I recently had to call a plumber to replace leaking washing machine valves. 2 plumbers showed up and, after about 30 mins, informed us they had to go back to their shop to get washers and a new frame. They were gone for over an hour and then took another hour to finish the job.

We received a bill for 2.5 hours yesterday and are wondering if it is normal to be charged for the time it took to obtain parts they should have already had in the truck as they knew it was a valve replacement?

I could understand being charged if the parts were something that was not expected to be used for the job, but I would think washers and a replacement frame, which is the same size as the old one, would be standard parts to bring for a valve replacement.

Also, the shop is only about 10 mins driving time from our house, so it is strange that it took over an hour for them to return.

We had an issue with the same company when we had to have a pipe clog cleared, they charged for an extra 45 minutes beyond completion of the job. The manager refunded that when I called and asked about it.

It is uncomfortable to dispute yet another charge, but we don't want to be overcharged and I am hoping the plumbing professionals on this forum might be able to weigh in on the issue.