Plumber diagnostic charge for incorrect diagnosis

Harv11236

We needed a repair for a cistern that was leaking/overflowing and was charged £94 for a diagnostic charge which should have covered the first hour of work.The plumber had said that he knew exactly what he needed to do and proceeded to tell me that the entire toilet needs to be taken out so he could access the cistern and would need to refit the waste pipe and silicone the floor (almost £400!). After saying no to the repairs, I felt pressured to pay the diagnostic charge there and then. Later on, I had closer look at the cistern and was able to dismantle it myself without having to remove the entire toilet.

Has anyone else been in this position before? I would ideally like to get some money back especially when no real work was done and the plumber had diagnosed the repairs but not sure what to do in this case.

tacpot12

I think many of us have been in that situation, but not many people will have be successful in clawing any money back!
However there are good tradespeople out there, and so I would suggest you write to them saying something along the lines of: 
Your assessment of our problem was that the entire toilet would need to be taken out to access the cistern, but I was able to complete the job without removing the toilet. This has left me feeling that I was overcharged somewhat, and would like to ask you for a refund of £30. If you are able to treat me fairly in this matter, I will have no problems in using you in future and recommending you to friends and family". 

ProGasMCR

Almost £400 to carry out simple toilet repairs?
Scandalous.

You won't have much luck I imagine clawing anything back, but at least you know who to avoid in future.