Updating again and raising the rating back up just a bit. After some communication problems, Express Rooter DID finally call me back and came out the same day to fix the tub faucet issue at no further charge (the cartridge was installed incorrectly by the first guy, and it appears to work properly now). The toilet repair... well, if I hadn't been lazy I could've replaced the tank guts myself with a universal kit from Home Depot for $25. It's not a difficult task. I've recently had a death in the family tho, and I was trying not to add to my stress level, so I asked the first repairman to replace the gasket on the flush valve, as I thought that's what was wrong. He did do that, but clearly he did not actually *diagnose* the problem, since it was still a problem a couple days later (the seal is simply old and worn and the whole flush valve should've been replaced). The second repairman came out and recommended I replace *the entire toilet* for $450. I didn't want to be rude, but I'm not that dumb. The fill valve appeared to be the problem at this point (that's what was making the noise), so I asked him just to replace that. That cost $100. He predicted it wouldn't work, and it didn't, but I was the one willing to take the gamble. He probably knew better, but whatever. The games we play. I should've asked him to explain why, I guess. My bad. When the new fill valve didn't solve the problem, he offered to replace the entire flush valve as well for *another* $100, and mentioned finding a flush valve for an older toilet would be difficult, then also said I *might* be able to use a universal one. I said no thanks, I will handle it. I found the correct flush valve at Home Depot for $11, no problem at all, and I will install it myself.
I do appreciate that they came out same day, and that the tub faucet was made right at no charge. That one I wouldn't have done by myself. The toilet... well, if I weren't in the state of mind I'm in, I would've handled it myself to begin with. Apparently the original repairman no longer works there, and I do like supporting local family businesses (which they are), so I may or may not call again if I have another plumbing issue. Caveat emptor (buyer beware), tho. So long as you're savvy about what the problem is and paying attention, I would say these guys will make it right, even if they are a tad expensive. They are nice and respectful, and handle the job quickly. They use booties so they don't track anything on your floors, too. Just be careful of the upsells.
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Updating this review because the tub faucet in which they replaced the cartridge doesn't work properly (you get either scalding hot or cold and nothing in between) and the toilet is still occasionally running randomly so that wasn't fixed properly either. I've called and left messages and tried messaging on the projects board last Friday and again today (Monday) and no one is calling me back or answering the phone when I'm calling. These two simple repairs cost $400. I think they should work properly, and if they don't, I think they should send people out to make sure they do. read more