I'm told I need to have the motorised valve replaced on my boiler (Potterton Netaheat). It's a Sunvic motorised valve and I've managed to source the part on the web at about £100 cheaper than I've been quoted, but my question is, how long should it take for someone to replace it? I don't want them ripping me off on labour as well as the parts price. Thanks in advance

Julie Moxey, February 2008

then get another quote as £155 for part is well over the top. we supply and fit them cheaper than that and price by the job not on an hourly rate.

hi-spec plumbing & heating, February 2008

hi-spec plumbing & heating,

I know I can get it around £100 cheaper because the company who have done the fault finding for me have quoted me £155 for the part. I didn't ask you for a quote on labour, I already have their hourly rate so I simply asked if anyone knew how long it would take to fix so I could get an idea how much it would cost me. I don't think that 'everyone is ripping me off', but surely you would agree that £155 for a £45 part is slightly excessive, so please don't be so defensive.

John & CK, thanks for your advice, it's appreciated.

Julie Moxey, February 2008

The sunvic valve is not part of your netaheat boiler, which must be at least 25 years old, The system must be drained for the part to be installed , On older systems like yours it can be quite a considerable amount of time clearing airlocks and so on , therefore you could be looking at approx 4 hours.

john, February 2008

how have you got it £100 cheaper ? when they only retail at approx £45 new.
how can anyone give you a quote on labour when you don't say where you are.
alot of plumbers won't fit someone elses parts.
as for how long it should take depends on the condition of your system.
is the draincock serviceable ?
is it easy access to work on valve?
some can be done in about 1 1/2 hours some can take longer.
£150 supply & fit useally on a straight foreward job.

but you seem to think everyones ripping you off so you'll probably be better doing it yourself then you can't moan at anyone.

hi-spec plumbing & heating., February 2008

ring around and explain you have the part and how much to fit it all inclusive?.this hourly rate is a mine field but a good plumber will give you a fixed price

ck, February 2008