My water pressure was bad in my house so I responded to an inspection promotion by YES AIR CONDITIONING AND PLUMBING.
Two plumbers arrived and told me my Pressure Regulator and Ball Valve (shutoff) needed to be replaced. They wrote a quote (copy available) for $1061 (discounted! Form $1178)."Wow" I said, "that's expensive". He responded "that was because "THE PARTS WERE SO EXPENSIVE".
I said "no thanks". The lead plumber asked "what would you pay to get this over with today". I said $600. He called his supervisor and said $750 was the least amount again stating the parts were so expensive. I had looked at the part he showed me. I asked if there was a part alternative (ie plastic vs. Brass). He said "NO". He did offer a free hot water tank flush, as well! I dont have a hot water issue.
From a labor standpoint, all that had to be done was to undo two large nuts, put the part in and tighten the two nuts. I said no thanks and decided to research the facts.
If the part was to be replaced it can be purchased RETAIL for $313.00. He never mentioned that a repair kit existed. I called a plumbing supply company. The clerk confirmed the kit existed and priced at $94.00. Furthermore he said to replace the entire valve was a TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY. All of the parts that wear are in the repair kit. The only reason to get a new valve was if the valve body was destroyed by freezing and cracked! NOT in my case and NOT IN LAS VEGAS.
I had a handyman repair install the repair kit and replace the valve and do up the two nuts. He was happy with the $50.00 he had charged and so was I. MY TOTAL COST $144.
YES (Air Conditioning and Plumbing) THEY TRIED TO RIP ME OFF. Maybe you are next!!!
ps. The Ball Valve (shut off) had virtually never been used as I don't shut my house water off very often. It was in showroom condtiton and working perfectly ($277 on the quote and $27 to replace if it needed it and two more nuts to undo/redo)
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