Plumber's charges

[andya700]

I sometimes wish I had trained as a plumber, because I have been trying to get a local one to fix the under sink plumbing in the kitchen.
The sink became very suddenly blocked yesterday morning, it has never bothered us before. I tried all the usual fixes - plunger, drain and sink cleaner, vinegar and boiling water, nothing worked.
So, this morning I emptied the cupboard, put a few old towels and a basin to catch the water, then proceeded to dismantle the mutitude of white plastic pipes. They were buged up, which is surprising, because we don't put oil down there or food scraps.
When I put them together after cleaning, there were quite a few leaks.
So, I phoned a local guy who has done work on our boiler before- he wanted £95 plus VAT for the callout charge, which may not have included the charge for the fix, said he might have to book it in for another day.
This seems a bit heavy?

 

[BillN_33]

We are probably moving house to quite an old property - I have been getting quoted for new electric work, windows, installing a wood burning stove and a few general repairs - to say the least I am shocked - so called "tradesmen" seem to be charging at least twice what they were charging a couple of years ago - and their "production" level is just the same - so effectively their productivity is half what it was for the same money - no wonder the UK "level of productivity" is shot.

My son has an Oxford Degree, he is a qualified Accountant and Company Secretary - he would be better training as a self employed electrician as the rates in Winchester as just crazy - no stress, self employed and getting away with paying less than half the tax and social charges as someone on PAYE - and start at 09:30 and finish at 4.

I have asked for quotes for fitting a wood burning stove - not a difficult job, drop the liner in from above, attach it to the stove and not much more - all the quotes I have had have been £1,500 EXCLUDING the stove - (I know it's not difficult as when we lived in France 12 years ago I fitted one with a mate - took us maybe 6 hours and we were just normal people) - I complained to one guy who quoted £1,500, he almost admitted it was much less than a days work - in the end he said if you don't like the price, "why don't you fit it yourself mate?".

Looking what these guys (earn) get away with compared with what Teachers, Nurses and Para-Medics etc., get paid - some of them who do building work are making as much as "brain surgeons".

end of my rant!!!!

 

[Tigger.ufo]

I sometimes wish I had trained as a plumber, because I have been trying to get a local one to fix the under sink plumbing in the kitchen.
The sink became very suddenly blocked yesterday morning, it has never bothered us before. I tried all the usual fixes - plunger, drain and sink cleaner, vinegar and boiling water, nothing worked.
So, this morning I emptied the cupboard, put a few old towels and a basin to catch the water, then proceeded to dismantle the mutitude of white plastic pipes. They were buged up, which is surprising, because we don't put oil down there or food scraps.
When I put them together after cleaning, there were quite a few leaks.
So, I phoned a local guy who has done work on our boiler before- he wanted £95 plus VAT for the callout charge, which may not have included the charge for the fix, said he might have to book it in for another day.
This seems a bit heavy?

It is Saturday ... and it is always more if you have had a go!

 

[lindsay]

Try one of the handyman outfits. I'm not sure of specific names, but there are small companies and franbchises that employ semi-retired and veterand to do more or less high standard diy jobs. Otherwise, sadly, its a sellers market when it comes to trades nowadays.

 

[Suvv]

A bit late now but a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar can be effective, it can need repeat doses sometimes.
I would suggest that, when your despair at mucking it up has diminished , you remake all the joints, cleaning all the mating surfaces and ensuring that all the seals are in the right position.
If you can get hold of some O ring grease it can work wonders on small leaks
As for the cost that seems about right these days.

 

[AgentOrange76]

We are probably moving house to quite an old property - I have been getting quoted for new electric work, windows, installing a wood burning stove and a few general repairs - to say the least I am shocked - so called "tradesmen" seem to be charging at least twice what they were charging a couple of years ago - and their "production" level is just the same - so effectively their productivity is half what it was for the same money - no wonder the UK "level of productivity" is shot.

My son has an Oxford Degree, he is a qualified Accountant and Company Secretary - he would be better training as a self employed electrician as the rates in Winchester as just crazy - no stress, self employed and getting away with paying less than half the tax and social charges as someone on PAYE - and start at 09:30 and finish at 4.

I have asked for quotes for fitting a wood burning stove - not a difficult job, drop the liner in from above, attach it to the stove and not much more - all the quotes I have had have been £1,500 EXCLUDING the stove - (I know it's not difficult as when we lived in France 12 years ago I fitted one with a mate - took us maybe 6 hours and we were just normal people) - I complained to one guy who quoted £1,500, he almost admitted it was much less than a days work - in the end he said if you don't like the price, "why don't you fit it yourself mate?".

Looking what these guys (earn) get away with compared with what Teachers, Nurses and Para-Medics etc., get paid - some of them who do building work are making as much as "brain surgeons".

end of my rant!!!!

and yet photographers are so reasonable for standing there just pressing a few buttons…….it’s outrageous

 

[Cobra]

When I put them together after cleaning, there were quite a few leaks.

Persist, you've taken it apart, and re-assembled. So now you know. Make sure the pipes are straight in the fittings, the fittings are tight, and the seals are the right way around, some are V-shaped.
And everything is clean, inside and out.

An anecdote, As some of you know, I was pestie. ( retired and over 30 years experience)
An acquaintance of my then boss had a call from an acquaintance of his.
It went something like this.
How much do you charge to destroy a wasp's nest?
The going rate at the time was around £35-£40.
We can get out tomorrow, my boss said.

The guy went absolutely ballistic.
It seems his Mrs found a nest in the garage, and he told her to phone around.
It seemed that all the replies were "I can be there tomorrow"

It seems that she was having a purple fit, and told the last one get out here now, I don't care what it costs.

He turned up about half an hour later, and charged £300.
Oh, and the best part? She was a plumbers' wife.

Karma

 

[mex]

We are probably moving house to quite an old property - I have been getting quoted for new electric work, windows, installing a wood burning stove and a few general repairs - to say the least I am shocked - so called "tradesmen" seem to be charging at least twice what they were charging a couple of years ago - and their "production" level is just the same - so effectively their productivity is half what it was for the same money - no wonder the UK "level of productivity" is shot.

My son has an Oxford Degree, he is a qualified Accountant and Company Secretary - he would be better training as a self employed electrician as the rates in Winchester as just crazy - no stress, self employed and getting away with paying less than half the tax and social charges as someone on PAYE - and start at 09:30 and finish at 4.

I have asked for quotes for fitting a wood burning stove - not a difficult job, drop the liner in from above, attach it to the stove and not much more - all the quotes I have had have been £1,500 EXCLUDING the stove - (I know it's not difficult as when we lived in France 12 years ago I fitted one with a mate - took us maybe 6 hours and we were just normal people) - I complained to one guy who quoted £1,500, he almost admitted it was much less than a days work - in the end he said if you don't like the price, "why don't you fit it yourself mate?".

Looking what these guys (earn) get away with compared with what Teachers, Nurses and Para-Medics etc., get paid - some of them who do building work are making as much as "brain surgeons".

end of my rant!!!!

Well, you do the 5 year apprenticeship, buy and run a van, buy the specialist tools to do the multitude of jobs that come up, pay your tax and NI contributions, pay your company tax, pay for PLI and if you are a gas engineer, pay Gas safe register every year to be able to legally carry out your work, pay every 5 year a few grand to renew your ticket and maybe a few quid to advertise too.

 

[Box Brownie]

Tradespersons and costs?

IMO a major factor is supply & demand.,.....the quicker you need one the higher the price will be!

PS also the old adage applies, where you can go by recommendations

 

[Brentor]

As suggested above, you can probably repair it yourself.

I gather from my tradesman friends that they are in short supply and hence prices have increase, substantially. Plumbers have always been at the top end in terms of cost.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Plumbing isn't really difficult and I'm sure you can fix it. If in serious doubt about your fittings leaking then buy some new ones of the same type. Screwfix are good, because the fittings are reviewed, so you can avoid poor quality units.

I had to replace the bath plughole, trap and overflow recently, bought a well recommended unit and it was wonderfully easy - I've always done battle with the cheapest units before. Went straight in with normal adjustment to pipework and it's leak-free and neat.

As for those who think plumbing is easy money, would you be happy crawling about on the floor or putting your hand down the bog ? I'm glad not to do that all the time.

 

[Jelster]

My BIL was a plumber (retired now). He has dodgy knees, and arthritis in his back & neck, all from crawling around on the floor every day.

 

[Dave Canon]

I certainly used to do all my own plumbing but have found it difficult in recent years as I get older i.e. crawling into small spaces. So, with all the money I have saved over the years, I accept that I have to pay the going rate now. A local plumber (highly recommended by Neighbours) has given excellent service and at a fair price taking account the hours and skills required.

For your current problems, I suspect that you have twisted some the O rings which now may need replacing (very cheap). I actually feel less confident about plumbing than electricity, but I am well qualified for electricity.

Dave

 

[Steep]

I sometimes wish I had trained as a plumber, because I have been trying to get a local one to fix the under sink plumbing in the kitchen.
The sink became very suddenly blocked yesterday morning, it has never bothered us before. I tried all the usual fixes - plunger, drain and sink cleaner, vinegar and boiling water, nothing worked.
So, this morning I emptied the cupboard, put a few old towels and a basin to catch the water, then proceeded to dismantle the mutitude of white plastic pipes. They were buged up, which is surprising, because we don't put oil down there or food scraps.
When I put them together after cleaning, there were quite a few leaks.
So, I phoned a local guy who has done work on our boiler before- he wanted £95 plus VAT for the callout charge, which may not have included the charge for the fix, said he might have to book it in for another day.
This seems a bit heavy?

Ptfe tape on all threads. Cost you a couple of quid in a diy shop.

 

[Mr Bump]

Also since Roy from Preston decided we didn't need the EU loads of trades people left and went back to the EU especially Polish

MOD EDIT:- Brexit has been discussed elsewhere, this one is about Plumber's charges, let's keep it that way.

 

[gremlin16]

As above, plumbing new stuff in is easy and enjoyable. Sticking your hand in your crapper……not so enjoyable, never mind a stranger’s crapper.

 

[Mr Bump]

Also since Roy from Preston decided we didn't need the EU loads of trades people left and went back to the EU especially Polish

MOD EDIT:- Brexit has been discussed elsewhere, this one is about Plumber's charges, let's keep it that way.

Errr yes but the issue with prices has been affected by Brexit so my point is valid
according to the construction industry

• Loss of staff members due to Brexit – relocating out of UK – 15%

 

[mj4456]

Well, you do the 5 year apprenticeship, buy and run a van, buy the specialist tools to do the multitude of jobs that come up, pay your tax and NI contributions, pay your company tax, pay for PLI and if you are a gas engineer, pay Gas safe register every year to be able to legally carry out your work, pay every 5 year a few grand to renew your ticket and maybe a few quid to advertise too.

My brother in law is a sparky, 8-4 on the clock, 4-8 all jobs in the hip pocket, 5 days a week, all his building site buddies the same, black economy healthy, no sympathy when he moans about his tax bill, accountants bill, no holiday pay, don’t like it? just go work for someone and go PAYE.

 

[Mr Bump]

My brother in law is a sparky, 8-4 on the clock, 4-8 all jobs in the hip pocket, 5 days a week, all his building site buddies the same, black economy healthy, no sympathy when he moans about his tax bill, accountants bill, no holiday pay, don’t like it? just go work for someone and go PAYE.

same here realy mate i am self employed IT contractor , work get paid don't work don't get payed, no sick pay, no holiday pay, personally take as much as you can i says to the tradespeeps.
costs are soaring through the roof for parts/supplies/energy then you have pensions to pay into etc.

 

[Tringa]

Hope you get it fixed but as said elsewhere here some plumbing jobs are not difficult.

As your one is on the waste side and while any joint has to be water tight it won't have to deal with mains pressure. As above make sure everything (the rings and threads) are really clean and try to reassemble it. If it doesn't work take the rings to an old fashioned plumbers merchant and they will be able to help. If you can manage any leaks for a day or so this could be a lot cheaper than any call out.

Dave

 

[andya700]

Plumbing isn't really difficult and I'm sure you can fix it. If in serious doubt about your fittings leaking then buy some new ones of the same type. Screwfix are good, because the fittings are reviewed, so you can avoid poor quality units.

I had to replace the bath plughole, trap and overflow recently, bought a well recommended unit and it was wonderfully easy - I've always done battle with the cheapest units before. Went straight in with normal adjustment to pipework and it's leak-free and neat.

As for those who think plumbing is easy money, would you be happy crawling about on the floor or putting your hand down the bog ? I'm glad not to do that all the time.

I think that is the route I am going down, replace the old pipes and fittings, buy a tube of the sealant, new o rings etc.

Errr yes but the issue with prices has been affected by Brexit so my point is valid
according to the construction industry

• Loss of staff members due to Brexit – relocating out of UK – 15%

Unless you have something useful to contribute to this thread, like others have then please feel free to jog on.

 

[andya700]

Hope you get it fixed but as said elsewhere here some plumbing jobs are not difficult.

As your one is on the waste side and while any joint has to be water tight it won't have to deal with mains pressure. As above make sure everything (the rings and threads) are really clean and try to reassemble it. If it doesn't work take the rings to an old fashioned plumbers merchant and they will be able to help. If you can manage any leaks for a day or so this could be a lot cheaper than any call out.

Dave

Thanks, I have been looking though the Screwfix pages and pretty much worked out what I need to replicate the current setup, which looks around the £30 mark. I think I need the new bits simply because of the threads, seals and washers. The leaks are pretty bad, which surpised me, so we are washing the dishes in the bathroom sink ATM. Might be an excuse to have a curry tonight and simply dispose of the containers.

 

[tijuana taxi]

With the screw up type they shouldn't leak when tightened up properly with the correct undamaged seals in place.

The push in fittings also work very well and can be eased in with a dab of washing up liquid.

 

[Mr Bump]

Unless you have something useful to contribute to this thread, like others have then please feel free to jog on.

you asked why prices were going through the roof i gave you a reason , maybe you need to jog on


MOD EDIT : you were asked nicely.

 

[Cobra]

maybe you need to jog on

You just did ...
Thread banned

 

[broc]

With the screw up type they shouldn't leak when tightened up properly with the correct undamaged seals in place.

The push in fittings also work very well and can be eased in with a dab of washing up liquid.

I found a small amount of liquid soap or washing up liquid applied to the o-rings & seals make it easier to tighten up the screw threaded waste fittings without distorting them.....

 

[badlywornroy]

I sometimes wish I had trained as a plumber, because I have been trying to get a local one to fix the under sink plumbing in the kitchen.
The sink became very suddenly blocked yesterday morning, it has never bothered us before. I tried all the usual fixes - plunger, drain and sink cleaner, vinegar and boiling water, nothing worked.
So, this morning I emptied the cupboard, put a few old towels and a basin to catch the water, then proceeded to dismantle the mutitude of white plastic pipes. They were buged up, which is surprising, because we don't put oil down there or food scraps.
When I put them together after cleaning, there were quite a few leaks.
So, I phoned a local guy who has done work on our boiler before- he wanted £95 plus VAT for the callout charge, which may not have included the charge for the fix, said he might have to book it in for another day.
This seems a bit heavy?

Cannot comment on the prices because I always tackle my own plumbing jobs.
Most sink drainage need cleaning out regularly ( especially the kitchen ) The 'U' bend is there to stop sewer gases rising up but does lend the pipes to a build up of dross.
Nearly every time I reinstate my pipe work there will be leaks. As described earlier ensure all pipework is clean, 'O' ring seals are in good condition ( you can purchase replacements) a smear of suitable grease and reassemble. A diagram before 'strip down' is a good idea ! People tend to over-tighten the plastic nut, resist ! you will distort the 'O' ring and cause the leak. Just 'nip them up ' and gradually tighten each one that leaks. It is a pretty simple D.I.Y job really and the satisfaction you get from doing it yourself (and the money saved) your ' other half ' will see you as a D.I.Y Superperson.
P,S Always locate the rising main stop tap and ensure you can turn it off before
commencing any plumbing work.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

You can't always "trust a trader".

When our bath developed a leak, I found this monstrosity connecting the bath to the down pipe...



...a quick visit to the local plumbing wholesaler and half an hour's work, replaced it with the proper flexible tube (and no need for sealant) ...



...much neater and unlikely to crack as we fill and empty the bath!

 

[boogie man]

You can't always "trust a trader".

When our bath developed a leak, I found this monstrosity connecting the bath to the down pipe...

View attachment 376511

...a quick visit to the local plumbing wholesaler and half an hour's work, replaced it with the proper flexible tube (and no need for sealant) ...

View attachment 376512

...much neater and unlikely to crack as we fill and empty the bath!

Probably because that’s what he had on the van and couldn’t be bothered to go to buy the correct parts. But, it looks like from your photo you could’ve eliminated even more of the pipework…. wouldn’t the flexi part just connect straight to the downpipe if you connected it the other way round?

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

wouldn’t the flexi part just connect straight to the downpipe if you connected it the other way round?

There was a good reason at the time but I can't remember what it was, now!

(Edit) Oh yes I can!

The distance between the waste and the down pipe was too short, given the length of the U-bend, which is why he'd built his ghastly gadget in the first place!

 

[badlywornroy]

I guess with bath water that flexible pipe is probably ok ? I wouldn't use one on kitchen sinks etc where you get bits of 'solid waste' from washing up etc Smooth bore pies do not impede the flow whereas that concertina effect is going encourage a build up of 'dross'

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

I guess with bath water that flexible pipe is probably ok ? I wouldn't use one on kitchen sinks etc where you get bits of 'solid waste' from washing up etc Smooth bore pies do not impede the flow whereas that concertina effect is going encourage a build up of 'dross'

I agree: putting that in the sink line would be a seriously bad idea.

On a bath though, I think it will be fine and if the worst comes to the worst, such as hair trapping, it will be simple to unscrew and clean.

 

[andya700]

Just an update. I found a plumber through my wife's work. He took it all apart, cleaned out the drain pipes which were totally clogged, replaced the pipes with new ones, all new seals, fittings and spigots, did the two leaky taps (I supplied the cartridges), which I couldn't get apart, all for £120. I would definitely use him again.

 

[Suvv]

Just an update. I found a plumber through my wife's work. He took it all apart, cleaned out the drain pipes which were totally clogged, replaced the pipes with new ones, all new seals, fittings and spigots, did the two leaky taps (I supplied the cartridges), which I couldn't get apart, all for £120. I would definitely use him again.

One to add to your Christmas card list

 

[boogie man]

There was a good reason at the time but I can't remember what it was, now!

(Edit) Oh yes I can!

The distance between the waste and the down pipe was too short, given the length of the U-bend, which is why he'd built his ghastly gadget in the first place!

Ah right, fair enough!

 

[Dave Canon]

Just awaiting the bill from the local company who installed a new boiler. It is likely to be very costly (over £3k) but I could not have done this myself.

Dave

 

[badlywornroy]

Just awaiting the bill from the local company who installed a new boiler. It is likely to be very costly (over £3k) but I could not have done this myself.

Dave

Assuming it was gas Dave and you are not 'Gas Safe Registered' or qualified it would have been illegal to D.I.Y.

 

[David_Mug]

Just a small anecdote from many years ago when I grew up in a very small town which had a doctor who would come out at all hours.

Doctor is awoken at 3am by the sound of running water. The toilet is overflowing and the water is running down the stairs. He immediately rings his friend the plumber and explains his predicament.
'What do you expect me to do?' Says the plumber. 'It' is the middle of the night.'. 'Well' says the doctor, 'you have called me in the middle of the night before and I have come out. Can't you return the favour?'.
The plumber duly arrives and assesses the situation. He throws two Asprin tablets into the toilet and says 'If It's no better in the morning call me back.'

 

[Brazo]

Just awaiting the bill from the local company who installed a new boiler. It is likely to be very costly (over £3k) but I could not have done this myself.

Dave

Don’t get your pants pulled down Dave, cost of a decent boiler like a Worcester 28i is around £1200 and if it’s just a straight swap then it’s typically a days work so £400.

 

[boogie man]

Don’t get your pants pulled down Dave, cost of a decent boiler like a Worcester 28i is around £1200 and if it’s just a straight swap then it’s typically a days work so £400.

That’s assuming you can get a gas safe registered guy to do the work for £400 of course. Personally I don’t think that’s very likely, most heating engineers wouldn’t work for £50 an hour. Most will also put their own mark up on the boiler cost, so I’d be very surprised if you could get one supplied and installed for less than £2k, and even that would be cheap.