Don't get ripped off! How much should you actually pay to get your toilet fixed?

During my years as a plumber I've had lots of my customers telling me how much they paid for previous plumbing work (with a different plumbing company). Of course customers never tell me they feel they didn't pay enough for a job! Sometimes customers tell me because they want me to quote a lower price. Lots of customers are afraid of getting ripped off. All too often customers have been ripped off!

Working out a price can be quite tricky for some jobs. Jobs can at times take longer than expected or require addition parts. I'll give you an example: a customer calls me up and asks for a quote to replace a syphon in their close-coupled toilet because it's not flushing properly. Now, at first this may seem a pretty straightforward, fairly quick fix which just requires one new part (the syphon). In fact there have been times (although not many!) where I didn't even need to replace the syphon, as it was one of those that can be repaired in about ten minutes without dismantling the whole toilet - in these instances I am honest with the customer and they save some money. On the otherhand, I could arrive at the property and the job isn't quite as straightforward. Usually there is a one-piece syphon fitted which means the toilet needs taking apart. This can then be followed by a number of difficult scenarios:

• can't isolate the water as stop tap is broken
• the toilet cistern is siliconed (or even worse 'no more nails' has been used) to the wall
• the backnuts which hold the cistern to the pan are totally rusted (usually the case unfortunately) and won't undo

When I do eventually get the cistern apart I always replace the metal backplate and also the donut washer.

cistern siliconed to the wall is a common site

rusty backnuts can be awkward to remove

I apologise if this sounds like I'm moaning. All I'm trying to do is make you aware. Sometimes jobs can be more difficult than they first appear, take longer than anticipated, and require extra parts.

As a plumber you have to take the rough with the smooth. Sometimes jobs go like a dream others turn into a nightmare (bit of an exaggeration!). On my website I list prices for different jobs and I try my best to be honest and fair with customers. At the end of the day I want repeat customers and the best advertisement is through recommendations.

If your toilet needs attention, I do a special toilet overhaul offer at sjeplumbingderby.com/special-offers

If you need other plumbing or gas work doing, make sure you check out my rates at sjeplumbingderby.com/prices

LEVER or BUTTON - that is the question

More new toilets than ever come with a push button flush rather than a lever. Some people do still prefer a lever flush, but I think many would agree that a push button flush is easier to operate.

LEVER or PUSH BUTTON?

                   

What many people don't realise is that they can convert their existing toilet from lever flush to push button (or button to lever if that is what you prefer!).

The reason lever flushes fail or become difficult to operate is down to the syphon inside the cistern - if the diaphragm washer splits then it can take several attempts before you get a successful flush (very frustrating and potentially embarrassing especially if it's not in your own home and you can't flush!).

To fix your flush problem you can of course change the diaphragm washer (only a piece of thin plastic) very easily if you have a multi piece syphon (as below) which comes apart. If you haven't got a washer then you can just make your own by cutting one out of something like a rubble sack.

you can undo the nut and take this syphon apart to renew the diaphragm

a syphon diaphragm washer

Unfortunately if you have a one piece syphon (as below) then you will need to remove the whole syphon from the cistern to get to the washer.

 

a one-piece syphon which will need to be removed to replace the diaphragm washer

If the syphon has to be removed then you can go one of two ways:

1) replace the washer or syphon and keep the lever flush

or

   2) replace the syphon with a drop valve with push button flush

drop valve with push button flush

While we're at it I often recommend to clients that it is worth replacing the fill valve at the same time (makes good sense whilst the water is off and the cistern is drained). That is why I offer customers a great deal of replacing all the internal parts of your toilet cistern for just £80. At least then you have peace of mind in the knowledge that your toilet won't let you down. Check out this great offer on my website www.sjeplumbingderby.com