Hot water system purchase

miniman · Dec 11, 2010 3:24 pm

Hi
Our gas hot water system died last night and we are wondering what is the best procedure to replace it.
1 Contact plumber to install a new one or
2 Go to gas shop and purchase one then find plumber to install
Is there any saving in either way?, Will plumber mark up the value of the unit?
Thanks

bashworth · Dec 11, 2010 5:02 pm

No real saving. The plumber will want to make a minimum amount of money for his time installing the unit. If he can't make a percentage on supplying the boiler he will just charge you more for the installation.
The trouble with with buying the unit separately to installation is -If there are any problems the plumber will blame the supplier and the supplier will blame the plumber and you will find it very difficult to get the issue sorted

kyton · Dec 11, 2010 9:33 pm

Why don't you phone a few suppliers and ask what the retail price is if the suitable unit. Then when you phone some plumbers ask them to quote with supplying the unit and without supply - only then can you decide if they are charging you a premium on top of the unit price.

Uncle Arfur · Dec 12, 2010 10:39 am

I thought the Gas shop had their contract installers and you could get a price there that covered it all.

Plumbers will be aware of what the Gas shop charges and I suggest they will price it about the same.