PigletJohn - a further question for you...

[RubyRedRuby]

You answered a question about water softeners for me, I wondered if you could answer another one. We are having our house re-plumbed. What would be a reasonable charge for having a water softener installed (on top of what we are paying)? Our builder has given a price - plumber is already working in the house (price is not for the actual softener, we are supplying that ourselves) - but I'm unsure how much work is involved, figure seems a bit high to me.

I'm not Piglet John but I'd guess that it shouldn't be too much. It's probably about as difficult as plumbing in a washing machine. Maybe £150?

If you're in London then obviously double that figure.

Oh, just realised it's not a specific call out, sorry. Maybe £100 or less. Then again, the builder may add a mark up. And trade prices never fail to surprise me.

Yes, it is almost exactly the same amount of work as fitting a washing machine for the first time. It needs a drain, and two connections to the incoming water pipe.

Hmmm. So £300 + VAT is a bit of a p*ss take then....