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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Paying the plumber - AIBU?

162 replies

Hanhan22 · 23/12/2025 15:25

We had work done to fix a leak on Friday. Plumber we have used before. He asked we pay within 10 days as is normal (we’ve always paid promptly in the past though).

We thought, great, as we are a bit tight with coats due to Christmas and DH not paid until today. Anyway, Saturday the plumber texts and asks if we can pay any earlier - we apologise and say we can’t until today as waiting for payday. He texts again yesterday to ask again incase our circumstances have changed, we again said no (politely).

We’ve paid this morning and text to confirm which he has read and not replied.

AIBU to feel he was a CF? If you don’t want a delay in payment, then don’t give 10 days for it!

Edit - obviously the title is meant to say ‘Paying’ if someone can change it please. No idea what happened there

[Title edited by MNHQ]

OP posts:
Jonnyenglish · 23/12/2025 16:00

HelenaWaiting · 23/12/2025 15:28

Well, I must say, given your thread title, the content of your post was not what I expected. You are massively unreasonable btw. He did the work. Pay him. He probably needs it for Christmas.

but then as the op said why give a 10 day window ?

DustyMaiden · 23/12/2025 15:59

WalkDontWalk · 23/12/2025 15:44

Or rimming the rector.

(I understand, of course, that this kind of joke is neither grown-up nor clever, but once I'd thought of it I had to type it or the sense of an opportunity missed would have ruined my entire Christmas.)

Bishop will have a good day

Spenning · 23/12/2025 15:59

catgirl1976 · 23/12/2025 15:27

This thread is not about what I thought it was going to be about.

Thankfully

I thought exactly the same thing ! 😭

Elbowpatch · 23/12/2025 15:58

Poms · 23/12/2025 15:32

How did you even type pegging, it’s not something autocorrect would change?

I’m not so sure. My iPad has a twisted sense of humour.

HelpMeGetThrough · 23/12/2025 15:58

Poms · 23/12/2025 15:26

Pegging? I don’t really understand what you mean.

It’s the woman’s revenge for the facial.

Vinvertebrate · 23/12/2025 15:58

Unreasonable to get the plumber’s hopes up if you can’t peg him on demand and in full, irrespective of the invoice.

Don’t worry though - I let a colleague know I’d be away from my desk with a chirpy “just popping out for lube” text. Didn’t even realise until I got the “er do you mean lunch, Vin?” reply 🫣

Bjorkdidit · 23/12/2025 15:57

Poms · 23/12/2025 15:32

How did you even type pegging, it’s not something autocorrect would change?

Predictive text probably would if its a word you use regularly......

Anyway I'm in the minority in that if he wants paying quickly, he should shortern his payment terms.

Gloriia · 23/12/2025 15:56

Op you must ask mnhq to edit your post or you'll have 20 pages of pegging and rimming wisecracks.

But yes yabu, tradesmen should be paid on completion of the work undertaken not when it suits you sorry.

YYYDlilah · 23/12/2025 15:56

Best thread title typo ever.

Matsukaze · 23/12/2025 15:55

catgirl1976 · 23/12/2025 15:27

This thread is not about what I thought it was going to be about.

Thankfully

I'm sat in Tesco cafe trying to stiffle the chuckles

NewNameforThisPost2025 · 23/12/2025 15:55

TallulahBetty · 23/12/2025 15:47

Done on purpose for a reaction.

Wouldn't be too sure - autocorrect absolutely has a mind of its own.

CalmShaker · 23/12/2025 15:55

Hanhan22 · 23/12/2025 15:52

We wouldn’t have instructed the Plumber at that time , that’s what.

We work hard, but there is a cost of living crisis so I guess yes, we must be ‘that hard up’ as you so politely put it.

I imagine the plumber is going to be a bit hard up too the way you're going.

I'm sorry but I don't like this, I don't like this one bit.

NewNameforThisPost2025 · 23/12/2025 15:54

HelpMeGetThrough · 23/12/2025 15:48

Last time I had a plumber in and was told the cost, I felt like I’d been pegged!!

🤣🤣🤣

ABeerInTheSunshineMakesMeHappy · 23/12/2025 15:54

SurnameFirstnameMiddlename · 23/12/2025 15:30

I only opened the thread for this reason if I’m honest. Grin

Me too - im off now lol

brightbevs · 23/12/2025 15:54

YANBU

Did you snap and fart by any chance?

Quicklyquicklyquicker · 23/12/2025 15:54

SleeplessInWherever · 23/12/2025 15:43

I’d imagine pegging a plumber is fairly unreasonable, particularly if he hasn’t asked for it.

😂

NewNameforThisPost2025 · 23/12/2025 15:53

TheShed7 · 23/12/2025 15:42

Tightness is not an ideal quality for that.

Apparently.

🤣🤣🤣

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 23/12/2025 15:53

HelenaWaiting · 23/12/2025 15:30

I don't think that's going to get you off the hook, OP 🤣

I’m saying nothing 🤣

NewNameforThisPost2025 · 23/12/2025 15:53

catgirl1976 · 23/12/2025 15:27

This thread is not about what I thought it was going to be about.

Thankfully

Same here! 🤣

Hanhan22 · 23/12/2025 15:52

CalmShaker · 23/12/2025 15:50

Are people honestly that hard up they can't pay a bill on demand? Especially something where a tradesperson has actually came into your house. If it was a parking fine or similar maybe, but an essential house job like fixing a leak? I couldn't do that.
What if the terms would not have been 10 days but 3, what would you have done then op? What would you have done then, tell me.

We wouldn’t have instructed the Plumber at that time , that’s what.

We work hard, but there is a cost of living crisis so I guess yes, we must be ‘that hard up’ as you so politely put it.

OP posts:
Fionasapples · 23/12/2025 15:52

From the title, I thought he was offering an alternative way of paying the bill.

HopSpringsEternal · 23/12/2025 15:52

If he beg, I will peg. Someone has been listening to too much Self Esteem.

GAJLY · 23/12/2025 15:51

BauhausOfEliott · 23/12/2025 15:34

You should Google it. Ideally at work.

😂😂😂

CalmShaker · 23/12/2025 15:50

Are people honestly that hard up they can't pay a bill on demand? Especially something where a tradesperson has actually came into your house. If it was a parking fine or similar maybe, but an essential house job like fixing a leak? I couldn't do that.
What if the terms would not have been 10 days but 3, what would you have done then op? What would you have done then, tell me.

JudgeBread · 23/12/2025 15:49

This is the most disappointing thread I've opened all year, I was well ready for a dramatic OP about a woman walking in on her husband pegging the plumber.