[784caroline]

JOe

NOt sure you can lay the blame on the plumber to know if your item was under warranty or not..that is your responsibility...although a good responsible plumber will tell you to check with someone to see if it is under warranty if in fact there is any question.

Regarding the overcharging, alot of people just want to fix something even if it a year or 2 or 3 years old and never make a comparison to what something would cost new. Again if thats the case its the persons fault. BUt if your wife was told you would have a complete rebuild of the unit for $750 what did that mean??? ( I am playing devils advocate here so please dont bite me!) I mean a complete rebuild of a water heater is the thermostat, pressure relief valve, heating elements, drain and refill . Now should that cost $750...NO WAY. And I think that is your case that a prudent man (incuding the repair man) would not and should not recommend repairs that would cost $750 when i fact you can get something new for $550 (Assuming the $550 includes labor!)

If you paid the $750 (and can prove it) a judge will most likely only reimburse you $200 because you in essence have a new water heater (with the exception of the liner itself). SO you have to decide if its worth the $200.

Good luck