Q: Eight months ago I bought an electric kettle for €50. The kettle had a two-year commercial guarantee. Around a month ago, I noticed a water leak and immediately took the kettle back to the shop to carry out the necessary repairs.

After the repairs were ready, I was called to pick up the kettle. I was given no explanation as to what kind of repairs were effected.

It seems some glue was applied to the water level gauge. However, the water still leaks. This shows that the repairs were unsatisfactory.

I have now returned the kettle to the retail outlet. I want the defective kettle replaced with a new one.

A: According to the Consumer Affairs Act, when goods purchased are defective, consumers are entitled to either free repair or replacement.

If the trader insists on repairing the damaged goods, they may do so. As consumers we can only refuse a repair if this causes significant inconvenience.

Furthermore, the law stipulates that when a repair is carried out, it should be completed within a reasonable time and without any significant inconvenience to the consumer, taking account of the nature of the goods and the purpose for which the consumer required the goods.

This basically means that the trader may opt to try to repair the kettle once more, unless you prove that this would cause you significant inconvenience.

Should you and the trader fail to come to an understanding on how this problem can be solved, you may file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs for mediation and amicable settlement.