Replacing radiator valve only £285

csgohan4

One of our radiator valves has started to leak slowly and Our local tradesman has quoted £285 to replace this and says he will also need to drain the system and refill with inhibitor which is why it is expensive. 

Does this sound reasonable?

I note you can get these for about £26 at screwfix. 

He did mention I could change it myself which would be far cheaper but I have my limits for DIY and plumbing isn't a forte. To be fair when he came round initially he tightened the valve to see if that helps and didn't charge me for coming out on that occasion 

pramsay13

What did the other 2 plumbers say that you got to quote?
£285 sounds a bit expensive but comparing it to a part for £26 is ludicrous.
A steak only costs about £4 but for some reason last time I ordered one in a restaurant I paid around £30. 

ARH_2

It's a couple of hours work to drain the system, change the valve and refill with inhibitor (£15). With travel and what not, it's half a day - a plumber can get two, but not three of these jobs into a day. 

By the time you've gotten someone out to quote (three times essentially if three people have to quote for every job) and then gotten them back to do the job the effort involved in quoting is as much as the job, which means anything is a day's work. 

Whether a £250 day rate is an overcooked quote depends on location and VAT status. 

csgohan4

So does the system need draining? that's the key.  Happy to pay the cost, but want to double check the potential cost and work amount needed for this job.  Got other plumbers quoting soon. 

fenwick458

seems expensive. i'd get more quotes

vacheron

Sounds a little on the high side.  The system will need to be drained, but the cost of the inhibitor is about £10 per dose and you may need anything between 1 and 3 doses depending on the size and type of the system. He may also run a cleaner round at a similar cost, but probably won't unless he is planning on making 2 visits.

I would say £30 for the valve, £30 for the inhibitor, and and 2-3 hours work (providing the system is easy to bleed and there aren't any nasty air traps) which equates to between £75 and £110 per hour based on your quote.

csgohan4

Thanks everyone, I spoke to the chap who does our boiler service who is an approved Worcester installer, and they can do all in 85+vat without needing to drain the system. 

I can understand the need to drain the system if your replacing several radiator valves, but I am not a plumber so I am not sure.

Thanks for your comments.  

greyteam1959

Well I was just going to tell you what you have just posted so I will say nothing.
Good result at a reasonable price.