I was hesitant to commit to paying $50 up-front to have them assess the situation when they wouldn't give me an approximate estimate over the phone, or even an indication of their hourly rate. My instinct on this was right.
I needed a leaky pipe fixed under the kitchen counter - the quote, for which I paid a $50 home visit fee - was over $1,300. When I asked how long they thought the work (removing the pvc trap and installing a new one) would take, I was told "at least an hour". So, for those of you counting at home - the going rate at this place (give or take the $20-$30 in supplies that were included in the price) is over $1,000 per hour for plumbing services. Plus another $50 to let you know that in person.
*Update* In response to the response: The job quoted was *not* for 3 things. I did ask a question about an outdoor tap (which the plumber answered). No work was/is required.
The $1,300 quote was for replacing the trap and sink baskets (the pipe was leaking) under the sink and to fix a toilet that was hard to flush - it also included two upsell scenarios in which the plumber tried to get me to buy an entirely new toilet. After getting the quote, I asked for a price for only the sink fix and was told the price would be the same - $1,300. Again, I asked him how long he thought the repair would take and he said "at least an hour". I asked him if his hourly rate was *really* over $1,000 an hour and he began to tell me about the training that goes into being a licensed plumber. It was a friendly talk the entire time (he was very courteous). I told him I would think about it, and left it at that.
I suppose the only real response I have is this: I called another company to come in, which they did for free (see my other review), and my sink was fixed for $250. As for the toilet: Did I need a new toilet? No. Did I need to have the inner parts replaced? No. The other guy just looked in, bent the wire coming off the handle, and it now works perfectly. No charge.
