I was a little hesitant to call these guys after reading some of the negative comments. But Bill (I didn't get his last name) came out and highly impressed me.
The Positives:
My boiler was heating the house even with the thermostats turned off, and I had some water running out of the pressure relief outlet. Bill stopped by on the same day that I called the office. He said a motor and one of the values that control the hot water flow to my radiators needed to be replaced, and now the radiators no longer heat when the thermostats are turned off. He tried to figure out why the pressure relief valve popped and leaked water, but he couldn't pinpoint the issue exactly based on what he could see on the outside of my boiler. He had a couple ideas, but he couldn't be sure without tearing things apart.
He gave me very clear descriptions of what to keep an eye on to try to diagnose the pressure relief system. In my (unprofessional) opinion, Bill respected my time and money. He didn't try to push some expensive repair on me or anything. And throughout the entire visit he was extremely descriptive and instructive on what he was going to do and what things meant. I really appreciate it when professionals try to walk you through these things, and it comes across as very honest in my opinion. The pressure relief hasn't leaked again, and the pressure in the system has remained at the proper pressure, so again I think he made the right call.
If I need more work then I will be asking for Bill.
The Negatives:
The Martin Plumbing and Heating office made it very clear from the beginning that they were going to charge me based on when Bill left to come to my house until he returned to the office, and I at least appreciate that clarity. And overall the total bill for how long he was here and how much work he performed felt a little bit high. Bill was here for about 3 hours maximum, diagnosed the problem, replaced a motor, and replaced a value, and in total it was $565. However, if that's the cost required to work with someone who is honest, knowledgeable, and takes the time to explain things to you, then I would pay it again. read more