 19:59

Hi all

We bought our house in 2011 and we changed a few things as we noticed that they where perhaps not quite right. One of the things was a main pressure cylinder which my father in law said was wrong (he was a registered plumber at the time) and so he swapped it out for a new unit including the pipework. Today the cylinder popped and water went everywhere... we have a new one installed now and we've mopped up the water but there is damage to kitchen elements.

Looking at the history of the house it seems that there is no record of a consent for switching from low pressure to mains pressure (house is 1960s so would have been low pressure) so I'm wondering if we claimed on the insurance, would this cause us trouble because while the damage was caused by a regulatory compliant installation, it should not actually have been at all as it should have been at a low pressure level.

Anyone got any thoughts?

Cheers

Chris

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#2541322 14-Aug-2020 20:14

Insurance companies are often very understanding, provided you aren't actively trying to scam them.

You had no knowledge that it was non compliant, I'd suspect the insurance company will probably pay out.
You did after all change out a bad one when it was noticed.

You need to call them to find out.
If it was me, I probably wouldn't outright volunteer the information, but I'd be straight up if the asked.

Jase2985

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#2541327 14-Aug-2020 20:17

you dont require consent to go from low to mains pressure do you?

we changed ours about 8 years ago and there was no consent involved (Auckland)

sxz

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#2541328 14-Aug-2020 20:17

Do you need consent to go from Low to Mains?

We took out our low pressure cylinder, and went to mains Infinity gas. No consent obtained. Registered plumber/gasfitter did it, and all our fittings had been replaced (where appropriate).

andrewNZ

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#2541332 14-Aug-2020 20:21

The other thing is that, from what you've said, it was the new cylinder and/or the associated plumbing that failed. If that's the case, there is no reason for them to decline the claim.

Benoire

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#2541334 14-Aug-2020 20:22

sxz:

Do you need consent to go from Low to Mains?

We took out our low pressure cylinder, and went to mains Infinity gas. No consent obtained. Registered plumber/gasfitter did it, and all our fittings had been replaced (where appropriate).

You need consent for mains pressure electric as its a pressure vessel; gas is not considered a pressure vessel so as long as done by a plumber/gas fitter you're fine.

Benoire

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#2541339 14-Aug-2020 20:28

Jase2985:

you dont require consent to go from low to mains pressure do you?

we changed ours about 8 years ago and there was no consent involved (Auckland)

Yep, as far as I can find out from websites a mains pressure upgrade is not a comparable replacement for a low pressure and so is not exempt from a building consent.

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Jase2985

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#2541343 14-Aug-2020 20:50

Benoire:

Yep, as far as I can find out from websites a mains pressure upgrade is not a comparable replacement for a low pressure and so is not exempt from a building consent.

provide a link please

https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/planning-a-successful-build/scope-and-design/check-if-you-need-consents/building-consent-exemptions-for-low-risk-work/schedule-1-guidance/part-2/38-water-heater-controlled-heat-source/

Examples where this exemption could apply
Water storage heaters

Replacing an existing open-vented (Low pressure) water storage heater with a valve-vented (Mains pressure) water storage heater that has a controlled heat source.

My bolding

djtOtago

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#2541351 14-Aug-2020 21:10

As far as I know the only time you would need consent would be if the heat source for the hot water is uncontrolled. i.e. wet back.

I have done a few upgrades in houses I have owned, and never needed consent.

Also.
If the insurance company thinks the plumber was at fault, they may try and recover the cost of any repairs from them.

Benoire

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#2541368 14-Aug-2020 21:53

Jase2985:

provide a link please

http://www.bc.org.nz/consent/dbh-guide-for-building-work-consent-not-required%20(1).pdf

Page 11 -

Replacing an open-vented hot water storage heater with
a valve vented hot water storage heater. A consent is
required as this type of plumbing work has a higher risk
profile due to an increase in the complexity of the work
ie, multiple safety valves.

The above was on the right side of the table stating that consent would be required.. but this contradictory to your link which clearly says it can be!

Edit: right ok, this link is to an older version of the various parts above, appears things have changed...

Thanks everyone, will run with the view that no consent is required now!

Bung

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#2541376 14-Aug-2020 22:23

Schedule 1 has changed over time.

"To check whether or not earlier building work on a property was covered by an exemption, you need to refer to the legislation in force at the time.

Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 has been issued and amended on the following dates:

1 July 2019 (the current version)
28 November 2013
23 December 2010
16 October 2008, and
24 August 2004."

Benoire

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#2541457 15-Aug-2020 10:01

Cool thanks, clearly shows it as exempt! Does anybody know when the drip trays where introduced?

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Bung

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#2541465 15-Aug-2020 10:20

Benoire:
Cool thanks, clearly shows it as exempt! Does anybody know when the drip trays where introduced?

Although probably not exempt at the time of the 1st update. I think mandatory drip trays are relatively recent. Would one have contained whatever happened to you?

Edit 1 Jan 2017

Benoire

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#2541471 15-Aug-2020 10:35

Yeah found that as well, thanks... possibly not contained, depends on the outlet size of 40mm being sufficient for the complete failure of the tank... when attempting to turn the inlet off yesterday morning it was cascading fast and at high volume until we hit the overflow valve which helped... might have helped with the initial hot water though!

We're now finding the damage :-( Kitchen bench vertical facades are done for; bulging about 2cm above the floor, the pine T&G floor is cupping and the varnish peeling on the corners, not sure of how far it has spread under the floor but our bathroom door is now sticking where it didn't before (90sqm house, kitchen / dining room occupies most of 1/3rd of the house)... Going to look under the house to see extent of water flow and get ready to lodge a claim :-( Might be able to save the floor with a bit of sanding but in reality the kitchen area is done for as the vertical facades are stuck to the engineered stone bench which is stuck to the carcasses and other facing panels... May involve a full reflooring through this location!

Benoire

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#2541473 15-Aug-2020 10:37

Want to add thanks to everyone for commenting and helping! Water issues are the worst as its so pervasive and hard to control/stop and really appreciate the helpful guidance and document finding!

Froglotion

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#2541801 15-Aug-2020 17:27

Get in touch with insurance sooner rather than later.

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