Review of Bill the Plumber, Inc. in Sarasota, Fl. We had a leak in the water line to our house, near the meter box. Called the Sarasota County Water Dept who responded quickly after hours, but said that because the leak was on the house side of the meter, any repair was our responsibility. Called our plumber, Bill the Plumber, Inc., and one of their technicians, Sam, came quickly. Sam gave us an estimate of the cost of repair (ranging from $750 to $1,175) and said that he could fix it right away. However, Sam went on to say that he did not think that it was appropriate that the repair should be our responsibility because, although the leak was, indeed, on the house side of the meter, the leak was at the joint where the recently installed replacement meter was connected to the line to the house and was caused by faulty workmanship of whoever installed the new meter. Sam encouraged me to pursue having the County repair the leak and Bill the Plumber did not even charge us for the service call, investigating the leak or advising us as to what to do. Spent two days of calls to the Sarasota County Water Department during which calls the Department said that their third-party meter replacement contractor (Vanguard Plumbing) would contact me and come out to fix the leak. Finally, on the third day (a Saturday) of my reporting to the Department that Vanguard never called or came to fix the leak, the Sarasota Water Department sent a technician who (i) fixed the leak, (ii) confirmed that the leak was due to faulty workmanship in installing the replacement meter and connecting it to our house line and (iii) did not charge us. Bill the Plumber, Inc. (and their tech, Sam) deserve the highest praise and rating for their honesty, integrity, and professionalism in forgoing their revenue opportunity and saving us some serious money. read more

We've been customers for over 15 years now and the last visit might be truly the last one based on the results. We needed a repair to a sink and it involve replacing the drain pipe. The young man that showed up did not seem very interested in doing the work unless we wanted to engage him to replace the sink along with everything else in charge over $2000 to install a piece that I already had that matched the existing controls. He had lots of reasons that he couldn't do it then so I listened and I'd let him leave and paid the $129 visit charge. This is not the kind of service or response that I have typically had from Bill The Plumber. In the past, I have had problem solvers show up and get the work done in a timely and efficient manner. I hope this is not the direction they are going in the future where they will be losing a lot of business. read more

I was critical of my prior experience with Bill the Plumber and posted my concerns in Google and Yelp reviews . Today I had my hot water heater replaced under warranty by them. They promptly responded to my call to them yesterday afternoon reporting a leak and two employees appeared at my home this morning on time with a new hot water heater which they installed. Their work was courteous, professional, timely and took a bit over two hours in removing the old unit and replacing and installing the new unit. There was no charge for the new hot water heater, for a new ancillary part and for the labor involved. read more

Bill The Plumber is Crazy Expensive, and won't give you even a ball park quote on the phone, so they can get their $125.00 for just showing up and doing nothing. Wow, Bill the plumber is a joke. They wanted $664.00 bucks to snake a slow draining line. $579.00 if I joined their VP program at a cost. Sent the guy away but still had to pay $125.00 for the house call. Total joke and waste of time. read more

Actually this is a zero star review. I had the same experience as many other negative reviewers, and this was a surprise to me because I've been using Bill the Plumber for years for annual city required backflow valve inspections. So, when I called them because my backflow valve was malfunctioning ( large amount of water loss from the drain port) I called Eva in the office to set up an appointment. She has always been helpful and seemingly trustworthy. The tech came out the following day and without ever touching the backflow unit told me that he would get me some numbers together. He went back to his truck and was there for about 15 minutes (long enough for me to take my dog for a walk around the block). I must add that the tech was very polite. But he presents me with this estimate that was akin to a car salesman's' confusing contract. To replace the unit there were two prices, to repair also two prices, and it all depends on if I sign up for their "Value Plan" which costs $180.00 annually. Right then I suspected this was a con job. While the tech went back to his truck again to see if he could find parts to rebuild the backflow unit (which he could not locate), I called a trusted plumber I normally use, and he told me that I was getting ripped off to the tune of about $500.00 and set me on the path to try to investigate the problem myself. Long story short, I sent them away and called the office to pay $124.95 for the service call out charge. Following that, I found a YouTube video with my exact backflow unit, with a crescent wrench and a screw driver I took it apart (which was so simple) and discovered a lot of debris in the bottom of the 1st valve chamber, which did not allow the valve disk to seat properly. I cleaned it out and the backflow preventer was fixed. I should add that the amount of debris that was discovered was caused by a PVC pipe break ahead (up line) of the backflow valve, and I made those repairs and the pvc cement evidently congealed in the water line and flowed into the backflow unit. I realize that while I am somewhat of a handyman, while there are those that are not, I do have my limitations and know when I should call the professionals. You may ask "why didn't I called my trusted plumber first?" The answer is that I was under the impression that since Bill the Plumber was the firm that had been inspecting the unit for so many years, they were the specialists in that department. I couldn't have been more wrong. Bottom line. As a result of deceptive practices, price gouging, lack of professional integrity, Bill the Plumber will no longer will have my trade. Reading reviews on this outfit in the past was never required since my experience was positive as far as the annual inspections were concerned, but as far as plumbing repairs go, be very cautious. The negative reviews are accurate. Update- To their credit, I was not charged the $124.95 service charge. Eva called to tell me that my credit card was not being charged, and that my unsatisfactory experience would be reviewed. read more

Price gouging report Against Bill the Plumber, 6020 F Deacon Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238 Date of visit: 10/7/22 My kitchen sink stopped up during hurricane. As soon as I got electricity back I called for them to come and snake pipes since I had ascertained that that was what going to get the job done. I had cleaned, taken trap apart and was ready for snaking. When Bob and Sam got there, they looked, spilled water that I had a bin underneath and did not even have anything to clean that up. I provided. They did not explain to me what they thought the problem was, instead I was presented with a paper that said Through the roof $ 1000 Through the kitchen pipe $ 450 Or I could buy membership.. I paid $ 450 for 10 minutes of snaking! I have called at least 9 times and never got a call back. Until now when I posted my complaint. PRICE GOUGING! In most states, price gouging during a time of emergency is considered a violation of unfair or deceptive trade practices law. Most of these laws provide for civil penalties, as enforced by the state attorney general, while some state laws also enforce criminal penalties for price gouging violations. read more

We needed a faucet in the set tub in the garage with a spray unit. Bobby and Sam replaced it and we signed up for the Valued Customer Protection Plan. Our hot water tank was drained and the flappers in three toilets were replaced. We have nothing but high marks for this company! read more

Had Lukewarm water, looked at my water heater and saw rust. I called bill the Plumber, eva (very polite & professional) said she couldn't get anyone out until Thursday, but to keep my phone on if a tech was freed up. I got the call, Bobby came, great guy, we went over some options, I selected a new heater, came back in 20 minutes and replaced my heater in no time! Very satisfied- professional technician as I watched him breeze right through this! Good stuff! read more

Absolutely awful!!! Called for emergency service for clogged toilets. The guy who answered the phone talked like he was high and was rude. The same guy showed up, barely spoke to us, walked the perimeter of the house twice and then said he needed to unearth the septic tank for $1,073.33 without even looking at anything or trying to snake it. Had to pay him $90 for doing nothing but being rude. UPDATE: The service manager called my husband today and apologized for the entire situation and gave us a refund. He handled it very professionally and we appreciate it. read more

We called Bill the Plumber to replace our hot water heater Bobby came out and was onetime. They worked with us because we had a tight time frame to get it done. VerY curious and profrofessional would definitely use them again. read more

Called Bill the Plumber to do our backflow preventer inspection. This guy shows up, performs inspection and tells me it failed - "You have a bad valve." So I ask him how much it will cost to fix it. Instead of giving me an answer he starts lecturing me about his service agreement, which includes all plumbing in our home. I interrupt him and tell him I just want a price. The nasty twit has the gall to say to me "If all you care about is price, we are not your guys." This raises rudeness to a new level. Bottom line, unless I allowed this shameless huckster to finish his sales pitch on their service plan, he refuses to quote a price. I paid him $80 for the inspection and told him to get lost. Stay away!!! read more

I see there are numerous 1 star reviews with my same experience/complaint. We had a blocked toilet that needed to be snaked out. Called Bill The Plumber. Once he arrived he gave us a a price of $700.00!!!!!! To snake out the drain!! We said - no thanks! He then said well what about $500. We said no and he charged us $59.00 for the service call and went on his way. Fast Forward the next day and Mike the Plumber arrives. Arrived promptly, spent several minutes assessing the situation, had to get on the roof to complete the job - was here 45 minutes, fixed the drain (snaking it out) charged $195.00. How Bill the Plumber stays in business is beyond my comprehension. I would go so far as to call them scam artists who most likely are capitalizing on the seniors in our community and taking advantage of them. Very sad. read more

Friendly fast service but shysters! Bill the Plumber quoted $4100- discounted from $5100- for a well pump. I called other local companies- going rate was about $1200-1500. Three hours later, my well was back up for a far more reasonable price. I have used them before and felt overcharged, however I've just figured it's the cost of fast service. However, after this experience I have little faith in any homes service! read more

Beware : I did not use this service. When the technition presented me with a quote for over $700 I knew it was a rip off at worst and overpriced at best . I called another company -Richard's plumbing - and he fixed the problem for $111.24. read more

I can always count on Bill the Plumber to help fix any plumbing issue I have, they're reliable & always so kind

The website says this: At Bill The Plumber We don't just present 24 hour a day, 7 day per week emergency service in the Venice Area - we deliver it. Anytime you are having a plumbing emergency - Do not hesitate to call Bill The Plumber. We respond to all emergencies, no matter what time! 2:00 a.m. Saturday night - No Emergency Plumbing Veniceproblem, we're on our way. 4:00 a.m. Monday morning - we're on our way. We will never leave you stranded when you are having a plumbing emergency. Our operators are there to answer your calls 24 hours a day - So you don't have to worry about leaving a message on some machine and waiting to have your call returned the next day, when it's too late. We called at 9:30 in the evening and they said, nope can't do it, call us in the morning. read more

$$$$!!! Yes the employees are nice. Yes they do a decent job... after they try to up-sell you on a dozen other items you really don't need and then charge you an astronomical amount of money for the service. It took the guy only 15 minutes to clear our drain and after TWO different discounts were applied, we had to pay almost $400. I then found out from other professionals that this was highway robbery. read more

Bill the Plumber had been my plumber for the past 10 years. However; I am now forced to compare costs with other plumbing companies. My hot water heater in the garage started to drip water onto the floor through the pressure relief value. A call to Bill the Plumber scheduled someone to come to my home the next morning. After inspecting the water heater the plumber pumped air into the expansion tank and gave me a bill for $199.00! Way too expensive!!! Because the water heater is 10 years old I asked for an estimate for a new water heater. A quote was presented for $4500 and $10,000 for a tankless heater! Sorry .. but this is the last time I will call Bill the Plumber. read more

Called Bill the plumber and spoke with Eva, she was great, pleasant and helpful. I needed a copper pipe repaired that was exposed in the floor. Quoted 320 to do a few min job. Without water I reluctantly agreed. Appeared to only be interested in the money even asking for a tip which I foolishly complied. The reason for 3 stars is that at least the job was done after needing to request and insure each step was actually done and the very good experience with the dispatcher. read more

At these prices, no wonder they give 1st class service. The tech who came to my house was great. Clean, smart, and enthusiastic. The prices were another thing. The quote to change a kitchen drain $400. I did it myself later for $15 and 20 minutes. Basic toilet? $700. Ouch! I cheerfully told the guy, I was sorry, but my budget would not allow that. He charged the prearranged $59.95 for the house call. I told him I would have the quote framed. He smiled knowingly. Super nice guy. Be warned. These guys are first class, but it ain't cheap. read more

Bill The Plumber - Plumbing Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

"My opinion": They charged an 89 year old veteran $300 for 45 minutes of labor to install a faucet he had ALREADY purchased! They said this was discounted from $453!!! They charged the equivalent of $400/hour. Who do they think they are-anesthesiologists?When questioned about the amount, they answered "we don't charge by the hour". Avoid these snakes like the plague! read more

Today I called "Bill the Plumber" to change out a hot water heater. Here is what happened. They will tell you they have "Flat rate pricing" the reason for this is because they are charging $600 an hour for labor and cant do that with fair hourly labor rates. They charged me $1585 for a Rheem model PROG40-38N-RH62. This is a unit that I can buy for $420 (they get it cheaper) and anyone who know what they are doing can do this job in an hour but they were done in 2 hours. The math works out to be $582.50 an hour. The original quote was over $2000 and when I argued it came down to $1585 and he acted like he did me a favor. DO NOT USE BILL THE PLUMBER, he thinks he's surgeon! read more

Almost $200 for a five minute job, really? Doctors should quit their jobs so they could make this kind of money. They got me once but NEVER again. I called for a simple arm on my shower that broke off and they wanted to sell me a warranty on repairs and a disposal unit for $700 and even gave me info on a whole house filtration system for $5000. They found all this with a courtesy inspection. They tell you a service call is $59 but that includes no work or parts. You are paying for an estimate. Prepare for a sales presentation! So if you want to waste your money call these guys. I will be sure to warn my neighbors and friends. read more

I had this company come out to unclog my kitchen sink. They quoted me $700. I refused their service, but still had to pay $59.95 for the service call. Buyer beware. read more

Get other quotes before you do any work with this group. I had to have a toiler installed. I had already removed the other one, all I needed done was to remove the plastic ring on the outflow pipe and install the new toilet. I was suspicious when they said they needed time to develop an estimate. Fifteen minutes later, they came back and offered two prices. One was for $530 which would include some type of yearly services and the other for the install only was for $475. MY wife was shocked and asked how long it would take and they said about an hour. She would like to change careers and get a job with this outfit. We used another plumber and paid $125. read more

DO NOT USE BILL THE PLUMBER. This company is overpriced and is only interested in selling their ridiculously expensive maintenance plans. They tested my backflow meter last month and it passed. After testing the meter one of the valves developed a slow drip leak which he made me aware of and said that it should stop but if it didn't to give him a call. Well it didn't stop so I called only to find out he planned to charge me to replace the valve that he broke. His explanation was that this didn't pass the "prudent person" test and he wasn't responsible. My "prudent person" test is you broke it you fix it. He still refused to take responsibility for fixing what he broke even after I let him know the only reason I hired him was because of online reviews and that I would be writing an unfavorable review based on his service. He also didn't care that I would instead contact a different plumber to make the repair. read more