Water heater help

Water heater help

Residential Real Estate Agent · Somerville, MA · Member since 2009 · 195 posts · 32 votes

So this isn't exactly a rehab question, but not really sure where else to post, hopefully you guys can help.

While I was away in Israel for the past two weeks my family's water heater broke and my mother dealt with the issue herself, since I couldn't be reached while in Israel. She went to a trusted family friend who recommended her plumber who she has used for years.

The water heater needed to be replaced, and the manufacturer told my mother that the model was no longer available, but they would replace it with an upgraded version for $60-$80. She hired the plumber to put in the new water heater, and he agreed to remove the old one for an additional $25. He was here for 30 minutes, installed the new water heater and removed the old one. We just received the bill and it was for $920. Essentially he is charging $800+ or so for 30 minutes of labor.

Now clearly my mother made a huge mistake in NOT ASKING FOR A QUOTE beforehand and I'm really annoyed I wasn't able to handle the situation myself. That being said, $920 seems awfully ridiculous for less than 30 minutes of work for a water heater that was already paid off. We've only be able to connect with the plumber's wife who defended the price and we have yet to hear back from the plumber. What steps can I take to get this absurd charge removed and this guy reported?

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  • Will BarnardPro Member
    Moderator
    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    16y

    Sage,

    I don't know of any new water heater that costs $60-$80 dollars. Perhaps teh "labor to install it" but not the item itself. Here in CA, I purchased a new 50 gal water heater for just under $450. Labor to install it along with the required earthquake straps is around $125 with strap materials. Your bill of $900 plus does seem extreme, but of course, it could not be just $80 total.

  • Wholesaler · Belleville, IL · Member since 2009 · 206 posts · 44 votes
    16y

    The water heater needed to be replaced, and the manufacturer told my mother that the model was no longer available, but they would replace it with an upgraded version for $60-$80.

    Sounds to me like the H2O tank was under some sort of warranty still and that's why they offered an upgraded new version for $80 more?

    And hell yeah $920 is extreme for changing out a water heater. I just changed one out with my old man - neither of us are plumbers of any sort btw - and it took us a grand total of 1 1/2 hrs including trips to the hardware store.

    I wonder - did the water heater co send the new tank to your mother or to the plumber? if it went straight to the plumber, then maybe he got a bill form them that didn't reflect that it was a warranty item replacement? I don't know - this just sounds crazy!

  • Financial Advisor · Tampa Area, FL · Member since 2008 · 956 posts · 214 votes
    16y

    f that! i wouldn't pay it. they were certainly trying to take advantage of your mother. let them try to take her to small claims court. i can't imagine that a judge would rule in his favor.

    i would also contact the 'trusted family friend' and let them know what a ripoff their plumber is!

  • Residential Real Estate Agent · Somerville, MA · Member since 2009 · 195 posts · 32 votes
    16y

    Dave is correct. The water tank was under a warranty still and that's why they offered an upgraded new version for $60-$80 more.

    I believe the plumber ordered the upgraded tank himself, but he was 100% aware that the tank was under warranty and should have been replaced free of charge, except for the $60-$80 upgrade cost...

  • Real Estate Investor · Craigmont, ID · Member since 2009 · 564 posts · 239 votes
    16y

    In my area you wouldn't find a plumber reimbursed for a warrantee replacement by the manufacturer instead they stipulate parts/replacement and the owner is usually responsible to put it in or hire someone to do it.
    That has been my experience anyway

  • Real Estate Investor · Craigmont, ID · Member since 2009 · 564 posts · 239 votes
    16y

    A bill for 920.00 is outrageous! Can't really judge the situation without looking at the bill myself and talking with the plumber to see what happened.

  • Residential Real Estate Agent · Somerville, MA · Member since 2009 · 195 posts · 32 votes
    16y

    That's a good point Sam. I'm a little fuzzy on the details, but it sounds like my mother went over the situation with the plumber and the plumber made it clear that he could get the water heater through the warranty without an issue.

    We're going to get him on the phone and make sure this isn't a simple misunderstanding, otherwise this guy is not getting paid.

  • J ScottPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    16y

    As others have stated, typical replacement should run $100-200, depending on whether it's a plumber who is used to working with contractors or a plumber who is used to working retail.

    It shouldn't take more than 1-2 hours, and even having to purchase a brand new water heather ($450-500 plus maybe another $40 for an expansion tank), the bill shouldn't come to more than $700 on the high end.

  • Residential Real Estate Agent · Somerville, MA · Member since 2009 · 195 posts · 32 votes
    16y

    Thanks for all your help guys, much appreciated!

  • Specialist · MA · Member since 2009 · 858 posts · 306 votes
    16y

    Hey Sage,

    We just replaced one in one of my units and I think it ended up being aroud $400. Mine was supposedly under warranty too.

    If the guy is part of the BBB report him...definitely tell him you want your money back.

    Then go to the Attorney General and make sure when you tell your story you let them know there is a senior involved. They don't take kindly to anyone ripping off a senior citizen.

    Sorry this happened.

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