 | Liability for damages caused by water heater install |
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Question: I had a company come out and install a new water heater into an existing enclosure. The old water heater was 30 gallons. I asked if it would be possible to install a 40 gallon heater instead. They said that the installer would take a look to see if it was possible, and that he carried both sizes on his truck. When the installer came out, he said that a 40 gallon wouldn't be a problem. He began installing the new water heater. I was in and out of the area, so I kept an eye on what he was doing but I wasn't watching intently. When I went back into the room after the tank began to fill, I noticed the finish on my cabinet was warping. I couldn't remember if it had been like that previously that day (it had NOT been like that in the recent past). I asked the installer about it and he said that it was probably caused by moisture (the old water heater was leaking a bit). That sounded reasonable. Although I was unhappy with having to get it refinished, shit happens. Well, he completed the installation and everything was working fine. I paid him and he left. When I came home from work that night, I found that the cabinet was worse. It was obvious that it was not moisture, but that the cabinet had started buckling. I shut off the water and drained the water heater. I called the company and they said that they can move the water heater outside (there is an enclosure for a defunct solar water heater). This wouldn't be free. Or, they said that they can uninstall the water heater and reinstall it for free after I have the cabinet reinforced by a carpenter (I pay for the carpenter). To get to the point (finally), regardless of the outcome of the water heater installation itself are they liable for the damages to my cabinetry? A finish carpenter has given me a quote of $500-600 to repair the damage. I feel like I shouldn't have to pay that fee, or at least not all of it. What would be reasonable and customary in this sort of situation? I wish to be fair to all parties involved and I am not looking for a free ride. However, neither do I wish to easily part with my hard-earned money if I shouldn't have to.
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