I have a plumber who is trying to charge me $600 worth of things to "Bring me up to code"?

Question

The house is only 10 years old. I need to have my water heater replaced in a house we just bought. When the home warrenty assigned plumber showed up, He told me that I needed to pay $600 for grounding of the electical system to bring it up to code.
I dont know if there is a 'Code' problem or not. The reason for my question is that i thought if you were doing a replacement of an appliance, there was not a need to bring up to code. I thought the code check was only for new install or upgrade.
Can anyone confirm or correct my thinking?

Thanks,Joe

Answer 1

considering the age of the house the electrical system would have to be up to code because of its build date and the nec laws in place at that time...they havent changed that much in the last ten years as far as home electrical sysytems go.....i would ask for the warranty company to send another plumber or i would just do it myself.....

Answer 2

Is that in addition to the labor charge to install the new water heater? I just had mine replaced, my home is also 10 years old and it cost me right around $400 to install. I would call the code department at your city and ask whether there have been any changes to the code for water heaters since your home was built. Odd, that a plumber is informing you of an electrical upgrade, too. I think I'd also have an electrician either check it out or find another plumber to install the water heater.

Answer 3

You can ground the system yourself if thats all he wants. It is only a pair of clamps connecting each pipe and then connected to the panel. Go to the book section at any home depot or lowes and pick up an electrical book. You dont even have to buy the book, just thumb through it to get the info. You can also call the home warranty company to get a new plumber, just call them and say that the first one the gave you the number to didn't show up. ( Did that one myself)

Answer 4

Change out your own water heater Joe. It's not that hard and it will save you a ton of cash. Get the flexible compression fittings.

I changed out my first water heater last year after a HEAVY night of drinking. I was so hung over I couldn't see straight. By 2pm that afternoon I had been to Lowes, bought the heater and parts, made a quick trip to Ace and had it installed.

Answer 5

I would ask for an itemized list of everything. Then I would go to your local city hall and see what coding you actually need to have for houses in your area. Also get a second opinion from another place.

In my area I know plenty of people who changed out water heaters, I think even my father did one himself. That was never an issue.

Answer 6

If your house was built 10 years ago and the electrical inspector did his job, your water heater is already grounded.
Get a second opion. You may have to pay a service charge, but it may save you $800.

Answer 7

IF you house needs to be ground it needs to be corrected by and electric contractor not a plumber,in California labor is really expensive
but even here will not cost $600,time to get a second opinion

Answer 8

if you live in a municipality ( city, some cities), the Nazi's at code enforcement will come out & insist that your house be brought to current code before issueing an all clear. they used to use cold water pipe for a ground. It's not real good idea.

Answer 9

Any repair or replacement MUST be made to code. My question is how does the water heater relate to the electrical system? Is it electric? Unless the water heater is electric you don't have to upgrade your electric for a gas water heater.

Answer 10

Call the Better Business Bureau and see if they have anything on this guy. Then get the advice of two other plumbers before you commit to anything. This seems very excessive!!!