How Not to Get Ripped of by Plumber - Domestic Work

ATTS on 18/10/2024 - 09:26

Hi Would like to know how to not get ripped off by plumber. Looking to replace hot water heater with heat pump.

Is it as simple as getting to state on the quote the job description in detail? If so what are important to get the plumber to put in the job description?

I remember reading a bit online, is rcbo and switchboard upgrade required and also tempering valve , non return valve, pressure limiting valve, ? Anything else?

Also any website recommendation to read so I can get a better understanding

Thanks

Home & Garden Plumber

Comments

  • Some Human on 18/10/2024 - 09:32
    -1

    DIY

    • coffeeinmyveins on 18/10/2024 - 11:28
      +10

      How to void your home insurance policy in one easy step.

      • rogerwilko on 18/10/2024 - 17:24

        How so? I assume you would get an electrician to hook it up to power. You might void the warranty of the device I suppose.

        In my opinion the government should encourage trades with refrigeration licence to install to provide a little competition in the market, it's not rocket science.

      • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:54

        Hmm how do they find out? Do they do an audit after you make a claim?

        • ozchappy on 19/10/2024 - 20:17
          -4

          I guess it would depend if the heat pump was the initial cause of the problem. They would want detailed records about who installed it, when, who signed off on it, etc.

          If, for example, it was a fridge that somehow self combusted and took out the house, including the heat pump, I doubt they'd look to hard at the heat pump.

          I guess it would depend on the circumstances, really.

          • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 20:33

            @ozchappy: I c thanks

          • ArjaytheGuy on 20/10/2024 - 23:32

            @ozchappy: Insurance assesors can be quite good at finding what you may think are "unrelated events" and pointing out they constitute breaches of the agreement on your behalf (ie. Failing to notify the insurer that you've done non-code repairs, renovations or installations can be used as a reason to refuse your claim).

  • randomusername2017 on 18/10/2024 - 09:42
    -1

    M-F

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/10/2024 - 10:12
      +10

      And pay in cash and use the secret ozbargain-stonecutter handshake

      • Minimum chips on 18/10/2024 - 10:42
        +2

        Is that the one where you place your thumb on their knuckle while shaking, then place the other hand firmly on the buttock and squeeze twice?

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/10/2024 - 11:11
          +2

          Squeeze it once that’s ok
          Squeeze it’s twice that’s fine
          Squeeze it three times…

    • capslock janitor on 19/10/2024 - 13:53
      +1

      whats that

      • Nugs on 20/10/2024 - 20:29

        Male to Female?
        .

  • RockyRaccoon on 18/10/2024 - 09:44
    +3

    Frankly its impossible. There will be a number of factors that unless you know, like in the trades, you can be stung for. Like extra piping as the fittings on the existing hotwater tank maybe in a different location. eg enters on right side where the new enters on the left.

    Plus obviously the ones you have listed as well, also is it easy access to switchboard, was it already electric. I guess online reviews are a starting point, although like everthing in life, nothings 100%. Reviews by others and references (best if they are recent) might give some comfort. Keep in mind trades arent cheap so even 15 minutes of extra time can be $50 if they want it to be. - good luck

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:41
      +5

      Thanks i wish people didnt get ripped off

      • iknowtj on 19/10/2024 - 19:46

        None of the above is ripping you off. It's just extra costs that can pop up.

  • MS Paint on 18/10/2024 - 09:45
    +9

    What state are you in?

    I won't accept denial as an answer.

    • theHMASfriendship on 18/10/2024 - 10:12
      +26

      Denial is in Egypt which is a country

      • EightImmortals on 18/10/2024 - 10:55
        +1

        Not any more it isn't, hence the saying "Denial aint just a river in Egypt any more".

        • theHMASfriendship on 18/10/2024 - 12:45
          +2

          That’s fair it goes through a number of other countries too

  • Duckie2hh on 18/10/2024 - 09:47
    +8

    Get more than 1 quote…. easy peasy

    • foursaken on 18/10/2024 - 16:22
      +3

      When I need a trade:
      Search on reddit for recommended trades in my area or ask the person who cuts your hair. ;)
      Get a quote.
      Have no idea if it's reasonable because I'm not in that trade.
      Accept the quote or get another one.
      Repeat.

      Also, get calculator out to see how long it is going to take for your whizz bang hot water system to pay for itself.

      • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:11
        +1

        Thanks. Is it normal for them to do a free quote only by pics nowadays

        • foursaken on 21/10/2024 - 08:06
          +1

          Depends on the job, but for a hot water install I would think that might be ok.

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:43
      +1

      Yes the 3 quotes as recommended just didnt want get ripped off by the unknown

  • HamBoi69 on 18/10/2024 - 09:53
    +1

    Ah yes, the trick to not funding your plumber’s yacht: list every valve so you can at least know why you're broke!

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:44

      Thats how tradies get rich aye? Ripping everyone off with no ethics?

  • FoxJump on 18/10/2024 - 09:56
    +19

    get four quotes, pick the second cheapest.

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:46
      +1

      Haha why not the cheapest.

      Also any different between plumbers ? I read online if they have a trades license they should be competent? And work to be done to minimum standards?

      • 2024 on 19/10/2024 - 10:24
        +8

        Competent and quality work are two veeeerry different levels.

      • FoxJump on 19/10/2024 - 10:26
        +1

        never the cheapest. ive learnt

    • capslock janitor on 19/10/2024 - 13:54

      curious why 4 and 2nd cheapest.
      not 3 and 2nd ?

      • ozchappy on 19/10/2024 - 20:19
        +1

        Cuz then you're even.

      • capslock janitor on 21/10/2024 - 13:26

        @FoxJump

        • FoxJump on 21/10/2024 - 14:15
          +1

          oh hello
          i guess 3 quotes and take the middle is also okay.
          but it's easy to be the middle. You get the one guy thats under quoting, one guy that doenst want to do the job, and the reasonable guy
          by having 4 quotes you get:
          one under quoter, one that doesnt want the job, and hopefully two reasonable ones to pick from.

          Also in reality, you make 10 calls, 3 response, 2 quote and you're left wondering wth happened

  • Fredfloresjr on 18/10/2024 - 10:03
    +1

    share your Onlyfans subscription

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/10/2024 - 10:16
    +1

    rcbo and switchboard upgrade required

    Not sure if other states have different allowances but my understanding in qld it’s mandatory to upgrade switchboard if you’re still on old breaker/fuse setups and you want to add hot water system.

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:49

      Add hot water system?

      What if old hot water heater is already connected and just want to replace rather than add on?

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:52

      Thanks, is it normal that they dont want to attend the premises to do a free quote and do it over the phone or pics instead

  • 87percent on 18/10/2024 - 10:55
    +1

    theres a big thread on whirlpool about HWS which people recommend plumbers

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 09:53

      Thanks do u have link?

  • OzHan on 18/10/2024 - 11:40
    +2

    I wouldn't DIY hot water heater with heat pump replacement, but I'd DIY many other things like replacing taps, fixing toilets etc.

  • bazingaa on 18/10/2024 - 11:50
    +1

    heat pump installation is usually packaged and cheaper with gov rebates.
    it even included upgrades to the fuse box, they even swapped my 80A isolator with a 63A RCD other than installing a new MCB for heat pump.

    I swapped gas storage to Aquatech X6 (mid range, there are even cheaper ones but I don't recommend) with supply and installation ~$1400, they did all rebate paperwork and gave me VBA and electrical certificates as well. much cheaper if you currently have an electric hot water system.

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:03

      Oh so they didnt charge u extra to upgrade fuse box, Isolator, rcd and mcb? Also were those things mandatory for heat pump? Also could you explain what those things do?

      Also what is a VBA certificate? And also was electrical cert the installation compliance certificate?

      • bazingaa on 19/10/2024 - 19:35

        no extra charge, a plumber and electrician came together and did all the things. Those changes were mandatory to keep up with current electrical standards (the house was built in mid-90s).

        VBA certificate is for plumbing compliance: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/home-renovation-essenti…
        they gave a separate electrical compliance certificate for electrical work as I remember.

        I used these guys, which are local to me: https://www.wantaheatpump.com.au/hot-water-heat-pumps/
        they did all the rebate paper work as well.

        • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 20:00
          +1

          Thanks man!

          Just curious how u ended finding them? Was it just word of mouth?

          • bazingaa on 19/10/2024 - 21:04

            @ATTS: recommended installer on Auqatech website, I also checked reviews at MEEH facebook group :
            https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyEfficientElectricHome/

            I am on OVO 3 hours free electricity plan and mostly run heatpump during that time (11 am to 2pm), so my payback time is around 1.5 years. The unit came with 5 years warranty for all parts as I remember.

  • follow on 18/10/2024 - 15:15
    +1

    research the brand!
    don't go for the cheapest (like chromagen). it'll be decent to start but once it breaks down, you're in the fight of your life to get it fixed.
    for a little more, i read that hydrotherm/aquatech is a good bang for buck unit.
    can be plugged in unlike the the istore

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:08

      Thanks man!

      Yeah so i read online it seems i store has a really good warranty and people recommend the aquatech x8 aswell

      Just curious what are the advantage of the heat pump being plugged in rather than hardwired?

      • follow on 20/10/2024 - 15:41

        don't think there are advantages/disadvantages. it's just how some units are designed

        • ATTS on 20/10/2024 - 20:57

          Thanks man!

  • jugsy on 18/10/2024 - 16:25
    +2

    "My Efficient Electric Home" group on facebook will provide recommendations if you post your area there. Word of mouth is the only way to go

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:11

      Thanks

  • Bignudge on 18/10/2024 - 17:20
    +2

    Whatever you do, dont go for that big company that runs both in Sydney and Melbourne. Iykyk

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:12

      Thanks, oh so little company is better than those bigger nationwide companies?

      • Bignudge on 19/10/2024 - 10:59
        -1

        I was talking about avoiding those two companies that appeared on A Current Affair. I don't wanna name them.

        • Deals For Days on 19/10/2024 - 15:43

          Name them please, if ACA has named them you won’t get in trouble repeating who was featured on ACA here

        • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 15:53

          Oh i thought you meant in general

  • elgrande on 18/10/2024 - 17:53

    As a minimum expect the folliwing:

    • tempering valve
    • non return valve
    • pressure limiting valve
    • slab
    • any electrical upgrades
    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:13

      Thanks

    • ozchappy on 19/10/2024 - 20:23

      I had some genius recommend to a mate of mine that they didn't need a slab. Very bad advice and since heat pumps aren't light, they're gunna have to basically do the whole job again, just to save a miniscule amount.

      I'll never understand some people. Like, I'm on OzBargain looking for deals, but not putting a slab underneath a heat pump would be the same as not putting a slab underneath your house, just plain stupid. (Unless you're on stumps, but even still, stumps IMO would still be a pretty silly decision for a new build unless absolutely necessary.)

      • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 20:40

        What was their justification for telling the customer that slab not Needed?

        So was the heat pump damaged due to not having a slab underneath? And did they cover the cost of the rejob? Also isnt slab only like $80?

        • ozchappy on 19/10/2024 - 20:41

          I heard it in a multi person conversation, basically the heat pump had sunk and was now leaning over.

          I don't know too much more than that, but all agreed the whole thing was shonky. I can find out more if you're really interested.

          • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 20:46

            @ozchappy: I c thanks

            Haha yes im very curious and interested about that.

            Btw even my old hot water heater is on slabs. I thought slabs were standard until i read your post

            • ozchappy on 19/10/2024 - 20:52

              @ATTS: Edit: They most definitely are usually on slabs. I will see if I can find out why they thought a slab wasn't needed for you. It is definitely normal for anything like that to have a slab underneath it.

              I don't know any concreter where I live who would do even a small slab for $80, unless you're a mate and they did it as a cash job and some beer thrown in. They work hard and get paid well for it.

              If my memory serves, it was the time that it was going to take extra that they didn't want to wait for, they looked at the ground and it seemed solid enough, or so they thought - but a full water heater or heat pump is ridiculously heavy. Water 'aint light.

              So basically they thought it would be fine - tried to save a few hundred on the job, why I don't know - because now they've got to disconnect everything, take the heat pump out, pour the slab, or get someone else in to pour a slab for them, wait for it to dry, put everything back and end up probably losing a fair bit of money on the job because they didn't do it right the first time.

              • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 21:06

                @ozchappy: I c thanks.

                Its good the tradie redone the job correctly without charging the customer again!

              • Nugs on 20/10/2024 - 21:05

                @ozchappy: They could just bang wedges in under it, may have to repeat every now and then
                .

                • ozchappy on 20/10/2024 - 21:55

                  @Nugs: That's true - I haven't spoken to them since.

                  But it sounded like trying to save a few bucks was a bad idea to me.

  • SmiTTy on 18/10/2024 - 20:52

    If you're in sydney, this might be of help

    https://www.sydneywater.com.au/your-home/helping-you-save-wa…

    From memory the charge just gets added to your sydney water bill so u don't pay the plumber directly

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:17

      Thanks for the link but it seems its for

      showerheads, taps and toilets only?

      • Camelface on 19/10/2024 - 16:54

        This means OP is in NSW.

        • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 17:00

          Yes correct

  • Muddled dead on 19/10/2024 - 08:57

    Dont install it near any windows where people sleep. The plumber who installed ours said "they are quiet as anything you won't hear it".
    He was wrong!

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 10:20

      Thanks for tip. Just curioushow much db?

      • Aureus on 19/10/2024 - 14:46

        They are just as loud as a split system and just like a split system there are premium quieter options. Sanden heat pumps are very quiet in my experience, but are expensive.

        • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 15:55

          Any other benefit to sanden and reclaim?They are like double the price of mid range heat pump

          • Aureus on 19/10/2024 - 16:37

            @ATTS: Potentially more efficient. May last longer.

            I have a Reclaim. It has worked fine so far. I heard they were really quiet, but I would say mine is about average split system noise. The Sanden units I have heard are very quiet.

            • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 16:41

              @Aureus: Thanks!

              Btw i read somewhere online there is residential noise regulations in nsw.

              And if your neighbour can hear your heat pump in any of their rooms regardless of door or window open they can complain and u get 50 penalty units. Is this true? I couldnt find the db rating though

              • Aureus on 19/10/2024 - 16:47

                @ATTS: Dunno, but I doubt it is that simple. Most houses have some form of heat pump units and you don't really hear about councils enforcing such restrictions.

    • JIMB0 on 19/10/2024 - 10:23

      More likely he was deaf.

    • ozchappy on 19/10/2024 - 20:54

      Not true! They are quiet… when the fans aren't spinning at what sounds like a million RPM.

  • Herbse on 19/10/2024 - 12:54
    -1

    Get 10 quotes

  • peterw1 on 19/10/2024 - 14:37

    put your add on hipages, serviceseeking and one flare. Wait for the quotes and compare. Consider getting a CO2 heat pump - seem to be more efficient than standard heat pump, though costs more

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 15:59

      Thanks

      • curtturtle on 21/10/2024 - 10:41

        Please don't use hipages. The only plumbers on there now are dodgy ones doing cheap work. Any plumber worth their salt doesn't want to get screwed around by hipages.

        • ATTS on 21/10/2024 - 10:59

          Thanks

  • lonewolf on 19/10/2024 - 14:40
    +1

    Its gotten really hard to get a reliable tradie these days, there are so many out there and i think a lot of the good ones seem too busy for normal jobs as they are doing large projectrs or jobs. Then i come across a lot who are not very good or just dont care as their work and service is ordinary or crap and the costs are still high. Sadly the last good plumber i knew retired.

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 15:56

      I c, how did u find ur good plumber btw?

  • Camelface on 19/10/2024 - 16:37
    1. Check for plumbers who provide free quotes
    2. Ensure that a free quote doesn't mean it's free if you don't sign-up for work. I know some plumbers who provide free quotes but if don't accept, then they would charge a callout fee.
    3. So some online research (Check Google reviews etc…)
    4. Check with your neighbours or family/friends to see if they know of a good, reliable contact.

    I think that's as much as due diligence you can do.

    Level 1 : Helpful comment ✅

    • ATTS on 19/10/2024 - 16:45

      Thanks

      I heard google reviews cant be trusted. Due to fakes

      Yeah im trying to do my due diligence as i dont want to be taken for a ride

      I

    • kiwimex on 19/10/2024 - 22:18
      -1

      Quotes should never be done for free! long gone are those days.

  • Brianqpr on 19/10/2024 - 16:45
    +1

    Sometimes local Facebook groups can help for recommendations, although you have to look out for people recommending friends/family.

    I used this method a while back and the same guy was mentioned multiple times. He came and checked out the problem and recommended I contact Sydney Water as it appeared to be their leak. They ended up fixing it for free and the plumber didn't even charge me for his time.

    Needed another job done a few months later and didn't hesitate in calling him. Good price and job done very well.

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