Gas Boiler Diverter Valve Diaphragm

bottletop

Baxi 105e. Apparently a common problem. The diaphragm fails and the hot water won't come on.

I've seen many instances of it mentioned in various forums and the man involved seemed to be aware of what was likely to be the problem and turned up with the necessary small part. It took him less than fifteen minutes to fix, but he charged £120. From what I can gather the cost of the replacement diaphragm is about £10.

He was very pleasant and did the job, but I have difficulty reconciling the cost, even allowing for call-out fee, etc (Not that it's particularly relevant but he's based about a three minute drive away.)

Ok, he said it would be £120 and I paid. Fair enough - but my difficulty is that I got in touch with this bloke through the Age UK Trusted Traders scheme and they'll want feedback.

Even if I allowed for a call-out fee of say £70, doesn't that usually include at least 30 minutes labour? But even if it doesn't, he seems to charge his time at £120 a hour. Is that fair, or should I let Age UK know my reservations?

I've no wish to do anybody down without cause.

LEJC

Personally I would give Age UK the feedback as you see it....

I am not in a position to tell you whether the work was overcharged,and in fairness although the actual part only cost £10,what use is that part to you if its not fitted correctly and allows your boiler to function....the issue of the distance he had to travel for the call out ...would you have felt happier if he had travelled for an hour rather than a minimal time?

I suppose like you say you did agree to the costs but in giving your feedback its fair to highlight that the callout fee is charged even if only a short distance is travelled

On a positive note it is always good to see that you have said he was efficient...

Just because someone has been recommended by an organisation such as Age UK it doesnt follow that these tradesmen are the cheapest, but they will always want to maintain a standard in order to get future recommendations etc so your feedback will be important and given consideration

Please give your feedback as it will be important to Age uk as it will be reviewed.
When you contacted them were you able to see reviews others have made and if you had would it have altered the tradesman you chose for the job?

A1P

My charge would be £50 + part.In fairness he knew the problem and turned up with the relevant part.This saved a diagnostic visit and a possible trip to merchant as not all parts can be carried.That said I think it was a bit on the high side.Possibly you could tell him in a friendly way your concerns ,possibly dropping the feedback situation into the conversation if you wished.Failing that give feedback as you see it -not negative because he was efficient and pleasant but you felt charge a little high.

gas4you

My charge would be £60 + part + VAT, so about £85-£90

macman

Your boiler access could have been really tricky, and the part might have been difficult to remove-so it might have taken him an hour. So by quoting you a fixed price, he we was taking a gamble too. I'm guessing that you paid for a minimum one hour's labour.
A cowboy would have changed you for the time to go down to the wholesaler and get the part (plus his egg and chips on the way), so it's not too bad a deal, if not the cheapest.