Does fixing things yourself invalidate warranties?

[saint-spoon]

Whilst away last weekend in the New Forest, I discovered a small leak, more of a drip really, issuing from the inlet connection to my thauma 9L water heater. Anyway it's only a push fit connector and once they go they don't reseal themselves so I sourced a replacement part from the pet a caravan supply shop in Brokenhurst and fixed it. As the caravan is less than six months old the defect is obviously covered under warranty but as an apprenticeship served marine engineer with 30 years of practical experience behind me it would be slightly embarrassing if I couldn't fix a leaking push fit connector. My question is, how much can you do as self help before you invalidate your warranty?

I have drained the system down fully when not in use and luckily found the leak early, quite by accident before more than a small puddle arose so I can't see any likelihood of secondary damage from the leaked water.

 

[NigelHutson]

In this case I would inform my Dealer and let them know what I'd done, so that they'll have a record should there be an inherent problem somewhere. Let them know that it was done in an emergency and ask them to check it when the caravan is serviced. I would suggest that as you have only replaced the connector that there wouldn't be a problem, and IF they were silly about it, only the connector would be affected.

There have been a number of cases over the years when my dealer has been happy to send me parts (obtained under warranty), and I have fitted them (obviously returning any parts to them if required - i.e. on the last caravan the ATC unit failed......). I suppose that a lot will have to do with how well you know your dealer.

The biggest problem would be if you started to dismantle a major component or tried to repair a body defect (leak), which would without doubt invalidate the warranty.

 

[Pursuitpaul]

Have done several minor repairs to our Pursuit, whilst travelling. Each time I have phoned the dealer first and told them.
No problems at all over warranty.

 

[Raywood]

You will still be covered by the Sale of Goods Act or its replacement but as suggested I would tell the dealer and ask them to record this, I would use an e mail and copy the manufacturer in.
The work should not invalidate the warranty as long as any claim you have has nothing to do with the work you did. If you did it wrongly and a problem arises then it is your problem but if the fridge breaks down it is irrelevant.

 

[Craigyoung]

We were in france when our charger burnt out leaving us with next to no power . I had no option but to fix it myself obviously telling our dealer and then when back it was all checked and sorted under warranty and refunded for what we had to spend .
Ive now got a spare charger should it ever happen again when abroad :huh: !