replacing 3 radiators?

sam1970

i am looking to replace 3 underheating old radiators with larger convector radiators (rough size 600x1700mm)....how much should i expect to pay? and does the plumper doing the job have to be gas safe registered?

Canucklehead

sam1970 wrote: »

i am looking to replace 3 underheating old radiators with larger convector radiators (rough size 600x1700mm)....how much should i expect to pay? and does the plumper doing the job have to be gas safe registered?

Good morning: cost will be dependent on where you are in the UK, the brand of radiators used, and whether the plumber adds central heating inhibitor to the system after fitting the new rads. Gas Safe registration is only required for gas work. You can find a qualified plumber with central heating experience here.

HTH

Canucklehead

sam1970

thank you for replying...I had 2 quotes already for the 3 large double convector radiators with valves ..one for £600 and one for £800. I am waiting for a third quote this evening before deciding.

Barneysmom

Gosh that seems like a lot of money?
If the rads are about £120 each, it'll be costing you about £400 to have them fitted, it should take a decent plumber only a couple of hours..........
Go for the £600 one and haggle...?

sam1970

Barneysmom wrote: »

Gosh that seems like a lot of money?
If the rads are about £120 each, it'll be costing you about £400 to have them fitted, it should take a decent plumber only a couple of hours..........
Go for the £600 one and haggle...?

i thought the quotes were a bit steep...I was expecting to pay around £500 parts and labour

sam1970

wow..i have just had my third quote....£400 for the 3 large radiators plus a small radiator in the en-suite bathroom...the guy is charging £120 for labour and £280 for the radiators.the only thing is he said that there is no need to install thermostatic valves and to keep the old ones as the thermostatic valves more expensive, not reliable and it will cost more to install new valves as he will need to bleed the system!!!what do people think of this?is he talking rubbish or is he exeptionally honest plumber.

Barneysmom

Well done that man, take him on. You don't need fancy looking new valves, they're only a glorified switch. :cool:

Make sure he gets plenty of tea and biscuits, you might want him back one day.........:)

Canucklehead

sam1970 wrote: »

wow..i have just had my third quote....£400 for the 3 large radiators plus a small radiator in the en-suite bathroom...the guy is charging £120 for labour and £280 for the radiators.the only thing is he said that there is no need to install thermostatic valves and to keep the old ones as the thermostatic valves more expensive, not reliable and it will cost more to install new valves as he will need to bleed the system!!!what do people think of this?is he talking rubbish or is he exeptionally honest plumber.

Good afternoon: he is talking rubbish. When he replaces the rads he needs to put central heating inhibitor into the system to prevent corrosion....he will need to add fresh water to the system when he removes the old rads. TRVs don't cost the moon and will help reduce your energy costs....more here.

He is promoting false economy and poor practice. Ask what he'll charge for TRVs and inhibitor as part of the job.

HTH

Canucklehead

Barneysmom

Inhibitor's hardly going to break the bank....

http://www.jtmplumbing.co.uk/sentinel-160.html

And adding water to the system should come into the fitting price, changing rads isn't really brain surgery........

Canucklehead

Barneysmom wrote: »

Inhibitor's hardly going to break the bank....

http://www.jtmplumbing.co.uk/sentinel-160.html

And adding water to the system should come into the fitting price, changing rads isn't really brain surgery........

Good morning: the OP hasn't mentioned whether inhibitor will be added....the attitude demonstrated by the 'plumber' toward modern practice would suggest otherwise;) All the more reason for folks to get full spec.,written quotations so they'll know exactly what they will be getting for their money.

Btw...not many cowboy neurosurgeons knocking about these days but plumbing is awash with the unqualified and inexperienced.:D

HTH

Canucklehead

sam1970

thanks guys..now you are getting me confused...the plumber never mentioned anything about the inhibitor...all he said that he will be changing the radiator panels..this is another reason for him not to put new thermostatic valves as without putting new TRVs he is not interfering with the central heating system and all he is doing is changing panels although he said it will be a a whole day job!!! and by the ay the total cost now is £470 for (including labour):

2 radiators (double convectors) 500x1800 mm
1 radiator (double convector) 600x 1800
1 radiator (single convector) 500x500

Does that sound reasonable?