Looking for anyone's thoughts on this....
We live in northern california (sacramento area), and called out a plumber (from a well known, larger outfit) to fix two leaks.
Drip 1 - drip at the threads of a 1" copper thread fitting to 1" PVC thread fitting (see pic - lower left corner) - Quote: $200
Drip 2 - drip between two 3/4" couplings which would entail replacement from the T that goes into the house, the main valve (red), and probably the 90 elbow. (see pic) Quote: $500
So the total was $700! I have done my own plumbing fixes for several years, including two full bathroom remodels; but I finally decided that I didn't have the time right now. But wow, is this really what it should cost? I'm all for paying good rates to good contractors, but Drip 1 would only entail cutting the vertical copper pipe, tightening the leaky threads add a coupling, and sweat; would it take more than 1 hour for a pro?
Drip 2 would be a bit more challenging, no doubt, with more joints to fit and sweat.
I was expecting to pay $200-300. Figuring <$50 for parts, $50 for the service call, and 2-3 hours of work at anywhere from 75-100/hr. Am I way off?
Unfortunately I wasn't home, so my wife was there to talk to the guy, who, incidentally gave her the "preferred discount" hahah. I also wonder if he was overpricing because he didn't like to sweat pipes and wanted to move to the next job.
So, should I get another quote? or plan to spend Saturday with my favorite propane torch... (oh, and incidentally, should I replace the main valve with a gate or ball valve?)
Thanks for any comments.
Ed
We live in northern california (sacramento area), and called out a plumber (from a well known, larger outfit) to fix two leaks.
Drip 1 - drip at the threads of a 1" copper thread fitting to 1" PVC thread fitting (see pic - lower left corner) - Quote: $200
Drip 2 - drip between two 3/4" couplings which would entail replacement from the T that goes into the house, the main valve (red), and probably the 90 elbow. (see pic) Quote: $500
So the total was $700! I have done my own plumbing fixes for several years, including two full bathroom remodels; but I finally decided that I didn't have the time right now. But wow, is this really what it should cost? I'm all for paying good rates to good contractors, but Drip 1 would only entail cutting the vertical copper pipe, tightening the leaky threads add a coupling, and sweat; would it take more than 1 hour for a pro?
Drip 2 would be a bit more challenging, no doubt, with more joints to fit and sweat.
I was expecting to pay $200-300. Figuring <$50 for parts, $50 for the service call, and 2-3 hours of work at anywhere from 75-100/hr. Am I way off?
Unfortunately I wasn't home, so my wife was there to talk to the guy, who, incidentally gave her the "preferred discount" hahah. I also wonder if he was overpricing because he didn't like to sweat pipes and wanted to move to the next job.
So, should I get another quote? or plan to spend Saturday with my favorite propane torch... (oh, and incidentally, should I replace the main valve with a gate or ball valve?)
Thanks for any comments.
Ed