So you think you've got a warranty with that new appliance you you picked up at Home Depot (or anywhere else that sells them)??? Think again. I just left a customer who has a G.E. 50 gallon water heater, power vented, purchased from Home Depot 2 months ago. G.E. offers 6 years warranty. It needs a new gas valve, a Robert Shaw with the built-in circuit board, my selling price $500. My call-out charge for showing up at your door with my truck, tools, knowledge and my pretty face is $110. My hourly rate is $95. Very average prices. G.E.'s plumber-under-contract lives 20 miles away. He told G.E. to stuff it, it's too far for him. G.E., out of the goodness of their little hearts, offered to pay me $75 total labour, plus the cost of the replacement valve for the enormous sum of $85. A total offer of $160 for call-out charge, plus labour, plus part. My charges total $655, not including taxes. Guess who still has no hot water? G.E. will offer to pay your repairman 1/4 of his going rate. Had this tank been supplied by me, all costs would have been covered. Think twice before you buy at your local big box. Hire a contractor.
- posted
17 years ago