http://www.roflcat.com/i-are-serious-cat-this-is-serious-thread Sorry no help here, but I have worked on my gas water heater pipes before. Had to replace a broken on/off valve. I put on a new one. Had to contact the gas company to shut off my line, installed new one, then they turned my line back on. They don't like anyone doing anything themselves, but it wasn't difficult. They make it sound like rocket science, and that you will kil yourself attempting only what they can do. Black pipe, pipe dope new valve on in 5 minutes, and done. That was like, 6 years ago.
$1000 bux - Canadian or American is a lot of money. You aren't dealing with gas lines, so it shouldn't be difficult at all.
Keep in mind, local ordninsas might force you to use a qaulified contracter.
So many people are even scared of steam cleaning their engines these days. It's crazy.
But then, a lot of people have never dealt with building a house or anything. My house was built in 1900. It would not pass any code inspections today for a house built. But it still stands.
