Don't walk away, RUN Away…read more
First of all, this is an American Home Shield (AHS) warranty contractor, which usually places them at the bottom of the competency pile, which proved true in my case.
Both my 50gal water heater pilot lights were out, so I attempted to reignite both, with one responding. I called AHS, who in turn sent out Globus, who told me I needed a replaced component on the newer tank 1 (which wouldn't ignite), and tank 2, although operational, was rusted and needed to be replaced. I said fine, as AHS will replace the water heater at their cost, but warned the tech I'm an engineer and have been designing/constructing/maintaining large commercial buildings for decades - I know the details, so don't BS me. He noted several upgrades needed to occur due to code, I agreed, and told him to price them reasonably. I received a quote for $750, which is absolutely ridiculous. Example: One item was to replace the Temp and Pressure control valve which supposedly also needed a reducer and "ring" - $185 + tax?? This is an item with material costs of ~ $15, AND the contractor needed to reinstall the line anyway under AHS coverage. I called the company to ask for a breakdown (labor, material, OH, fee), and they would not provide as the "unit rates" were already set. I complained about the high price, and the manager responded that AHS only compensates them $140 for a tank replacement. Why did he say that ? It tells me that Global wants to make up funds they lose to AHS by gouging the consumer on extras - a tactic many warranty contractors use. I complained to AHS, but they don't care, and were of no help.
I did agree to have the component on tank 1 replaced by Globus to get it up and running. The tech was supposed to call me in advance of arrival, and he of course did not. I told him that there were "isolation valves" to separate the two tanks for replacement, allowing one tank to operate while the other is either being repaired or replaced - out of service. So today's tech turns off all the water - both tanks. When questioned, he was confused by the isolation piping/valving, and I'm so done with Global I wasn't going to train him on how piping and valves work.
End analysis, Do NOT use this company - totally inferior in management, pricing, ethics, and basic plumbing knowledge. I only hope they're competent enough to properly replace the one component today...
