Plumbing bits - outrageous prices in Ireland

spr1nt3r

To start it all I am diy lad, small jobs is what I am always at.

What is going on (and has been) with prices of fittings and pipe? Now I know we had Covid but that is not it.

UK is fraction of the price for same copper bits as an example. Pipes are meh due to shortage. Now I know Ireland is unique by having kept the imperial system but come on, 1mm difference and 10x price? 3/4 solder elbow is 3 euro! Screwfix asking same for bag of 5 or 10.

Chadwichks, Heat Merchants, Brooks are all in on it. What's the craic here? Am I missing something?

K.Flyer

Ireland is still predominantly imperial measurements which does put us at a disadvantage somewhat. I've been told it's shipping to Ireland is what is to blame for driving up prices here. I've heard complaints about it in the building sector and even Mattress Mick was recently on the radio saying container shipping space is being charged at a premium.

Now you could take your chances on the Screwfix stuff, but what come back have you got in the event of a serious failure.

Having had the unfortunate experience myself of a new valve pour water all over a gas boiler and destroy the circuit board. It was great to be able to get the supplier to come down to look at it the very next day and they covered all of the cost to rectify everything including my costs.

So yes, price hikes are not nice, but you need to weigh up your back up service when purchasing.

spr1nt3r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117699273#Comment_117699273

Thanks for sharing. I just hope one day we'll convert this madness to metric and avail of much cheaper pricing.

Any tips on where to shop?

Sleeper12

Brexit & covid are pushing prices up. There is a worldwide shortage of raw materials. The cost of plastic has gone through the roof. I'm looking at some shower manufactures increasing prices by up to 35%!!!