04/21/2024
How NOT to get scammed by the plumber….‼️
If you have an issue with your water heater and you have a plumber come out and take a look at it, and his solution to the problem is to install a new water heater.
Ask this surprisingly simple question… “what’s wrong with it?”
You would be surprised how many plumbers don’t know how to troubleshoot water heaters. There are so many commission based plumbers out there that will try to sell you a water heater on almost every single water heater call.
Usually the response to this question will be “because of its age.” If this is the response, I would politely decline any services and call another company.
I was asked today to give an estimate for replacement on a power vent water heater. The previous company quoted $7000. I gave him a verbal for around $3000 because I had not been on site yet.
They gave me approval to replace the water heater. I arrived to replace the water heater and I noticed immediately that the power vent water heater was operational and the gas valve had a status indicator with no codes. I asked the tenant why they put in a maintenance request for the water heater and she said her mom noticed that the light was blinking on the water heater, her dad told her to put in a maintenance request in case something was wrong. Newer gas valves on water heaters have a status indicator light, and the blinking was just the normal operation.
So the plumber came out and just told them that it need to be replaced and there was nothing wrong with it. It wasn’t leaking, it was only 13 years old (average life for a gas water heater in our area is 20 years). The water was currently hot, and the tenant said they never were without a hot water. Everything checked out on the water heater!
Just ask “what is wrong with it?” or what part is causing it to not heat the water?”
If he is experienced, he’ll know excactly how to explain it, if he’s not experienced, he’ll just try to convince you to replace it. Hope this helps!