Can you price this plumbing work?
Question:My plumber wants to replace what appears to me to be about six feet of plumbing outside my house from the foundation to the vent tube. He says it is about 12 feet down and he will need a machine to dig. He suspects settling caused a belly in the pipe that is allowing sewage to collect and cause the awful smell in my basement. What is a reasonable price to pay for this work?
Answers:
The standard procedure for any project is to collect five different quotes. Eliminate the cheapest quote and the most expensive quote. The person posting the cheapest quote has likely overlooked some aspect of the job or doesn't have the skill and expertise in the industry to do a good job. The most expensive quote is simply looking to "gouge" you.
Of the remaining three, ask questions about the work they're about to do for you; ask for a time-line and get references. If its possible, ask to see the work they have done for other clients and talk with those clients. Get a feeling for the people you're dealing with and pick the one you like the best; regardless of their fee. It is much better to find someone who will do the job right, not the one who will do the job the cheapest.
Check with other plumming companies in your area and find the best price for the job. Some companies will price match or beat out the other companies price. Best Wishes and may the best and most affordable company do the job!
Go for a practical approach:-
- Hire Excavator on hourly rate and
pay for the actual work done to
reach the sewage line and provide
room for repair work.
-Then pay the plumber for his time&
effort involved in repair work.
-Buy fittings as per need you envisage
Get at least 3 estimates - call around & see who offers free estimates in your area. It alway helps to have other quotes, at the same time it confirms the diagnosis of the first company.
Not all plumbers were "A" students.
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