Shaw's rates in the past were fair, but something has changed. Be sure to confirm charges BEFORE having Shaw out or be sure to get a free estimate in writing BEFORE the work is done. Otherwise, you may wind up with a huge bill. Several weeks ago, I contacted Shaw Plumbing. I explained by phone conversation and email that I all needed him to do was confirm that three roof vents of mine are actually plumbing vents (to answer a question from a prospective buyer). I did not get a price up front because charges from him in the past were fair. This time, he was at my house no more than an hour to simply go up on the roof and peer at the vents. He charged me $463 for labor--$388 for himself and $75 for his helper, whose sole task was to get a ladder from the truck. Shaw said he had to drive a long way and anyway, those were his standard rates. Shaw is a good plumber but there are a lot of good ones who don't do this. read more