Is this a good plumbing quote?

Question

About a week ago I posted on here and learned that my primary A/C drain was probably blocked--and that it should cost about $80 to get fixed. Today a plumber confirmed the problem---and left us with a quote that was pretty high. They want $390 to flush the drain of the calcium deposits that are blocking it (we have really hard water)--and said since there's no access because it's all copper piping there's an additional charge of over $700 to put in access to where they'd drain it. After some haggling he agreed to do the flush for free if we put in the access but this still seems crazy. Just wanted to get some input from the experienced plumbers on here. I'm in Calif. if that matters.

Answer 1

call hvac company, have them remove the copper, sell it, and have them install pvc for the drain....will reduce the build up also..should cost about $ 200.00 turn key.....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 2

Thats way too much,ask other tradesmen, like hvac or even a general handyman could do it for a fraction of that price,even if it is in the wall.Some plumbers think they are scientists or brain surgeons because they can install PVC.

Answer 3

I don't know what your system looks like but if you can pour in some white vinegar it will disolve the calcium and not hurt the copper tube.

Plastic tube might not have the same problem.Your plumbers quote sounds way too high.

Answer 4

Something is wrong here..the drain pipe on an ac is not under presuure, nor does it transfer oils/freons/gasses etcetera..It requires no sweating of copper to simply cut into the line..unplug it with a thin wire, spray a little crl in it ..then put a hand tightened compression fitting back on it where it was cut..any handyman can do this ....There is no pressure on this line..it is quite simple...The couplers look like this..

http://www.arncocorp.com/Product.aspx?PA...

Here is a self install drain cleaner here..Even though you have copper lines..a couple couplers with the proper pvc pipe will adapt right to this drain..cost will be about 4.00 to adapt it..and then the claner on the link below..It can be done in less than 15 minutes..

http://www.actechelp.com/EasyKlear/easyk...

Answer 5

seems you are getting an very high estimate . 1200 dollars is WAY out of line . call an HVAC company  

Answer 6

That is ludacris!!! you can find someone to replace the whole thing for under $200 if its less than 10 feet in length. It shouldn't cost anything near that to flush your existing one. as far as access, if you're talking about a way of getting to the drain pipe itself, and requires cutting and patching a wall, i wouldn't know, but if you mean a way to open the pipe to clean it, than $700 is a rip off. It requires $20 worth of parts, and 30 min.

Answer 7

They are too high or stoned or both.There is really just not that much involved in it.Copper or pvc, it's just not that involved.Labor,time,or parts.Over 50$ is ridiculous.Even if 10 ft of drain is replaced.Good luck.

Answer 8

this is a great deal for you! for this problem most people pay around 6000$, you are getting a deal buddy! well, actually, my bum just itches, so now i need pooding, or at least some nick murcela BUBS!