Need advice re plumber's fees. ###

[Cableaddict]

I just had a 20K generator installed.

The electrician did a great job, and his fee was reasonable, but I think the plumber ripped me off rather badly. I'm hoping someone here knows what should have been a typical charge. (I'm in lower NY State, FWIW.)

I had done research and found that the total installation cost should be roughly between $1200 & $1400.
The electrician's estimate was $1200, including some small extra work inside, so I was happy. He was also a cool guy, so I asked him to recommend a licensed plumber that I could trust not to rip me off.

Well, it turns out he recommended his brother. (He didn't tell me this.) A big storm was looming, so I didn't bother to get the plumber's estimate. After all, he just had to hook up a gas pipe, maybe 8' total with a couple of elbows.

He sent two apprentices, who worked for a total of 1.5 hours. He never even came himself, not even to check the work. The gas line was run 4" ABOVE the ground and about 2' away from the generator, so it's a huge trip-hazard.

The bill? $975 !

1: Doesn't that seem a tad, uh, excessive?

2: Is it legal for the apprentices to do all the work, and never have the licensed pluber even check the work?

3: Is it somehow illegal to bury this gas line?


-thanks.

[paul52446m]

Need advice re plumber's fees. ###

I just had a 20K generator installed.

The electrician did a great job, and his fee was reasonable, but I think the plumber ripped me off rather badly. I'm hoping someone here knows what should have been a typical charge. (I'm in lower NY State, FWIW.)

I had done research and found that the total installation cost should be roughly between $1200 & $1400.
The electrician's estimate was $1200, including some small extra work inside, so I was happy. He was also a cool guy, so I asked him to recommend a licensed plumber that I could trust not to rip me off.

Well, it turns out he recommended his brother. (He didn't tell me this.) A big storm was looming, so I didn't bother to get the plumber's estimate. After all, he just had to hook up a gas pipe, maybe 8' total with a couple of elbows.

He sent two apprentices, who worked for a total of 1.5 hours. He never even came himself, not even to check the work. The gas line was run 4" ABOVE the ground and about 2' away from the generator, so it's a huge trip-hazard.

The bill? $975 !

1: Doesn't that seem a tad, uh, excessive?

2: Is it legal for the apprentices to do all the work, and never have the licensed pluber even check the work?

3: Is it somehow illegal to bury this gas line?


-thanks.

Well i am not a plumber, I do heating work and i run a lot of gas lines. The licensed man should check the work. I think you got ripped bad. Paul

[pushkins]

I'm not a plumber either but I am a GC and that price seems quiet high for the work you described.
As well any gas line work we have done here has to be inspected by city or county inspection departments as well, so you might want to check into that.
Ask the plumber for an invoice detailing work carried out.

[Redwood]

The fee would depend on the exact scope of the work performed...

Sometimes there is much more to a job than what you are seeing and telling us...

I'll reserve judgement with the facts presented...

[Cableaddict]

Thanks, guys.

Redwood, As I said, it took 2 apprentices under 1.5 hrs, and the only materials were about 7-8' of galvanized pipe. Any thoughts, or is this still not enough info?

Also, silly question maybe but: Who do I call to find out if it must be inspected?

-thanks.

[Redwood]

Redwood, As I said, it took 2 apprentices under 1.5 hrs, and the only materials were about 7-8' of galvanized pipe. Any thoughts, or is this still not enough info?

Hard to believe that there were no tee's, elbows, & couplings involved...

So therefore I'm thinking other particulars are left out, like perhaps since the pipe just can't be broken in the middle and things added, undoing existing pipe to allow installation, upsizing existing pipes to allow the increased flow required. Permits and inspections....

I'm still reserving judgement...

The price charged is not very far outside the realm of possibilities....
Especially on the lower part of New York state....
Maybe you should ask about prices out in the Hamptons or, Manhattan....

[pushkins]

Also, silly question maybe but: Who do I call to find out if it must be inspected?

-thanks.

Your local building department (might be county if your outside city limits) if it's on propane
Your gas supplier if it's Natural Gas.

[Cableaddict]

Thanks.

Yes, Redwood, there were a few elbows, of course. (didn't think that would affect someone's response.)

No permit, no inspection. No visit from the licensed plumber.


ONE MORE QUESTION: (thanks again)

This pipe is totally exposed to the elements. (The Generator is sitting in the open, which it's designed for.) The fittings (elbows, etc) are ALREADY rusting.
I'm worried that in a year, it would be impossible to undo them, if needed.

Is this a problem?
Should they have used brass fittings, or something?

[paul52446m]

Need advice re plumber's fees. ###

Thanks.

Yes, Redwood, there were a few elbows, of course. (didn't think that would affect someone's response.)

No permit, no inspection. No visit from the licensed plumber.


ONE MORE QUESTION: (thanks again)

This pipe is totally exposed to the elements. (The Generator is sitting in the open, which it's designed for.) The fittings (elbows, etc) are ALREADY rusting.
I'm worried that in a year, it would be impossible to undo them, if needed.

Is this a problem?
Should they have used brass fittings, or something?

You did get a bad deal. with permit and material and labor, i can't see over $400.00. You always have to paint the pipe to protect it. Paul

[Redwood]

Since the pipe just can't be broken in the middle and things added, undoing existing pipe to allow installation, upsizing existing pipes to allow the increased flow required.

Still wondering?

[Cableaddict]

??? I don't understand the question.

I'm hoping for a clear answer.

Is Paul correct that the pipe (and fittings, I assume) should be painted?

[Redwood]

??? I don't understand the question.

I'm hoping for a clear answer.

Is Paul correct that the pipe (and fittings, I assume) should be painted?

There is no clear answer on the pricing unless Paul wants to drive out from Michigan and do it cheaper...
I sincerely doubt you will find a licensed plumber that would do that work for $400 in the tri-state area....

As for the rusting... Yes, Paint The Pipes....