I got taken advantage of by a well installer

[brandon9715]

Oh, that's a bit different than what I got from your OP. Yeah, I would be upset at that too.

Yeah, my fault for not including that. I was trying to keep it as short as possible and that was important info.

 

[vavavroom]

When my dad knew what I was making working in a lab right of college, he laughed in my face and said you can still get into plumbing, they make real money.

The real funny part is I've never actually hired a plumber. I've done all sorts of plumbing myself. No leaks dad!!

Somehow I think you are quite skilled in using a snake and a plunger. Expertise comes with practice, after all.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Yes, I am well aware of this, but there is zero reason for a 300% markup when you also charge over $200/hr for labor.

Unfortunately normal. Also consider the plumber didn’t pay retail.

All trades subsidize there rate with huge parts mark ups. Somehow $200 / hour is not enough.

 

[Pablo]

Somehow I think you are quite skilled in using a snake and a plunger. Expertise comes with practice, after all.

I never wanted to be a doctor!

 

[vavavroom]

I never wanted to be a doctor!

I hear podiatrist make good money and get rarely slapped with malpractice suits. Along comes Stinky with the gun.

 

[Pablo]

I hear podiatrist make good money and get rarely slapped with malpractice suits. Along comes Stinky with the gun.

And his sister Itchy Knickers

 

[samven]

I also have a well and a septic system. I have made it a point to figure out what everything does, were it is and how much it costs to replace. Talking to my neighbor I found out I can rent a tripod to lift my well pump if it needs to be replaced, the pressure tank is in the crawl space and easy to get to, I located all 3 access hatches to my septic tank and I am replacing the outflow baffle this fall after I get it pumped out. Its definitely not work for everyone but you can save a boat load of money if you are prepared before a problem happens. I have been caught by plumbers before too. $275/hr for a Sat. call out and that was 20 years ago.

 

[brandon9715]

I also have a well and a septic system. I have made it a point to figure out what everything does, were it is and how much it costs to replace. Talking to my neighbor I found out I can rent a tripod to lift my well pump if it needs to be replaced, the pressure tank is in the crawl space and easy to get to, I located all 3 access hatches to my septic tank and I am replacing the outflow baffle this fall after I get it pumped out. It’s definitely not work for everyone but you can save a boat load of money if you are prepared before a problem happens. I have been caught by plumbers before too. $275/hr for a Sat. call out and that was 20 years ago

Yup, I could have done the pressure tank myself and wish I had. I only had him do it because he diagnosed the issue and I thought it wouldn’t cost significantly more than doing it myself. He’s a one man show and was supposed to be reasonably priced.

 

[TheLastWord]

This is more to vent than anything. Today I was taken advantage of big time. Long story short, I moved into my current house 3 weeks ago. Have had an issue where I lose water pressure from my well. Turns out my well only does 3GPM. Installer recommended a second pressure tank to supplement so I have more buffer. The installer was recommended by a family friend and he knows people I know. He installed a pressure tank and pressure switch for $2100. Over $400 of that was labor, so I guess he charges over $200/hr since he was here two hours. Attached is the invoice for your amusement.

View attachment 237480

Congratulations on your new house, welcome to the joys of home ownership.

Just out of curiosity, what do you do for a living?

 

[dishdude]

I wouldn't be so quick to say you were ripped off, as mentioned all trades are expensive and you save a lot DIY. Example, the capacitor went bad in my A/C and I went down to Ace and picked one up for $30. My brother's went out, he called an HVAC company and paid $650.

 

[tnt_motorsports]

IMO, this is a byproduct of allowing a contractor to do work without an understanding or agreement. I usually do all work myself and if I don't I ask for a price before any work is done. If you can't give me a quote, I don't want you working on my stuff, thanks. once the work is done you are kind of pooched.

Just my $0.02

 

[brandon9715]

Congratulations on your new house, welcome to the joys of home ownership.

Just out of curiosity, what do you do for a living?

Thanks, this is actually my third house so nothing new to me. I am a crop insurance agent.

 

[02SE]

This is a deep subject.

 

[chainblu]

Did it solve your problem? Just curious...

 

[Pablo]

This is a deep subject.

Cold too.

 

[GMBoy]

I also have a well and a septic system. I have made it a point to figure out what everything does, were it is and how much it costs to replace. Talking to my neighbor I found out I can rent a tripod to lift my well pump if it needs to be replaced, the pressure tank is in the crawl space and easy to get to, I located all 3 access hatches to my septic tank and I am replacing the outflow baffle this fall after I get it pumped out. Its definitely not work for everyone but you can save a boat load of money if you are prepared before a problem happens. I have been caught by plumbers before too. $275/hr for a Sat. call out and that was 20 years ago.

Good example. I learned when my septic airator pump went out - I needed it fixed and paid the $400 then but kept the old pump. Went online and got a rebuild kit for $35 and fixed the original pump. I didn't win the first round but I am ready for round 2 and I will DIY it. I do everything around the house and shop from sprinklers, the electric, plumbing etc but was not too sure about septic. Have since educated myself on that too.

 

[John105]

You must be new to plumbing...

My last experience….original 1952 gate style shut off valve, no longer used as it’s ahead of the meter and there’s a ball valve shutoff now. I noticed wetness, and when I turned it, now steady drip.

Plumber came out and said $540. I said ok. He said if you have a wrench I can try to tighten it. He repeated himself since I had no reaction. Said he could try since if it breaks I agree to replace. He took my wrench and said looks like no more leak, so no charge.

That seemed fair. Meaning if he could fix for nothing he would, but if he couldn’t $540. I got a formal invoice for $0 electronically generated as soon as he left.

 

[Jack_Kieran]

Extra pressure tank which probably only provides about 20 gallons additional surge capacity was the wrong solution to low-volume well problem. Proper solution would be a holding tank. In my area where wells commonly only produce 2-3 gpm, in-ground holding tanks about 2000 gal capacity are used.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Good example. I learned when my septic airator pump went out - I needed it fixed and paid the $400 then but kept the old pump. Went online and got a rebuild kit for $35 and fixed the original pump. I didn't win the first round but I am ready for round 2 and I will DIY it. I do everything around the house and shop from sprinklers, the electric, plumbing etc but was not too sure about septic. Have since educated myself on that too.

Old house had 2 identical AC units. Control board dumped on one. Contractor couldn’t figure out why I wanted the old one. A couple soldered components and it was ready to go.

 

[Pablo]

Extra pressure tank which probably only provides about 20 gallons additional surge capacity was the wrong solution to low-volume well problem. Proper solution would be a holding tank. In my area where wells commonly only produce 2-3 gpm, in-ground holding tanks about 2000 gal capacity are used.

You are correct.

But if you think the plumber charged quite a lot, try guys who dig holes with nice equipment.