First Job

[jaydebruyne]

Ok... So I just got back from having a look at this job.

The main reason for needing a plumber was that the tap body no longer swivelled. It was also loose. To recap, it's a kitchen single lever monobloc spray tap. Horrid beast it is!

I isolated the supply of the hot & cold no problems. Disconnected the flexi's and hose no problems. I even undid the nut (after some time) and was able to bring the tap up 4-5" from the worktop - the nut wouldn't go over the tap tails as the olives/nuts were still on there and until I knew what the issue was, I wasn't going to remove them.

So, for the life of me I couldn't undo the bottom seat that sits on top of the worktop, which the tap swivels on. So I decided to go in from the top and undid the grub screw to take off the lever and the lever just would not budge.

I advised the lady that I could by all means use some force to get the lever off but there may be a chance it wouldn't go back on. I also advised, as the tap is 9 years old, that it may well be corroded inside resulting in me not being able to disassemble it and to buy a new tap.

I put everything back together again, ensured there were no leaks and went on my merry way.

What do you think? Was that the best thing to do? Or would you have done differently?

 

[nysk2008]

im of the opinion that if youve your best thats all you can do - good on ya for the advise you passed onto the cust aswell. better to leave as is than cause further issues.

 

[jaydebruyne]

im of the opinion that if youve your best thats all you can do - good on ya for the advise you passed onto the cust aswell. better to leave as is than cause further issues.

Cheers Nysk2008.

I was a little bummed I couldn't fix it but came away feeling quite positive in that, you win some, you lose some I gave it a good shot and I'm pleased with my efforts.

 

[nysk2008]

youll get jobs that are easy ans some that are a real knightmare - price accordingly and allow yourself time, if you think 60 mins then double it, i think cust service is key as if your honest i bet they they will call u again.

Cheers Nysk2008.

I was a little bummed I couldn't fix it but came away feeling quite positive in that, you win some, you lose some I gave it a good shot and I'm pleased with my efforts.

 

[jaydebruyne]

youll get jobs that are easy ans some that are a real knightmare - price accordingly and allow yourself time, if you think 60 mins then double it, i think cust service is key as if your honest i bet they they will call u again.

This brings me to a question as I didn't charge her for anything. To me it was just good to get some real life experience.

But generally if I can't fix something, like todays example, do I still charge? I mean, as I didn't do anything other than try.

 

[rpm]

This brings me to a question as I didn't charge her for anything. To me it was just good to get some real life experience.

But generally if I can't fix something, like todays example, do I still charge? I mean, as I didn't do anything other than try.

Try to get something, even if you just ask for the fuel money most people will appreciate your efforts and honestly and give you something but being a friend of the family can make it difficult to ask.

 

[jaydebruyne]

Try to get something, even if you just ask for the fuel money most people will appreciate your efforts and honestly and give you something but being a friend of the family can make it difficult to ask.

Yeah I hear you. Thanks for the advice, I think I'll do this from now on. Obviously I'll charge for any parts I use (+ my 10%)

 

[nysk2008]

as above, gaining exp is what we all do, however we all need to make a living and some times working for family and friends isnt always the way forward

 

[rpm]

Would also increase that % mate but thats not for a public forum conversation.

 

[jaydebruyne]

as above, gaining exp is what we all do, however we all need to make a living and some times working for family and friends isnt always the way forward

Perhaps not & I totally understand what you mean, but I'll take what I can get right now. If I get paid, great. If not (family/friends only) then as long as my diesel is paid I'll put it on my experience belt and walk away with a smile.

However, this will depend on the job, how much time it takes, parts needed etc. I'll have to just weigh up each job individually.

 

[SimonG]

Should have discussed with cust whilst its in bits about new tap. Your foots in the door whilst its in bits.

Sounds like you nailed it though and hopefully they will be back onto you to fit a new one

That percentage wants increasing as well. Profit is not a dirty word Repeat one hundred times

 

[jaydebruyne]

That percentage wants increasing as well. Profit is not a dirty word Repeat one hundred times

Hahaha I literally laughed out loud! To be fair, I've marked up all of my initial stock as 20% but I thought I was being a little cheeky with that figure (even though I didn't change it) - but decided to mark up future stuff at 10%.

What's a decent markup without ripping someone off?

I'm hoping she'll call me to fit the new tap. "Thank you Madam, that'll be £240 + parts!" Cha-ching! haha (kidding)

 

[PlumbBobBob]

jay wait until you are in the arms to discuss prices, profit etc., we like to keep it out of view as much as possible unk:

 

[jaydebruyne]

jay wait until you are in the arms to discuss prices, profit etc., we like to keep it out of view as much as possible unk:

Duly noted. Apologies. I've applied for my drink token and awaiting a reply from the powers that be. I hope I get in, I'm quite parched!

 

[SimonG]

Looks like a good session in the arms tonight I'm at darts, but you can leave me a strongbow in the pump

 

[kris]

Your right simon i think we should have a shin dig. Has the arms got a beer garden ?,

 

[SimonG]

Beer garden, pond, koi carp, all mod cons.

 

[kris]

Brilliant il have a mosey down after tea check them all out, i think ian has took one of his arcades down aswell, pacman i think il have a go

 

[Dotty]

Duly noted. Apologies. I've applied for my drink token and awaiting a reply from the powers that be. I hope I get in, I'm quite parched!

whose door did you knock on Jay?

 

[jaydebruyne]

whose door did you knock on Jay?

Hi Croppie, I just messaged the "Contact Us" link. I didn't chose anybody specific. Do I need to?

 

[Dotty]

You should've pm's me, SteveB, Gas Man, BOD, REDSAW or Plumbstar Tom.

I'll go put your name forward.

Do you have a party trick that'll go in your favour? Mine's 'The Invisible Wallet'.........

 

[jaydebruyne]

You should've pm's me, SteveB, Gas Man, BOD, REDSAW or Plumbstar Tom.

I'll go put your name forward.

Do you have a party trick that'll go in your favour? Mine's 'The Invisible Wallet'.........

Nice one, cheers!

Party trick? I have a pretty amazing rubber arm that if I'm saying no to another pint, I can twist it 360 degrees