I first hired Kimmons Plumbing in 2011 to replumb my entire house. Jeremy and assistant worked extremely hard and almost non-stop. If I had questions they answered them clearly so I understood. Even though it was November, Jeremy was in the attic running water lines to various locations, and was soaked from sweat. Home was on slab, thus new lines had to be run overhead. I got other estimates and Kimmons was spot on with the same amount. Great job!! I have had Jeremy back out to repair leaky tub fixtures, a broken shut off valve, and replace a hot water heater. Most routine jobs are billed at an hourly rate plus parts. Larger more complex jobs are estimated by the job.
In Dec. 2018 I purchased another home. I hired a contractor, who had A+ ratings online from Angies List and the BBB. I thought he would subcontract the plumbing to a plumber. He did not!! I was shocked and appalled at the "bucket of worms" he left under my kitchen sink!! I had Jeremy and Bre come out and they spent half a day fixing that guy's mess, installed all new 1/4 turn shut off valves, rebuilt an old toilet's tank and guts etc. replaced old wax seal, replaced fixtures in both bath tubs and more. To top it off Jeremy showed me that there was no separate shut-off for the dishwasher, a code violation. Also, if as I suspect, the contractor is not a licensed plumber, he broke the law by doing the plumbing himself. Jeremy and Bre also helped me with a sewer blockage. Another company recommended by Mr. Kimmons, located my sewer line, dug a hole where it enters my house, and then mapped where all the drain lines were located under the slab and marked the route with tape. This is so when the plumbers come they know where everything is. Jeremy dug the hole larger so he could see where it comes out of the house and he also cut out a section of the drain line to install a clean out access that is raised above ground level for easy access. I had water backing up in tubs etc. when Jeremy cut the pipe water from the house came pouring out. He said that was good because it meant there wasn't a clog on the house side of the line. He found a piece of terracotta and noted that this was what the original (1973) sewer line was made of. It had been replaced sometime, with pvc. However, the person who installed it put it in wrong. The cast iron pipe coming from the hose is supposed to be higher than the drain line. Common sense, want the water to flow down hill. The cast iron pipe was almost lower, I would say level, with the drain line closest to the house. Thus water always sits in the line. Jeremy snaked the sewer line all the way to the street. There were no apparent obstructions as it traveled smoothly to and back. I had already had the main lines in the house snaked by the men who mapped the sewer line. There was water in the line coming from the house and couldn't stop it, so Jeremy inserted a balloon like device and inflated it to stop the flow so he could dry off the pipe and glue the new piece with the clean out on. After they were set and in place, he deflated the device and I drained 2 half full tubs, flushed a toilet and filled the washer with water and spun it out through the drain, which had been backing up into the garage, all the water drained properly, Jeremy could look down through the opening and see all the water flowing by. He told me if the problem returns as before, that it is the improperly installed sewer drain line causing the problem and I may have to have my entire sewer drain line replaced from the house to the street. I appreciated his honest feedback and not trying to pressure me into having a major, expensive job done now. Next up. Whenever Jeremy is available, (in demand a lot) he will be installing a shut off valve between the water meter and house. No Kimmons isn't going to necessarily be the cheapest, lowest cost plumber; however GOOD, EXPERT, workmanship is worth it. Go ahead, I recommend getting other bids/estimates on your next plumbing job. If a company quotes a rate "by the job" ask what it includes, and if there is any reason the cost may go up from the original estimate. Also get a quote from Kimmons and ask the same questions. If you get an hourly quote ask when the clock starts, (usually when they arrive) when it stops, and if they go to lunch etc. that you aren't charged for that time. Ask if they can give you an approximate guess to how long it will take, and how much parts might cost. Any plumber will tell you they can't guarantee that a job will go smoothly etc. sometimes they encounter problems they can't see until they start the job if it is behind a structure, in walls etc. It's like when you find a mechanic you trust to take your car to. My home is the second largest expense after my car, and Tommy Kimmons Plumbing is my go to guy. read more
