How long would it take to fit 21 TRV's?

moonlight · Jan 28, 2020

Just had an email from a customer, wanting a quote.
How long would it take to fit 21 trvs, 21 locksheilds and 21 vents? The customer wants to buy all the parts. Would you do the job?
Thanks

DuncanM · Jan 28, 2020

I would think of my price and phone them with it to see the reaction, if it was a good one I would then go see it, if they want it for pennies I would decline. I find this type of job people expect it done for washers.

Gasmk1 · Jan 28, 2020

i used to say £40.00 a rad that included the valve (drayton valves)
i never understand the need for customer to buy all the bits and think they are saving money.
21 rads is a big system so drain down and fill could take a while especially if open vented

moonlight · Jan 28, 2020

Gasmk1 said:
i used to say £40.00 a rad that included the valve (drayton valves)
i never understand the need for customer to buy all the bits and think they are saving money.
21 rads is a big system so drain down and fill could take a while especially if open vented

They want to buy all their own stuff. 🙁

Last Plumber · Jan 28, 2020

moonlight said:
They want to buy all their own stuff. 🙁

I personally wouldn't do it labour only.

They will only mither you if anything goes wrong after the job is done and you don't make any profit over and above wages. I would tell them you only supply and install your own materials so the warranty is carried fully by you.

The time depends on the job. If they're similar valves (I always change the nuts, olives and tails too) I would reckon about 1/2 hour per rad, once you've got going? you've seen it though.

If it needs draining off first add a couple of hours to empty it and fill it. So having said that, it sounds like at least a day and a half (12 hours) perhaps a bit more. That's if there are no issues such as:-

The existing rad valves have internal nuts and a longer body so the pipes aren't quite long enough
The olives have been crushed by the Gorilla who went before you.
The system suffers air locks through poor installation and you're there a lot longer than expected
The system is filthy and needs a flush/clean.

Give them a written (emailed) estimate for the work. Not a quote!

That's my advice, hope it helps.