Warranty Claim Escalation and Request for Resolution: Faulty Kwikot Solar Thermostatic Mixing Valve

8th May 2026, I approached Plumblink Silverton to purchase the remaining components required for my solar geyser tube installation, after already spending over R13,000 at a competitor on solar tubes alone. During my visit, a gentleman by the name of Johan persuaded me to repurchase the complete Kwikot solution from Plumblink, including replacement tubes and associated components. This resulted in a total purchase value of R11,891.83, bringing my total outlay on the project to approximately R24,000 at the time. I mention this only to highlight that I made a significant investment based on confidence in the products supplied. Timeline 8 May 2026: Purchased a Kwikot Solar Thermostatic Mixing Valve HP 22mm for R725.31 (incl. VAT) as part of a larger purchase totalling R11,891.83 at Plumblink Silverton (Inv #***). 24 May 2026: The installation was done. Approximately two weeks later: I noticed water dripping from my hot water outlet pipe. The photographs and video provided clearly show the leak and, most importantly, indicate that the leak had been present for an extended period. 27 September 2026: While inspecting the ceiling space for mice, I discovered that the mixing valve was the source of the leak. The visible green mould and water staining around the geyser indicate that the leak had been ongoing for an extended period. 28 September 2026: I returned the valve to Plumblink Silverton for warranty assessment. I was advised that the unit would be collected for testing on 30 September 2026. 6 October 2026: I received a text message advising that the valve was only being collected for testing on this date, representing a delay of five working days from the date it was submitted. 6 October 2026: I followed up on the matter and was advised that the testing process generally takes approximately two weeks. To date: It has now been 17 working days since the valve was submitted for assessment. The communicated two-week turnaround period from 6 October 2026 has also elapsed, yet I have received no outcome, update, or meaningful communication regarding the claim. This matter has been handled with a concerning lack of transparency, urgency, and accountability. Despite following up and being advised of an expected turnaround time, I have received no meaningful update regarding the status of the assessment. In the meantime, I remain out of pocket and without a properly functioning solar geyser. The prolonged delays and absence of communication are both disappointing and unacceptable, most importantly concerning from a brand like Plumblink (Kwikot). Why This Claim Should Be Accepted The valve began leaking within approximately two weeks of installation, which strongly suggests a product defect rather than wear and tear, age-related failure, or misuse. The timeline, photographic evidence I submitted to Plumblink, video footage, and signs of prolonged leakage all support this conclusion. Furthermore, I have no incentive to pursue a claim on a R725.31 component unless I genuinely believe the product was faulty. My objective is simply to have a defective item replaced and my installation restored to proper working order. Requested Resolution I respectfully request that Plumblink approve the replacement of the faulty mixing valve under warranty. I trust that the evidence submitted, together with the timeline outlined above, demonstrates that the valve failed prematurely and that the warranty claim is justified. I therefore respectfully request that the claim be approved without further delay and that a replacement valve be provided as soon as possible. Should additional information be required, I remain willing to assist. However, given the time already elapsed, I believe a prompt resolution is both reasonable and warranted. Will keep you posted of conclusion!