Replacing Sight Glass

The other day I was having my oil boiler serviced and I noticed that the sight glass had some corrosion on the top and would have to be replaced soon. Since the fellow was already here I asked how much he would charge to replace the glass while he was working on the boiler already and he quoted me a price of $136.00 for a new glass, nuts and gaskets. I thought that was way to expensive for a job like that and he lowered the price to $116.00. The hardest part of replacing the glass would be locating the right size glass or having to cut one to the right size. I have been using this company for three years now but I am thinking it might be time to look for another plumber to service the boiler. Does anyone know what a fair price for a job like this should be, $116.00 seems pretty high or is there something I'm overlooking.

The only thing you're missing PP, is that you're having HIM do it! So what now---if you decide for him to do it--ya got a house trip PLUS the cost of glass, etc???????????????????

Hi Fred, I was talking to a neighbor and he told me about a little plumbing supply place in the neighborhood that actually cut the sight glass for him. I think I'll take the old glass up to them and see if they would cut it for me. Even if I had to pay to have it cut and bought the nuts and gaskets I think it would still be cheaper than $116.00. I was just wondering if the $136.00- $116.00 price range was a normal price for replacing a sight glass on a oil boiler.

Now we're getting somewhere

When I was in that business many years ago, replacing the glass was part of normal maintenance. No extra charge and parts were pennies. Labor no more than 5 minutes. Special glass cutter makes it quick and easy. A steam boiler will erode the bottom of the tube in time.

Take it from a retired (after 27 years) boiler inspector. Replace the glass and the washers. No need to replace the nuts. There only purpose is to compress the rubber gasket to the glass and the well it sits in. Get the glass yourself and have a spare cut at the same time. Put the spare in a very safe place on the top of the boiler. Don't put it in a cabinet because you WILL forget where you put it.

Rev. Larry

I think the ace hardware in Daleville has the glass. If not measure it, order it online. My wife does stained glass and when I was doing the boiler I bought a 12" or 18" piece and she cut it for me, can't recall the company but I also got the washers. Ebay has some 5/8 x 8" with the washers for about $17. Actually, if it's not broken, take it out, run a bottle brush through it, reinstall.

Thanks for everyone's advice on replacing the sight glass on my boiler. Went out this morning and was able to get everything I needed and glass has been replaced with no leaks! Mozz, I went up to S & H plumbing on Rt 435 they even had a 8" sight glass which was the size I needed. Thanks again for everyone's input.Pete

Nice PP, ain't it grande when a plan comes together

One more satisfied customer on the board. Just wait until he gets OUR bill!!!