UnleashYourAnger.com

Anyone have any ideas on how to keep plumbers honest?

I've used a couple different ones for different projects, and I always feel like I'm getting ripped off. Example: I had a plumber come and re-plumb a broken drain pipe coming out of the utility sink in my basement. Took him maybe 4-5 hours.

Materials:

* 4 cinderblocks to raise sink.

* maybe 20 feet of PVC pipe.

* A check valve.

* ~5 PVC joints.

Those materials couldn't have cost more than $50.

*Labor: call it 5 hours, at say $85/hour, seems about standard for other tradesmen.

Total = $425 + $50 = $475.

Guess what he charged me? $800.  EIGHT HUNDRED FREAKING DOLLARS. I just don't see how that is possible.

At the time I was inexperienced and naive, so I paid him without protest. But I felt very ripped off when I stepped back to think about it.

Now, I know it's a skilled labor. This guy did do good work, was prompt and courteous, and left a neat, tidy worksite when he was done. I didn't see even a hint of plumber's crack. I appreciated that. But do they have to gouge us on the bottom line?

I've had other work done on my house by other tradesmen, and it just always seems like the plumbers charge way more for a similar sized job. I feel like they're just ripping us off because they know we can't do plumbing work ourselves legally in Massachusetts.

Is it just my imagination? Is it just a fact of life around here? Anyone know a good, reasonable plumber?

Readers have left 8 comments.

1. Bones

Welcome to home ownership... Plumbers are expensive alright. It sucks, but I think you said it right. It's a fact of life in massachusetts.

2. Scmuckers

"I feel like they're just ripping us off because they know we can't do plumbing work ourselves legally in Massachusetts."

I didn't know that, but that must be the key. Yes, they will rip you off.

3. Homeowner227

I am a home owner, and I do feel the same way. I think it speaks even more when compared to other labor work like an electrician. Plumbers seem more expensive than all others. I would imagine if they need to be licensed or whatever, there are more overheads, but I must admit that this has been my gripe as well.

4. Boscorelli

I am not a homeowner, but I have experience managing a commercial building. I am not sure how viable this is for residential homes, but my advice is to get multiple quotes before the work is done.

5. iwantamullet

Welcome to life in the big city bro. I guess plumbers are a little pricey. But you want it done right. The consequences of improperly done plumbing are a lot more serious than they seem. People think the worst that can happen is a flood. But among other things that can happen, you could contaminate your fresh water supply and get a lot of people sick/dead if you don't do things right.

6. Chris

Next time, ask him for a breakdown of the cost. At least you can see where your money is going then.

7. Guest User

iwantamullet, if that is the case, why can people in other states do it themselves? I thought the argument was that they are expensive because of the state policy. (By the way, I have no idea if it's legal in other states.)

8. Guest User

Do you guys have angieslist.com out there these days? If you find a plumber on that list and then let them know you are an angieslist customer they won't want to jack with you. Might help with the price. Just a suggestion

Name :
	Text ColorAquaBlackBlueFuchsiaGrayGreenLimeMaroonNavyOlivePurpleRedSilverTealWhiteYellow
Comment(s) :

J! Reactions 1.09.01 • General Site License
Copyright © 2006 S. A. DeCaro