I live in Massachusetts. Plumbers usually charge $80-125 per hour for general work (such as installing a water line to a refrigerator).

We are considering updating our heating system by having a new boiler installed. The units themselves aren't too expensive, but it seems that plumbers want THOUSANDS of dollars to install them, even though it only takes a day (or less).

Does anybody know why plumbers charge SO MUCH MORE for this type of job?

Thanks much.

:confused:

Tell us your sq/ft, BTU's of the quoted boiler and the bids you got. One of our plumber is in MA and can help pin this down. Are the bids using your old piping?

I'm going to let Massplumber respond and then move this post over to AC and Heating where it belongs. : Looking at the going labor rates I retired too damm early. Cheers, Tom

Hi Neighbor... ;)

You are pretty close on the numbers there... but in terms of boilers you will find that prices are very similar throughout all of New England and beyond. Why are numbers so high.. Fair question...

Hey, fact is that a boiler job is not a days work by any means. Sometimes we make it look like it is... but in end.. there is so much you may not really be seeing or considering...

We first must come to job and evaluate existing plumbing and old boiler system... then we need to size the boiler... not just take tag off old boiler (last guy may have been a dummy! )... but measure up entire house and calculate BTU needed for home and hot water if necessary.. also need to consider future expansion... that kind of stuff.

Then we need to write proposal
Then we need to present proposal
Then we need to pull permit
Then we need to have certified chimney inspection
Then we get new boiler ordered/delivered
Then we bring new boiler into home (safely, without injuries or damage to home)

Then we need to rip out old boiler and associated plumbing, smoke pipe and electrical

Then we need to install new boiler, zone valves, pumps, new shutoffs, backflow preventer, fill valve, expansion tank, new piping, etc.

Then we install new electrical.. sometimes install a new dedicated circuit as old circuits are usually overloaded... install multi zone/pump control

Then we fill boiler/test boiler/fire boiler, and call for inspection

Then we clean up jobsite complete
Then we load the old boiler and parts and bring that to the scrap metal yard
Then we go back to finalize all the little details so you won't be calling about little details.

Then we attempt to collect money due

If hot water involved in any way we then need to do lots more stuff (but won't go into because you asked about boiler)

There are usually 2 plumbers... an electrician (although many plumbers also wire the boilers themselves)... these people are insured, and need vacations, holidays, bereavement days off, sick days, etc...

The company must carry liability insurance, and worker's compensation, and pay FICA, STATE, and unemployment taxes on each employee... As well as pay for beepers/vehicles/gas/and repairs/upkeep... never mind the tools that need to be replaced periodically... And anything left over... well some goes to me.. and, of course, if I am legitimate... I PAY TAXES as well as anyone else...

You starting to see why it is thousands..? There is a lot going on here... and for all of it as presented... then the company must warranty the work and equipment for 1 year minimum.

Anyway...I just thought this was a fun question to answer....so much work...we make it look so smootthhhhh!! Take a day huh tallguy...? I doubt it!! I mean I have done boilers in a day..or less...the small gas boilers....but still involved 2 days total getting all set up and concluded 100%.

Anyway.. hope that helped a little... Mark

Mark:

Your good. All this single-handed? It must be tough getting that old boiler down the steps by yourself?