Quote from British Gas, how much should I really pay?

Dan_Iggulden

Afternoon all,

Just had a quote from british gas to do some work, seems well overpriced to me. Anyone in the know able to give me an idea what a fair price is?

The work is as follows:

Parts:
Expansion Vessell - Altecnic 2Ltr Capacity 3.5 Bar

Labour:
Replace expansion vessell and remove non return valve in airing cupboard.
Drain down and remove isolation valves from above central heating boiler.

Thanks in advance.

tlh858

£200 perhaps. BG probably nearer £1000

Although not clear why this work is required, and hopefully they would be refilling the system after draining it?

southcoastrgi

maybe if you let us know what the price is we might be able to tell you if it is overpriced

Dan_Iggulden

BG quoted £330 for the work. Although they priced the expansion vessell at £84 and I have already found it online for £34 delivered!

£60 an hour for 3 hours labour was the bit that seemed excessive to me?

southcoastrgi

no £60 p/h is not excessive for BG, for an independant you will prob pay £30-£50 p/h, just to compaire check out the biggest independant plumbing co in the country (link below & yours will come under heating/gas work).

http://www.pimlicoplumbers.com/company-charges

Dan_Iggulden

Ok thanks,

So anyone in the 'know', how long should it take to complete the work quoted?

I don't know whether to just go with the BG quote of buy the expansion vessel myself and get a local to do it?

southcoastrgi

you have to drain the system do the work & re-fill so three hrs sounds about right although if the system won't fill properly then it could take longer

Dan_Iggulden

Ok, you obviously know what you are talking about, so I guess it is worth asking the question as to whether I need all the work doing in the first place! (was told during BG service that it needed doing).

Apparently, the isolation valves above the CHB shouldn't be there, but do they do any harm if they stay? I assume that is the part that require the drainage of the system?

Dan_Iggulden

Anyone?

Just need to know whether the work quoted is really necessary or not?

southcoastrgi

no you shouldn't have isolation valves above the boiler they will resrict the flow for starters & cause major probs if they are turned off unknowingly plus there is no need whatsoever for them to be there, (i just know someone is going to say but why are there valves under a combi then ? because that's where the pump is located so you need to be able to isolate it), i like an easy life & buy the tools to help that, so i have an electric pipe freezer & if it was my job i would freeze the two pipes remove the valves & be on my way in 1.5 hrs without draining the system & any possible re-filling probs & loss of inhibitor, but then thats just me.

cyclonebri1

The problem you have OP is that you have opted to go with British Gas for your service work and therefore have to expect top dollar quotes.
I would always suggest not just for boilers work but electrics, building, car repairs etc, go with a decent trusted/recommended local supplier.

Provided in this case the guy is qualified, easy to check nowadays, you should be able to save money and support the local economy, a big thing in my book.;);)