ChrisnJules Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 I am rennovating a house and will soon be installing a new bathroom (have to there isn't one at present). I have a plumber who is gong to install all the pipes, but to save money I have agreed to purchase all of the fittings. I need an electric water heater (200L) and I understand that there are two types: Steatite and Thermoplonges. Does anyone know what the difference is please? and is there a preferrence as both seem to be sold at similar prices at the local Brico. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJSLIV Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 The steatite tend to be dearer, but better, as it is easier to replace the element without draining down the whole system.The lement is in its own little compartment which alos protects it from the effects of calcaire meaning it should last longer.Interested that you find it cheaper to buy your own bits and pieces which will mean paying Vat at 19.6% whereas the plumber could get them and only charge 5.5% Vat. You will also probably not have the guarantee he would otherwise have provided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blanche Neige Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Interested that you find it cheaper to buy your own bits and pieces which will mean paying Vat at 19.6% whereas the plumber could get them and only charge 5.5% Vat. You will also probably not have the guarantee he would otherwise have provided.BJSLVI had exactly the same thought! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Trollope Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 [quote user="BJSLIV"]Interested that you find it cheaper to buy your own bits and pieces which will mean paying Vat at 19.6% whereas the plumber could get them and only charge 5.5% Vat. You will also probably not have the guarantee he would otherwise have provided.[/quote]Is the creation/installation of a bathroom (where one did not exist before) 5.5%? I'm not so sure..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blanche Neige Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 "Is the creation/installation of a bathroom (where one did not exist before) 5.5%? I'm not so sure....." Well ours was, we had it put in the attic space so it is not a new, add on extension. All work was done by registered local artisans and the appropriate pieces of paper signed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJSLIV Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Work to an existing house (2years old etc) qualifies wherher its the a new installation or not. As an example our new fitted wardrobes counted. Its the reason why many French people wait for two years before they add chimney breasts, inserts, full fitted kitchens etc to their new pavillions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisnJules Posted August 15, 2006 Author Share Posted August 15, 2006 Thanks for the advice. I have been trying to get a French plumber for almost two years. Everyone I find turns down the work as they prefer to work on new properties. I did get one quote, but he was outrageously expensive and wanted to charge 1,000 euros for supplying a 200L heater I could get from Brico Depot for closer to 300. He also wanted to charge me 1,500 for supplying and installing a shower - same argument. His total devis for plumbing in a complete bathroom was circa 7,500 e. I want a bathroom not a palace !I considered bringing a plumber over from the UK then found a French plumber willing to do the work. He has suggested that he supplies and fits all of the plumbing pipes (hot cold, waste etc.) but has suggested that I just buy the fittings I need from the Brico and either just connect them up myself when I am next out there or pay him to do that. Either way, it works out at half the cost of the above quote - tax or no tax.Thanks to everyone for the help and advice - needs must when you are running on a budget that is already blown out of the water :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alane Posted August 16, 2006 Share Posted August 16, 2006 A number of people over the years have made the comment that items from the Brico sheds are inferior to those from professional suppliers. Are there any recommendations for make of Chauffe Eau? I'm about to install one as well and was going to go for the Brico Depot top range but wonder if I'd do better elsewhere as I'm not keen to repeat the job. The top of the range comes with a 5 year guarantee on the "cuve" which is presumably covers deterioriation of the water container itself. The electrical parts have a 2 year guarantee but other parts only 1 year. The make appears to be Vivrelec and the range is Acapulco.Any suggestions welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gyn_Paul Posted August 16, 2006 Share Posted August 16, 2006 Many people have taken a pop at the bricos over the years, particularly Brico Depot, in my view unfairly. I have used all the major chains over the years and find that "you get what you pay for" to be only partially true. Many of the offers of cheap tools, for example, are neither better nor worse in Brico Depot than - say - Brico Marche or Leclerc. You but a screwdriver set for 2E50 and you must expect it not to be as butch as a Stanley single screwdriver costing 15E.But when it comes to big-ticket items and named brands, I would have no hesitation in shopping around and finding the cheapest. If Brico Depot is the cheapest, then so be it. Do you live in a hard water area? Calcaire isn't an issue unless you do. I've bought the cheapest 200 L in the past and had the elements last 10 years. Equally you might only get 2 years out of it. Pot luck I'm afraid.paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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