Water Heaters - Did I get took on the extras?
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michael van
07-10-08, 06:05 AM
My 50 gallon electric water heater in the gararge leaked out all over the place a couple of nights ago. The next day I went to lowes to get a new one and since I have a bad back I opted for a install.
The install is 235 plus 53 dollars for a permit required by my town.
The plumbers show up with the new heater and they say because the new one is shorter they will have to modifiy the supply and return pipes something about the flex lines will not reach.
Here is what gets me they charged me 75 bucks for a new gate valve probbaly a 15 dollar item.(the old one was working as I used it to shut off water).A 1/2 union cost me 8 bucks probbably 1 dollar item and some foam insulation 12 dollars and 70 bucks to lower the lines. Does this sound right? I have heard of mark up but 75 dollars for a gate valve?
Why 70 dollars to hack off about 8 inches off two lines?
The install is 235 plus 53 dollars for a permit required by my town.
The plumbers show up with the new heater and they say because the new one is shorter they will have to modifiy the supply and return pipes something about the flex lines will not reach.
Here is what gets me they charged me 75 bucks for a new gate valve probbaly a 15 dollar item.(the old one was working as I used it to shut off water).A 1/2 union cost me 8 bucks probbably 1 dollar item and some foam insulation 12 dollars and 70 bucks to lower the lines. Does this sound right? I have heard of mark up but 75 dollars for a gate valve?
Why 70 dollars to hack off about 8 inches off two lines?
chromal
07-10-08, 10:16 AM
So, if I've got this straight:
Base Install $235.00
Svc. 'lower line' $70.00
Plumbing Permit $53.00
1/2" Gate Valve $75.00
1/2" Union $8.00
Pipe Insulation $12.00
--------
Installation Cost $453.00
Lowes cost on 1/2" Gate Valve: $6.27
Lowes cost on 1/2" Coupling: $0.32 (10pk $3.20)
Lowes cost on 1/2" Insulation: $5.77 (6 feet)
Why did they replace the functional gate valve? Why didn't they install a superior ball valve (same approx cost @ Lowes?) Why didn't the Lowes installers charge Lowes part prices? Why didn't the $235 installation fee cover the very minor copper work?
Basically, IMO, you were raped by this plumber. c_c
Base Install $235.00
Svc. 'lower line' $70.00
Plumbing Permit $53.00
1/2" Gate Valve $75.00
1/2" Union $8.00
Pipe Insulation $12.00
--------
Installation Cost $453.00
Lowes cost on 1/2" Gate Valve: $6.27
Lowes cost on 1/2" Coupling: $0.32 (10pk $3.20)
Lowes cost on 1/2" Insulation: $5.77 (6 feet)
Why did they replace the functional gate valve? Why didn't they install a superior ball valve (same approx cost @ Lowes?) Why didn't the Lowes installers charge Lowes part prices? Why didn't the $235 installation fee cover the very minor copper work?
Basically, IMO, you were raped by this plumber. c_c
michael van
07-10-08, 10:21 AM
Thats what I figured. I dont mind the 235 install but the extra mark up is way out of line IMO.
I guess Lowes has contract plumbers that they call maybe I should complain to lowes.
I guess Lowes has contract plumbers that they call maybe I should complain to lowes.
furd
07-10-08, 12:06 PM
You are correct that the big box stores use contractors to do the installations for their customers. I also agree that you were "taken" big time. With the exception of the shut-off valve all the other things should have been included in the installation price as they are considered to be a normal part of installing a water heater. By all means complain to the store manager.
Just my opinion. :cool:
Just my opinion. :cool:
cwbuff
07-10-08, 01:49 PM
It sounds to me that you were even ripped off on the permit. $53 for a permit to replace an existing water heater? Did you pull the permit or did the plumber get it? Did you see a receipt from the town/city?
I know it will vary by area, but I replaced mine a couple of years ago. I called to see if I needed a permit and was told that it was considered a repair - no permit required.
I also got a permit for an entire bathroom reno last year. All plumbing was replaced and the permit only cost $40.
Get the paperwork together and visit Lowes. A ripoff like that also reflects on them. As a minimum they should dump the contractor.
I know it will vary by area, but I replaced mine a couple of years ago. I called to see if I needed a permit and was told that it was considered a repair - no permit required.
I also got a permit for an entire bathroom reno last year. All plumbing was replaced and the permit only cost $40.
Get the paperwork together and visit Lowes. A ripoff like that also reflects on them. As a minimum they should dump the contractor.
michael van
07-10-08, 02:55 PM
The plumbing company got the permit and gave me a copy today. It does seem stupid to need a permit for a change out but it is required with this stupid HOA.
A inspector from the city is coming to look over the plumbers work some time in the future.
Lowes called me and I let them have a earfull on the extra costs of parts. They said they will contact the plumbers company and get back with me.
I told the lady that we were in code and it was a simple install. I also told her I know a simple gate valve does not cost 75 dollars and should have been included in the 235 quote as well as the other standard elbows etc.
A inspector from the city is coming to look over the plumbers work some time in the future.
Lowes called me and I let them have a earfull on the extra costs of parts. They said they will contact the plumbers company and get back with me.
I told the lady that we were in code and it was a simple install. I also told her I know a simple gate valve does not cost 75 dollars and should have been included in the 235 quote as well as the other standard elbows etc.