While I do agree…
In some cases, it is an “Emergency “ and repair businesses will capitalize on it, its just business… just like when I get called for an emergency spill clean up.
The GCFI I burned up, was to the tankless water heater, my coustomer was getting ready to go out for dinner and I had to get someone out to fix it immediately
I disagree.
If it is working properly it should trip
If it diesnt it not ur fault.
Just like with screens.
If they are brittle, snd they tear, is it ur fault?
I would say no, but then again i always do a walk through with clients to do inspection and set expectations
Just like i charge for gutter cleaning.
If the spouts clog i charge them extra.
But i let them knkw it might happen and if it does, then it is extra.
I called two certified electricians who told me it’s not my fault and I shouldn’t pay anything. I told her I would simply not cash the check she gave me for the house wash (for $290) but that I wouldn’t pay the emergency service fee as I do not think it was necessary. She said she thought I should pay it because she feels it’s my fault. I explained that I have good reason to believe it isn’t my fault. She seemed okay with that and we hung up. About 40 minutes later she called back to threaten to take me to court for the extra $100. I said “okay great, see you there.”
We’ll see where it goes, but I don’t feel bad and I am not in a “bend over and take it” mood.
Oh now you’re in my wheelhouse as I replace screens for a living.
It may technically not be your ‘fault’ but the damage is done regardless and should be addressed either by letting them know or offering repair.
If a mechanic is doing a transmission fluid change and a brittle pan bolt snaps off, should they fix it? Or should they say “well it was brittle and we’re not responsible”.
I just let the customer know some of their screens are dry rotted and beyond their usefulness, that they could tear or rip in the process of getting them out if we’re cleaning the window. I can’t pay for a screen that is of no use from the start or it’s had its usefulness met, everyone needs to be reasonable with that. When will it stop when it comes to replacement, crack in concrete and you run surface cleaner over and takes out some fragments of concrete, so you replace the driveway? It’s all about informing the customer and I document it too. Most people are good with that, but they don’t like surprises, so give them a heads up…as far as the outlet, if you didn’t talk to the customer or have some form of disclosure about outlets, I’d pay for it and move on.
Sorry, but this is false. The GFCI only protects connections on the front side of the outlet. If the box leaks and soap gets to the backside of the receptacle, it will short those hot wires coming into the box and the GFCI will do nothing to stop it.
The purpose of a GFCI is in case someone drops their hairdryer into the bathtub, or a similar type of scenario. It protects the appliances and users at the other end of the power cord, not at the outlet itself.
They tell u and they charge u replace it.
If not u dont get to drive your car unless u tow it
Shouldnt the braker trip?
This is correct. I had this happen once before and called the fire department because it smoked significantly. The head firefighter with the crew who came out to check it told me it wasn’t my fault, but was due to a leaking seal on the outlet.
In theory. But an arc/short won’t always pull enough amps to trip the breaker. That’s why there’s such a thing as electrical fires.
Note to self: add a couple GFCI receptacles and box covers/gaskets to my spare parts supply on the truck. VT allows diy electrical for small stuff like that. And I have the experience to make such a repair safely.
(I also tape all outlets, but you never know)
Oh I was just referring to the screen comment, if one gets ripped from washing I’m replacing it no questions. I agree though if the whole house is covered in 30yo screens that are waving in the wind I will be Johnny-on-the-spot letting them know.
I guess it depends on the situation.
Be careful and make sure your business insurance covers it. My guy charges $50 to replace a GFI. I could do it, but I’d rather an electrician do it and it’s under his insurance
It would definitely be on a case-by-case basis, and depend on the customer’s level of “chill”. If I had any inkling that they’d come after me for some reason, I’d definitely play it safe and hire an electrician.
I doubt I could find one to swap an outlet for $50, though. Good deal!
Swapping the outlet takes about 10 minutes. $400 comes off like she told them that you damaged it and they knew they could charge whatever that wanted.
That being said, if you don’t tape your outlets it really is your responsibility if they go during the service imo. Takes 10 minutes to tape all the outlets, and that is much easier than going through this.
Absolutely. I’m not saying there aren’t legitimate emergencies or that electricians shouldn’t charge more for those emergencies. I was more commenting on the OP’s situation of it not being a legitimate emergency call. Your case definitely sounds like a much more legitimate emergency call.
I usually tape oulets and other sensitive/electrical areas, but what about commercial pot lights like this? They’re full of spiderwebs and crap. Many hundreds of feet of them. A lot of them are loose fitting or kind of just hanging there. How do i wash the soffit without risk?
Also i would have to go at night when there are no clients. Should we ask them to shut the breaker to the lights?
I don’t like working water into the light pods regardless of power on or not.
We usually go around them and only use a cobweb getter and clean it enough to were there are no visible webs.
Also be very careful with those ceilings, around here contractors like to only paint or seal the exposed side and if you get water behind it, the wood can swell or buckle
Exterior electrical outlets, box etc should be sealed from water intrusion. If they are not water can enter a GFCI outlet or Auto light fixture, from the back and cause the electronics to short. This could happen with rain too this is why they are supposed to be sealed.
We have a signed contract in hand before we start any job, big or small. Part of our contract states:
"We are not responsible and cannot be held liable for any water or cleaning chemical leaks for any reason such as but not limited to poor or faulty building materials, construction and or maintenance, such as but not limited to faulty weather stripping, caulking, seals, window and or door seals, failing siding or roofing material. "
We have had one GFCI outlet smoke, customer didn’t even begin to ask for compensation. I did not feel responsible for the outlet. I have wash 100s of homes both newer and old, where outlets were properly sealed and none had a problem.
