Removing two isolation valves in awkward spot (on heating pipework)

[Plumb Line]

Hi folks

There's a couple of isolation valves on our radiator pipework (vented system). One started to weep a while back, but luckily stopped after a bit of tweaking. I've since learned they shouldn't be there, and so with some plumbing work coming up which will require a drain down, I'm going to get them cut out and replaced with copper pipe.

Seeing as the system will already be drained on the one hand, but given the awkwardness of the position of the valves on the other, what would you expect to pay (or charge if you're a plumber) to remove the valves and replace with copper pipe?

Cheers

 

[ShaunCorbs]

40 ish per valve maybe depending how it goes maybe less maybe more

 

[Chuck]

Seeing as the system will already be drained on the one hand, but given the awkwardness of the position of the valves on the other, what would you expect to pay (or charge if you're a plumber) to remove the valves and replace with copper pipe?

IMO, it's impossible to say as the work itself is pretty trivial so the bill will be for travel and hassle, which would depend entirely on whose doing the work.

Personally I'd probably just replace the isolator valve with a new full-bore one. They're not doing any harm and there may be a non-obvious reason that they're there. Somebody, quite competent to judge from their pipework, obviously thought they were a good idea.

 

[Plumb Line]

Thanks for the replies.

Just to be clear, the plumber will already be at the house doing other work, and the system will already be drained. @ShaunCorbs - did your guestmate have the in mind and if not how does it change it?

the bill will be for travel and hassle

As above - will already be here and system drained already.

there may be a non-obvious reason that they're there. Somebody, quite competent to judge from their pipework, obviously thought they were a good idea.

Would be very interested to hear under what circumstances they are needed. I am familiar with the layout of the pipework in the house and so happy to provide any info needed.

Cheers

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yep would allow 30-40 mins per one depending on how they come out eg access

 

[Plumb Line]

I'm obviously in the wrong trade if you're on £60 - £80 an hour!

But really helpful to know, so thanks for confirming

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I'm obviously in the wrong trade if you're on £60 - £80 an hour!

But really helpful to know, so thanks for confirming

So no allowance for materials or other things so 40-60 an hour

 

[Plumb Line]

Ah yes, fair point. I guess I imagined the two very short pieces of pipe and solder (or whatever) would be pretty negligible. But then I've no idea of the cost of such things...

Just reading up now on whether iso valves on heating pipes are a yay or nay. Seems most folk are against them, especially the type that I have fitted....

 

[WC1]

I'm obviously in the wrong trade if you're on £60 - £80 an hour!

But really helpful to know, so thanks for confirming

For each paid hour job expect half an hour for driving, maybe another 15 minutes in the merchant/online getting materials. Also deduct cost of:
training, insurance, advertising, book keeping, van purchase, van insurance, bad debts, time spent quoting, consumables, registration eg gas Safe.
And remember no paid leave, pension contributions, employees benefits Etc if you're self employed.

 

[Plumb Line]

For each paid hour job expect half an hour for driving, maybe another 15 minutes in the merchant/online getting materials.

As above, he'll be here all week refitting a bathroom and doing various other plumbing work. And the system will already be drained for the other work.

Also deduct cost of:
training, insurance, advertising, book keeping, van purchase, van insurance, bad debts, time spent quoting, consumables, registration eg gas Safe.
And remember no paid leave, pension contributions, employees benefits Etc if you're self employed.

That's all fair play.

 

[Scott_D]

Ah yes, fair point. I guess I imagined the two very short pieces of pipe and solder (or whatever) would be pretty negligible. But then I've no idea of the cost of such things...

Just reading up now on whether iso valves on heating pipes are a yay or nay. Seems most folk are against them, especially the type that I have fitted.***

Have a look at the price of a roll of solder and a length of pipe

 

[Plumb Line]

Have a look at the price of a roll of solder and a length of pipe

Not sure what solder it would be so don't what to look at for price, but presuming a small fraction of the roll would be needed for the job? A negligible amount?

Likewise pipe - £10 for 3m... Less than 1m needed...
Or am I missing something?

Also, if it's an hour+ or so to remove and replace with new pipe, how much time would replacing them for new full bore isolators take?

Thanks for all the repoleis and help

 

[Gasmk1]

Why haven’t you asked the plumber who will be there.

 

[Plumb Line]

Why haven’t you asked the plumber who will be there.

I have... £120. It felt high, but I don't know much about how easy, difficult, or time consuming a job it is, especially given that it is quite tight in a corner.

Totally guessing, I thought £120 - or more perhaps - would be expected if I called a plumber out to do just that job. But for a plumber who is already in the house and has already drained down for other work (price for drain down is incorporated into the other work), I thought it was quite high.

Total guess on my part though, which is why I came here to ask other plumbers!

Ta

 

[Gasmk1]

He either deems it difficult or unnecessary.