Am I being conned ?

pink_boots

Toilet cistern was over flowing and have a deck mixer tap and the tap and spout are leaking. I got a plumber out and he told me that they taps needed new washers and cister a new valve. So water had to be turned off take the old washers out and he would try and match them up at B and Q. He would phone to arrange to do all this. Now I got the impression he didn't seem all that keen. Now the mixer tap really looked tired and worn so I thought it would be an opportunity to put in a new one. Phoned plumber and he told me to empty the cupboard because he would have to take sink out and cut the pipes. Now the last time the plumber put in new taps he didn't need to do that. His reply was he would need to have a look. I phoned him a few days later telling him I got the new taps. Seemingly he had hurt his back and let me know when he was better. Now I am in my winter years, a bit absent minded but surly you don't need to take a sink out to change taps.i think he got the wind up when I mentioned that last plumber didn't need to. Maybe I am paranoid but feel he was trying to charge for work that was not needed. Definately giving him a wide berth.

spadoosh

It depends on the current set up and access. If youve got a tight pedestal it can be a pain trying to replace taps so its just easier removing it.

As for work that is or isnt needed removing the pedestal and hacking and replacing the pipework is sometime the best option.

I think hes more likely to be a tradesman that thinks worst case scenario than a con man. But then it doesnt matter if you dont want to use him.

thegasmon

It all depends on the situation really. some times its better to cut back and alter things to make them correct then to put something in badly like the previous plumber may have. Some taps have different pipework tails and even need the waste to be changed on the basin.



I dont think any plumber would remove a basin unless needed as they can be a pig to refit if the wall fixings are poor.