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CB Electricians and Plumbing Review of Plumbing 911
Plumbing 911

Plumbing 911 review: Overcharge for water leak repair 3

S
Author of the review
7:01 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

On February 11th, 2010 my wife contacted a company called Plumbing 911 regarding a leak at the front of our house. I believe their main office is located on 312 Brentwood Avenue, Trussville, Alabama 35173. I believe the company is owned by a Tony C. Gowins.

Unfortunately I have been out of town and my wife was at the house (with our 15 month old) when they showed up at 4 pm. Over the phone the company said there would be a $39 service charge for showing up but that would apply to any repairs that would be made. The two employees proceeded with the repair and they completed it by 7pm for a total of 6 manhours. They then called their office and were told to charge my wife $2675 (they had to dig a hole with shovels to access the leak and replaced some fittings). I contacted their office the next day to challenge the charge and I was told that they would call me back- they never did. I called back several times and they finally called me back on 2/18. I explained the situation by saying that with 2 manhours of travel time, 6 manhours of work and $50 in material that they were charging $328/manhour of work. She replied that they charge by the type of job. I asked if that if they charged by the type of the job why didnt they provide an estimate up front. Her response was that didnt my wife ask for one. I wasnt extremely pleased with that response as Im sure my wife was more concerned about taking care of a 15 month old since I wasnt around to help. Is it legal in Alabama for a plumbing contractor to proceed with work without an estimate? To be truthful I probably would have demanded one but I would have never in my wildest imagination thought that this job would cost $2675

We did fail to check out the company with the Better Business Bureau. If we had of done that we wouldnt have used them. They have a D+ rating and if you read some of the reviews it is pretty clear this isnt this first time they have used this practice.

Is there anything that can be done about this company? It is a shame that they have business practices like this and it is even more aggravating that they took advantage of my wife who was trying to care for a child with a husband out of town. I doubt I will ever get my money back but Alabama businesses that operate in this manner need to be held accountable. Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

3 comments
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front row seat
, US
Oct 24, 2015 5:08 pm EDT

I called Plumbing 911 Oct 20, 2015. They quoted me $79 for a service call. I told them exactly what I needed (leaky faucet in hall bath) and to check gas logs. The gas log check consisted of me showing them how to light the pilot, and Justin removed 4 logs, shook his head and said they looked good. I told him there had been a soot issue last year and he told me he would have to call his boss. He went outside, came back in and said to 'rearrange the logs' and that should fix the problem. By now I was skeptical about his ability to check the gas logs so told him okay. Now to the leaky faucet. I had gone to Lowes a few days before and priced the replacement spring/washer for the faucet. Item #: 28776 $2.49 for a 2 pack. It took all of 3 minutes to replace both hot and cold. ( I had turned the water off before they came. They turned it back on) He went out, wasted about 15 to 20 minutes, and came back in with a bill for $200. I had ask if I could use the coupon BEFORE he started the faucet. The answer was yes. I was shocked with the $200 bill. When I told him that was ridiculous he went over and measured the fireplace logs and wrote on the bottom of the bill that he 'measured for the customer'. Because I had told him I had the papers on the gas logs, I assume he needed to justify the charge. I also have a tape measure and am an educated woman, so really didn't need for him to measure anything. Unfortunately, I didn't check BBB either but did file a complaint with them about this company. It is the Plumbing 911 location in Moody. From what I have read, Tony Gowins owns this company. I have decided to contest the charge with my credit card company, because I would NEVER have paid $200 for replacing two springs in a faucet. The gas log 'inspection' was a joke as he didn't know anything about it at all and did nothing at all! Stay away from this company. These kind of people cheat old people and all others.

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Noros
Helena, US
Oct 20, 2014 8:45 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I called Plumbing 911 on Sunday 10/19/2014 for a busted valve body on my bath tub. I was charged $79.00 for them to come out and tell me that they wanted $1400.00 to replace the valve. After I told the plumber that wasn't going to happen, he went back to his truck to call his boss. He returned and said he could do the job for $810.00. I again told him no way. I had a new, still in the box valve body left over from another project several years ago. The plumber said that he didn't like the brand but would install it for $500.00 with no warranty or guarantee of the work. He said " if I install it and it leaks then it is what it is. " I finally sent this con artist on his way.I will report this company to the B.B.B. and any other state boards in Alabama. DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE, THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF!

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the rightous
Trussville, US
Jul 07, 2011 2:21 am EDT

it is simple what you have to do take them to small claims court it will cost you 230.00 but guaranteed to get all your money back plus court costs courts hate contractors that mislead or out and out steal from unsuspecting customers, and you know he 911 plumbing have several complaints that the courts know about