Zone Valve Replacement Price guidance

[TONK249]

Hi all, I know a difficult one to answer but we have 2 HW cylinders and both have 2 zone valves. Both need replacing - one is stuck in 'on' position (so boiler is regulating temperature, not the cylinder stat) and the other stuck in 'off' position (so no hot water). Have been given a quote of £580 to drain system and replace both. I'm absolutely fine with this if it seems fair - just thought it was a bit steep as from what I can tell, replacement Honeywell valves are about £80 each which leaves over £400 to drain system and replace them. As a layman it doesn't look that complicated and both are easily accessible. Any advice appreciated

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Would say it's about right

A good day's work, new inhibitor, maybe a bit of new pipe

 

[TONK249]

Would say it's about right

A good day's work, new inhibitor, maybe a bit of new pipe

Thanks Shaun

 

[Jones82]

£580! I'd do one for about £150, I'd get another quote.

A day to drain and refill? Half a day would be stringing it out.

Changing 2 valves isn't much different to changing one as the system is already empty. If there's gate vales on either side of the valve it could take minutes not hours.

If I charged £400 including parts I'd be very happy to get the job.

Sorry to disagree and perhaps I'm to cheap, I'm in North Yorkshire

 

[TONK249]

£580! I'd do one for about £150, I'd get another quote.

A day to drain and refill? Half a day would be stringing it out.

Changing 2 valves isn't much different to changing one as the system is already empty. If there's gate vales on either side of the valve it could take minutes not hours.

If I charged £400 including parts I'd be very happy to get the job.

Sorry to disagree and perhaps I'm to cheap, I'm in North Yorkshire

Thanks Jones82, appreciate it. I'm in the south (Kent, not London). I know there is a supposed N/S divide but this seems a little excessive!

 

[Scott_D]

We dont know the size of the system
How much has to be drained
Other materials needed
State of the pipework
Is an electrician required
Insulation to be re instated
Does it need to be done out if hours
Etc etc

Best to get another quote to compare
Post your location and someone may be local

 

[Harvest Fields]

Depends on how big and what type of system you have to be honest.

 

[TONK249]

Depends on how big and what type of system you have to be honest.

Thanks but why? Do you mean the draining down part?

We dont know the size of the system
How much has to be drained
Other materials needed
State of the pipework
Is an electrician required
Insulation to be re instated
Does it need to be done out if hours
Etc etc

Best to get another quote to compare
Post your location and someone may be local

It's a 4 bed house that was converted from two cottages (hence 2 cylinders). So it's a relatively big house but not unusually so. Pipework fine and does not need replacing. No insulation. Doesn't need to be done out of hours. Nothing else is being done besides the valve replacement. Thanks

 

[cr0ft]

Usually people will price depending on how busy they are (most people trying to earn the most from a limited amount of time will anyway). We would put our prices up when busy and drop them when not so busy to ensure we JUST fill each week. That's the best way to make optimal profit in a construction business for a given period of time.

Sounds like you have found a busy tradesperson so might be worth getting a couple more quotes.

I can't recall me ever charging £580 to swap two zone valves. Usually we'd be about £320 to swap two, including VAT.

 

[TONK249]

Usually people will price depending on how busy they are (most people trying to earn the most from a limited amount of time will anyway). We would put our prices up when busy and drop them when not so busy to ensure we JUST fill each week. That's the best way to make optimal profit in a construction business for a given period of time.

Sounds like you have found a busy tradesperson so might be worth getting a couple more quotes.

I can't recall me ever charging £580 to swap two zone valves. Usually we'd be about £320 to swap two, including VAT.

Thanks v much, that seems to be the consensus

 

[ShaunCorbs]

£580! I'd do one for about £150, I'd get another quote.

A day to drain and refill? Half a day would be stringing it out.

Changing 2 valves isn't much different to changing one as the system is already empty. If there's gate vales on either side of the valve it could take minutes not hours.

If I charged £400 including parts I'd be very happy to get the job.

Sorry to disagree and perhaps I'm to cheap, I'm in North Yorkshire

Sounds like a big house (needing two hot water cylinders) so could take you 2 hours to fill and vent back up

Parts come out about £90 so your draining, fitting and wiring a new valve for about £60

I would say your too cheap mate

 

[SimonG]

Nobody's cheap or expensive because nobody has seen it. Sounds a big house so could be a headache getting it filled back up.

Get another estimate.

 

[SimonG]

But 150 is ridiculously cheap. 2 valves plus 2 inhibitor, at say screw fix prices for sake of argument, you are already looking 185 notes, plus % plus labour. I'd be looking at 450+. But would want a look to make sure.

 

[TONK249]

Thanks everyone for your help. As said I know it is impossible to accurately quote 'blind' but your replies have convinced me I need to get another quote. Much appreciated.

 

[jtsplumbing]

1st are you sure that the complete valve needs replacing ? may just be a fault with the motors & that can be sorted without draining the system

 

[jtsplumbing]

1st are you sure that the complete valve needs replacing ? may just be a fault with the motors & that can be sorted without draining the system

 

[TONK249]

1st are you sure that the complete valve needs replacing ? may just be a fault with the motors & that can be sorted without draining the system

Thanks jts, I'll get another quote and see what emerges