Hi all,
first time poster so hope I've got the right forum.
We've recently discovered a gas leak at my dear old mum's house. It is a recent build (7 yearsish). Two inspectors, one from Bord Gais and one independent have each determined that the leak is not accessible as it is somewhere under the concrete floor of the house. Therefore serious structural work would be required to attempt to find it and it is likely that further damage may be done in the mean time. Gas was leaking into the house somehow as it was the smell that alerted some visitors in the first place.
Obviously they have secured the gas supply at the mains which means that there is no heating or hot water available. Not an issue at the moment with the electic shower & warm weather but obviously needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
The advice from the gas fitters is that new line from the supply to the house is the only option to ensure a secure supply. This will involve taking up a significant portion of her driveway & side passage in order to keep the piping underground. It will also mean that the gas fire she has will no longer be usable as the house is semi D & the fire is on the dividing wall meaning access to that part of the supply is under the house & within the area where the leak is expected to be.
All of that back story leads to a question. I've sent an e-mail off to Homebond but based on their blurb I don't expect an enthusiastic response to helping. However it seems to me that this is a major defect in an integral part of the house that will cost €000's to put right, and will also leave her without the use of a gas fire. Before tracking down & contacting the builder I'm hoping to get advice on any relevant legislation or consumer resources that I should research or use to plead her case.
thanks