Radiator Valve Rec?
Over the summer we had our floors redone, and the super removed the radiators for us so we could repair some of the boards under the radiators. We’re ready to put them back on, but one of the valves is broken and needs to be replaced. The super said we should hire a plumber, but…
Over the summer we had our floors redone, and the super removed the radiators for us so we could repair some of the boards under the radiators. We’re ready to put them back on, but one of the valves is broken and needs to be replaced.
The super said we should hire a plumber, but the one recommended to me gave me what seemed like an outrageous quote. I’m tempted to do it myself, but the consequences of doing it wrong make me think twice.
So my question is: What should I reasonably be expected to pay for a new valve to be installed, and can anyone recommend a good plumber to do it? Thanks!
eman1234,
thanks for sharing your personal experience. the suggestion was for the person who wrote the post. Not everyone is an idiot and full of fear. the tools needed could be rented for far less than $250. or, could be borrowed from a friendly neighbor for free. or, lots of contractors selling tools because of the economic downturn. might be why you are so bitter. your services not in high demand lately?
Btw, check these out.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/1359139668.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/tls/1389873958.html
saw zall $40
pipe wrench $18
personal sense of accomplishment, …priceless
hmm… buy two pipe wrenches and a sawzall ..cost about $250…fuck up the job because you do not even know what a sawzall is and you nick the pipe threads and have a leak all over again… loss of about $500 bucks
Make two relief cuts near the base of the valve with a sawz all. Careful not to cut into the threads of the supply pipe. You also need a nice size pipe wrench. If you have two pipe wrenches and there is enough of the supply pipe exposed below the base of the valve, you can apply torque in the opposite direction to reduce the possibility of unscrewing the supply pipe. Usually not necessary unless recently installed. Take your wife on a date or buy yourself a beer (or some tools) with the savings.
Yeah, they can be on pretty tight. Did you use a big plumber’s wrench? They can sometimes do the trick when a smaller wrench fails.
no need to be snide.
I tried taking the valve off this morning, and it wouldn’t budge. I called another plumber and got a similar quote. So I think I’m just stuck hiring someone.
275 sounds right considering he is taking on the liability of everything that could go wrong…that is also the standard minimum charge for a licensed and insured for two men and a truck to cover workmans comp, liability, overhead,etc.. have you ever run a business?
Not sure about that. I did the work successfully, and, as I said, am not experienced with this type of work.
isn’t there a risk of unscrewing the pipe down below the floor? The plumber quoted me $275, which is just ridiculous, as far as I’m concerned. (Makes me wish I was a plumber.)
If it simply putting on a new valve, you should do it yourself. It is a piece bought at any hardware stiore and put on with a good wrench. You can apply plumber’s glue/putty to make the connection extra tight. I’ve done it myself and am certainly not experienced with plumbing issues.