[optimizer]

Hello,

I am reno'ing the kitchen and am replacing the existing sink / faucet and dishwasher with new models. All the new stuff is going back where the old stuff was, so no layout changes, except that I'm going from a 2-drain to 1-drain sink, but that's minor.

The plumbing is all copper. If it was PVC, I'd be comfortable doing all the work myself since, but not so sure about working with copper (and it needs to stay copper due to condo rules). So first question would be is it common for DIY'ers to do copper plumbing solo?

Second question would be... I had a plumbing company come in and they quoted $400-$500 to do the work, incl materials.. is this reasonable? Sounds high to me, since it looks like around 1.5 hours work for someone who knows what they're doing, but I don't know. What would be a reasonable amount and any recommendations? .

Thx!

Thanks

 

[Piedmont]

Typically it's usually very clear you can't do your own work in condo's (nor multi-family or rental properties) as you risk others lives and properties.

Othewise that does sound a little high to me I would get another quote. Do you happen to live in MA? That would be a deal. In MA homeowners can't do their own plumbing, which has caused plumbers to become corrupt. Want a decent honorable plumber? The next opening is 2 months away leaving only the corrupt ones available for work anytime soon. I had a water tank installed, and because of permits on other work the inspector told me he better see a permit on that tank. I called 8 plumbers, only 3 got back to me of which 2 were available in 2 months. The last I could find available came to quote and I should've known something was up when he came in with his torch and toolbox. I showed him there was a tank there once but it was removed so all the plumbing is there but capped and ready to go. He started work, which was odd he was supposed to quote only. Then I got the bill, he charged me $120 for 6' of copper pipe, $230 for a $40 permit and the 15 minutes it took for him to fill it out, $168 for two 1/2" ball valves and 5 fittings that he picked up at Home Depot for under $15, and the rest was labor. Total cost, to just plumb the tank into the capped off piping above, two 1/2 ball valves & about 5 fittings picked up at home depot, and 45 minutes of labor and $40 permit was $680.

That's why I love this state and its stupid laws. If you live in MA, that is a deal. If you live in any other state, $200-$300 would probably be more like it I think. Doesn't hurt to get another quote of course.

 

[rehabob]

Don't Sweat It!

The plumbing is all copper. If it was PVC, I'd be comfortable doing all the work myself since, but not so sure about working with copper (and it needs to stay copper due to condo rules). So first question would be is it common for DIY'ers to do copper plumbing solo?

I do my own plumbing in all my rentals & rehabs. I got tired of paying a plumber $45/hour. I can't sweat copper connections very well either. I started using "push on fittings" about 2 years ago. They are made from copper and brass and work with copper, CVPC and PEX tubing. They come with "permanent" and "temporary" connectors. Permanent means once pushed together, they do not come apart. Temporary means the connector will come off with a special tool. They have different brand names (Here is one and here's another.) In Ohio, they pass all permit inspections, as long as they are positioned down flow from the meter. Hope this helps....

 

[TheEplumber]

If you're just changing fixtures and faucets at the existing locations you should be able to do the work without soldering. Use compression stops for the valves- if they need replacing, and stainless steel flex supply lines to the fixtures, rebuild the sink drain. Bam! You're done. But it will take longer than 1.5 hrs- even for a plumber. 4-500 doesn't sound too far off either.

 

[optimizer]

Thanks for the tips!

 

[oh'mike]

Rearranging the piping---installing a faucet--drain pipes --dishwasher----That will take about $135--in parts and well over the 1 1/2 hours---2 1/2 hours is more like it.

Price doesn't sound out of line.-----Mike----