BOILER REPAIRS

kymom

I called a repair man to fix a pipe and clean and service my boiler before cold weather. He proceeded to tell me I need new pressure valves then an expansion tank and more valves... when I asked the cost he said "you will be fine" "much cheaper than a new unit". I received a bill for OVER 6 TIMES the original estimate!!! Now he tells me my boiler is 25 years old!  I would NEVER have invested so much $$ in a boiler that age if he had been a professional/ ethical business man. I haven't paid the bill and am trying to mediate with BBB but the company doesn't want to mediate.  Any advise???? I do have heat but know I am dealing with an old unit that will probably give out the next year.  After they "repaired" it it leaked oil from the motors and I was told by another company they oiled them too much. HELP!!  I don't know anything about a boiler that is why I called a "professional".

Mike Kusiak_2

Old boiler

Just because the boiler is 25 years old, does not necessarily mean that it is at risk of imminent failure. A well maintained hot water boiler can easily last 40 or 50 years. On the other hand, a poorly maintained or installed one can fail in less than 10.



Can you post some pictures of your boiler and the equipment that was replaced? It would be helpful in seeing exactly what you have and its condition.



If the motors you are describing are oil lubricated circulator pumps, then the overfilling and leakage is not too unusual. Over a long period of continued overfilling, this can cause deterioration of the rubber motor mounts, but if this was a one time occurence, I would not be too concerned as it does happen. The excess oil will drip out, after which the pump will be properly lubricated for some time to come.

Steve Whitbeck

Repair costs

Can you scan the bill into your computer and attach it to a post here.

Then we can see if you were overcharged for the work done.

Did they quote you for the work that was done? If they did then pay them that amount...

If I quote someone that is what they get billed. If in the process of repairing their equipment I find more wrong because it was hidden I stop what I am doing and go get permission for the extra work.

billtwocase

not a good idea

That won't fly too well with Dan. Scanning bills, or any advertising good or bad is not what is done here. You may have been verbally quoted pricing on parts only. Add labor and any other surprises that show up, and it can be a snowball effect.  There are a lot of professionals here that would stay within a quote I'm sure. As stated by Mike, age can be a none issue if it is maintained regularly by a competent service person, and the over oiling can be easily done. I would update those, probably an old B&G 100, or Taco 110's. You can try to work something out with the company that did the work, can't hurt. Was the quote in writing?

Mark Eatherton

Steve,

We don't discuss pricing here for a couple of good reasons.



First, what it costs JohnNY to do business in New York is different than what it cost me to do business here in Colorado, so it is unfair to compare prices. How much you charge is your business, and should not be compared to any one else's. Who is to say that you are charging the right amount?



Secondly, price comparisons will get you an unwanted visit from a federal entity called the Federal Trade Commission.... Not something I think you want.



We have to help the consumer in a non pricing way. Let's have her black out prices and her address etc and take a look at the invoice from the technical perspective.



Also, there are people here that PAY our host for the priviledge of advertising on this site. Your posting your company name on your screen name is not fair to those who pay for that feature. Please consider removing your company name from your postings, or purchase a spot in the Find a Professional advertising section.



Thanks for understanding.



ME



PS, Welcome to The Wall. Your opinions are welcome.



ME