Plumbers - PLEASE HELP - Am I Getting Taken Advantage Of?

[TB80]

Long story short, we have a plumber who alleges our water heater needs replacing and is out of code. We live in Austin. A bid is attached below.

Basically he said the venting is not properly installed, which could lead to carbon dioxide entering the house. He also said there is not a 1 inch gap around the venting and there is lead tape around the venting/pipe, both of which are a fire hazard. He also said that we need a water pan, drip leg, and new hot water heater. Our hot water heater is about 9 years old and has a 9 year warranty. It is a gas water heater.

Am I getting taken advantage of? I don't know anything about water heaters, how much they cost to replace, and whether all the "code violations" are really that big of a deal. Is the bid fair? It comes out to around $2,000. I can't even tell if the bid includes a new water heater.

We just moved into this house in June. House was built in the 70s. The home inspector did not bring any of this stuff to our attention. Normally I wouldn't be too concerned, but we have a two month old baby and I don't want to take any unnecessary risks.

[Todd-ty729]

Please email me a copy of the invoice.

Tjglass2@hotmail.com


I am in the business and most of that is BS.

[Huntindad]

First I would get another bid or 3.

Also... why do you think your water heater is bad to have to call a plumber?

With a couple "helpful" friends... you should be able to replace a water heater. I live in the sticks, so i am not sure about permits.

ton of knowledge here though. Rsatt should be able to help ya. I believe he is a retired plumber.

[the-butcher]

Looks crazy hi. I would tell guy to get bent..did you call him out ,and why

[TXhunter77]

ty729 beat me to it....I am in the business as well and something looks fishy

[TB80]

The wife thought she smelled gas yesterday morning. We called the gas company. The gas company came out to inspect the house. No gas was found, but when they looked at the hot water heater, they said that it was out of code and turned it off. We called a plumber to come look at it, and they gave us this bid.

[Atfulldraw]

I didn't see Vaseline listed, but you're gonna need it....

Get two more quotes.

[TB80]

I appreciate the advice guys. I thought it may be high, but wasn't sure considering the costs to get it up to code.

[Todd-ty729]

I can't figure out what is $475, 3rd from the bottom of the items.

Definitely get a couple more prices for the work. I don't think it includes a new tank either. Vaseline for sure!

[Ol Thumper]

Uhm I would turn it back on and swap it yourself. Codes are a bunch of CRAP!

[BIG IRON]

You might have some recourse with the home inspector on this as well. If it is bad enough for the gas co to turn it off then he should have caught it. Things might have changed but they used to be on the hook for items missed.

[BrianG]

I'm not a plumber but I just bought a "PRV" pressure relief valve from Home Depot for 20 bucks.

[Twztid]

Lol been around a bit of plumbing Sounds like. Fair deal
For a water heater and bring to code plus a prv (pressure reducing valve) and an expansion tank with home owner shutoff 2k is reasonable.. A lot of work involved and codes aren't just bs ild rather be told there out of code than to have an unsafe appliance in my house with kids

[CM Sackett]

http://austin.homeconnections.com/tasklocal.Water-Heater-Install-or-Replace.Austin.Texas.40114.html

[BIG IRON]

I can't figure out what is $475, 3rd from the bottom of the items.

Definitely get a couple more prices for the work. I don't think it includes a new tank either. Vaseline for sure!

What is the thermal expansion tank?

Sounds like someone trying to give you the hose.