Did the Plumber overcharge?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Did the Plumber overcharge?

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tardtasticx

3075 posts

Uber Geek

#1461019 4-Jan-2016 13:48

I've seen a lot of work-men/work-women charge 1hr minimum across various trades, but this is in Auckland with a huge population. You mentioned you're in Oamaru, so my guess is they charge a little more for their minimum fee to recoup some of the travel costs if they serve over multiple towns?

Jase2985

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#1461054 4-Jan-2016 15:20

Dingbatt: Where did the council say their responsibility ended? At your boundary?

in auckland it ends at the outlet to the water meter

check the invoice it should say why it was 1.5h

J32

98 posts

Master Geek

#1461076 4-Jan-2016 16:22

Dingbatt:
J32:
Dingbatt: Today I learned that the connection between the water mains and the house is called a 'Toby'.

I did not know that either. It was what council called it when I rang them up.

Where did the council say their responsibility ended? At your boundary?

Yes, exactly that. If it is behind the property boundary it is my responsibility. I checked the bill and it doesn't say anything about minimum charges. The back of the bill has terms and conditions, but nothing about minimum charges. Just says that services are charged at rates applicable at the date of billing.

The bill does state what they did "Investigate water leak on cold water main under fence from council toby. Attend site expose galvanised pipe work. Leaking on alkathene connection. Cut out and replace. Denzo connections and test. Client back to fill hole once dry."

All that took him less than 35 minutes. I am going to call them tomorrow and see if I can get some clarity.

Thanks everyone!

mattwnz

20164 posts

Uber Geek

#1461083 4-Jan-2016 16:47

If he only spent 35 mins on the jobm, but billed for 3 times that time, then yes you will need an explanation. The bill should be accurate. Maybe they will say it was human error.

Athlonite

1828 posts

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#1461810 5-Jan-2016 17:13

eracode:
MadEngineer: Today I leaned that too many people don't know what a toby is.

Often they're hard to find - Toby or no Toby, that is the question.

Sounds alot like mine I wouldn't know where to start looking as there's no obvious place and it's the same with the ETP for the phone line and drainage it's all hidden and not accessible

newb

39 posts

Geek

#1461883 5-Jan-2016 19:32

I had a similar experience awhile back with a new plumber.

When I questioned the extra hours, he said it was because he had his apprentice with him and if he wasn't there, it would have taken him longer to finish the job.

Bung

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#1461957 5-Jan-2016 21:28

J32: The bill does state what they did "Investigate water leak on cold water main under fence from council toby. Attend site expose galvanised pipe work.

Didn't you say that you had exposed the leaking pipe? Looks like whoever was doing the invoice thinks the plumber did the digging.

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mentalinc

3239 posts

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#1461979 5-Jan-2016 21:43

newb: When I questioned the extra hours, he said it was because he had his apprentice with him and if he wasn't there, it would have taken him longer to finish the job.<br><br><br>

Was he charging his apprentice at his rate?
Seems wrong to be doing that. Sure charge for the dude but not full plumber rate

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richms

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#1461998 5-Jan-2016 22:09

Sounds about right then, hour minimum and apprentice at half rate.

Richard rich.ms

MadEngineer

4291 posts

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#1462206 6-Jan-2016 11:09

put it down to experience of perhaps requesting an hourly rate before hand. did they do a good job? brush it off as getting (a good job for) what you paid for?

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

pctek

807 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1465044 7-Jan-2016 11:50

Sounds ripoff. Husband was a plumber, he sure didn't charge any extra hour stuff.
Worst case scenario, called out late or such, annoying customer, he'd charge $85 which was 1st hour less materials. BUt that wasn't his usual.

Least he ever charged was $10, tap washer for old lady....

PPAP

41 posts

Geek

#1465592 8-Jan-2016 08:53

That why you need to be a handy man.

MadEngineer

4291 posts

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#1465668 8-Jan-2016 09:51

PPAP: That why you need to be a handy man.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11464135

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

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