To be fair I am giving 1 star for customer service: refusing to give me an itemized bill, refusing to tell me what they actually charged me for the labor, or the hot water heater, or what their "flat fee" that I was told they charge to 'all' clients was, and being charged $3000 for replacement of a 50 gallon tank. The actual plumbing work so far seems fine.
My complaint is I believe I was ripped off, I told them this numerous times, all I want is to know what the itemization of my bill is which came to $3,000. I've found the hot water heater they installed online ranging from $800-$1300 (yes this includes local big box stores), so even if they paid top dollar (which they refuse to tell me what they paid or charged me for) AND if they charged me $1000 for labor (they also refuse to tell me what they charged for labor, they only keep telling me that they charge all their customers a "flat service fee" but they won't tell me what that is either) then that comes to $2300, where's the extra $700 going they charged me? They won't tell me.
After 5 phone calls by me to them over 6 weeks (the job was done on 8/20/18) 4 calls ending up with the dispatch manager Jen or Jan or something like that, and two promises from her that she would discuss my issue with the General Manager and he would assuredly get back to me, I still have no idea how I was possibly charged $3,000 to replace a 50 gallon hot water heater that sells for $800-$1300.
The back story if you care:
I had my hot water heater go out on Monday morning 8/20 as I was getting ready for work. I called several places but Edwards was the first one that could be out same day. They told me it's a flat rate over the phone for the service call (I had to shut water off to the whole house because the inlet to the water heater was seized so I didn't think to ask what that fee was at the time) and the plumber would determine what repair or replacement needed to be done.
The plumber was here a total of about 3-4 hours, but he also left 2 different times that I know of, once for about 45-60 minutes so I don't know if that was lunch or what. He was friendly and courteous, he did not explain or detail any charges to me or give me any estimate during the time he was here other than say, it'd be about $3000.
I was shocked that it cost so much but at the same time, the water to my house was shut off, my hot water heater was broken, I had had to take off work for the day already, and I had spent over an hour calling other plumbers to come fix it and they were the first ones that could do it same day. So I reluctantly agreed to the charge but asked about a billing statement, he said they don't do paper anymore, it's all by email. I thought ok, fine, at least I'll see what all went to this $3000 charge and if something is funny maybe I can dispute it later.
I've called about once a week since trying to get the inspection scheduled and trying to at least be verbally told what I was charged in labor and for the hot water heater. I've been put through to the "dispatch supervisor" Jen or whatever her name is 4 times (she also indicated she is the one responsible for arranging the city inspections) told her my concerns and belief I was ripped off especially when I find the cost of the tank ranges from $800-$1300 so what did they charge for labor? She assured me at least on 2 separate occasions she would personally speak to the General Manager about my concerns and would ask him to call me to discuss it.
The last call I made to them was over a week ago, today is 10/6/18, I've still heard nothing. I'm just throwing out the $1000 in labor estimate, I have no idea what the actual labor cost. But assuming that figure and the cost of the tank, I was presumably overcharged by $700-$1200.
So bear this in mind potential customers. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have toughed it out another day and waited for another plumbing company to come out. read more