Would you pay a professional plumber?

Question

if you called him to your house to clear a drain, and he couldn't do the job? He spent 1-1/2 hours here, went through every available cleanout, and couldn't do the job. He refused to go through the vent on the roof, which was the most direct route into the main line, "for insurance reasons". He collected a $200 check from my wife while I was at work, for his time. I'd be interested to hear some opinions on this.

Answer 1

As a trade person, I am used to not getting paid if I didn't do the job. Let me rephrase that a little. If I didn't do the job, I wouldn't expect to be paid. If I did finish the job, then I do expect to be paid a fair wage.

The one exception is if I tell the people what needs to be done, and they don't want to do it. then I still expect to be paid, It is not my fault, that the people don't want the correct repair. Good luck.

Answer 2

I can tell you that going through the roof is very dangerous. Most companies will not do that because of the liability. It only takes one accident to shy a company from doing that.

The last time I helped a guy do that, he caught a snag and the cable wrapped around his neck, He was lucky, it did not wrap tight, but he still was seriously hurt. I do not do that anymore either.

You have to pay the man for time spent. The price is reasonable for the time spent. Do you get a free visit from the Doctor if you have to go back for an illness? No, You have to pay every time. I will not even turn a wrench for less than 116.00. But that is reasonable for our area and for most competitors around here.

What you need to do is install an outside clean out. It is cheaper to clean the line with one and you can do a better job of it as well. If your line is older it is worth the money. If your line is too old or going bad, have it replaced. If you need it cleaned more than once a year that is a good indication of bad lines getting worse.

My prices for this job....208.45 to pull a stool and clear the line. ( this is for one hour.) If the line is bad and needs more time, it is 100.00 per hour after that. If I can not clear the line because it is collapsed or something...I charge for time spent trying.

Answer 3

IF he's licensed and insured, he could.should have gone onto the roof. If he didn't fix the problem, he shouldn't have asked for money. This is a case where paying by credit card helps YOU: you dispute the charge. Your only recourse now is to try to stop payment on the check, which will cost around $20 or so; I'll bet that he went from your house straight to a branch of your bank and cashed it. If he hassles you about it, start by complaining to the Better Business Bureau and your city's Licensing Division.

Answer 4

It is not unusual for a plumber to 'not get anywhere' on a job and be justified in charging. He should have at least explained what he went through and proposed a solution though. For example he should have said something like 'gee, I did my best, but there is not a clean-out in the usual places and so we need to tap into your drain and install one'. That will cost x amount.

Answer 5

simple question deserves a simple answer. When you go to work would your employer pay you for work not completed?
Explain to your wife, from here on out, she should never ever pay for any type of service until it is fully completed and if not then to have her consult you first.

Answer 6

I work for a plumber and if we didn't fix the problem, then there is nothing to charge for.

Answer 7

you got ripped off