Acclaimed Plumbing

I am responding to a complaint ID # [redacted] I am not sure who's [redacted] ? We never worked for him. On 03/30/2014 we got a call from **. [redacted] that his basement is flooding. We informed the customer that this is an emergency and weekend rate... to do the work today. The customer agreed and we sent the plumber tech over to take care of the problem the plumber found two to three feet of water flooding in basement also found out that the sump pump is broken. The plumber gave a price for [redacted] . To do the job and repair the problem of a broken sump pump. The customer agreed to do the job where he initialed five times for different tasks to do the repair. The plumber had to put his life in danger to work in two to three feet of water trying to replace the sump pump and the piping. The plumber was successful completing the job with no harm to himself. The customer thanked the plumber tech for serving them on a Sunday and he signed the invoice and paid him using a credit card. The plumber gave [redacted] a discount price on the repair. This case should be closed there is no reason for the complaint. If you have a questions feel free to email me. ***

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because:
Again, I have nothing against emergency feesHowever, the emergency prices in this case were a 100% maof regular prices for parts and serviceThis is unheard of Also, this mawas NOT stated on the invoiceI had to find out about this from *** the plumber after the factMy elderly parents, who I am speaking for, did not see that this was the case and so went along with it assuming that *** was being honest and transparentLastly, does anyone believe that the conditions were so dangerous that *** felt his life was endangered? Does anyone believe that *** was risking his life for a basement? In any event, he should have told my parents that that he was going down there for DOUBLE what it would normally cost before he did any work, instead of presenting them with prices that did not indicate the mark-upThis is fraud and a clear case of someone taking advantage of my parents
Regards,
*** ***

HiI feel that we are going round and round with this casewe told ** *** it is going to be an emergency prices for the plumber to come out and take care of the problem the customer agreedWe sent the plumber out after figuring out what the problem is and present it to the
customer and gave him agreed on work and pricingCustomer agreed on work and pricing becuase of what plumber had to do to take care of the job and put his life in danger with to feet of water while replace the broken sump pump** *** should be thankful for what we did for his dad's plumbing problem situation.
Thanks
*** ***

This is my third time respond to ** ***.
** *** *** called on 03/30/a Sunday and that is automatically an emergency after hours and weekend pricing an d that's what the plumber informed ** *** *** in writing** *** *** understood the that the charges will be double after the plumber talked to him about the job ** *** *** told the plumber to go ahead and take care of the problem and he will pay for the jobAfter the plumber assesed the the problem and found that there was about three feet of water in basement and the sump pump is broken the plumber gave pricing in writing to ** *** *** on the different tasks to be done to complete the jobThe plumber went over the job and tasks to be done with the customer and ** *** *** initialed five places for the work to be donethe plumber went ahead and worked on getting the job done and when he completed the work he again explained the work that was done** *** *** signed the invoice and the credit card slip and thanked the plumber for being there on Sunday on time and doing the job rightI do not understand why when the plumber was there ** *** *** was so happy and than few days later he is notThis case should be closedWe are wasting valuable time to respond to complaints that should not exist to began withIf you have any questions feel free to contact me***

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:  Basically I was charged $3,600 for a water pressure reducing valve replacement that should have cost around $600.  This company uses high pressure sales tactics.  I am rejecting this response in hopes that other trusting customers do not fall prey to this company.
Regards,
[redacted]

The customer shut the water off but when the tech got there the water was still leaking so the tech had to use his pliers to shut water off and drained the system down. The Tech advised the homeowner to do a mold prevention treatment to the area where the water leaked because mold spores could form...

within 24 to 48 hours. The customer didn't want to do the mold prevention treatment first but the customer called his insurance and got verbal approval to get it done. The customer sign the invoice for the tech to do the mold prevention treatment.  There was no mitigation done the customer chose to provide the fans and dehumidifiers himself because he wanted to save money. The tech never assured the customer what will the insurance pay. How could he ?  How is it possible that the tech will know what kind of coverage the customer has with there insurance. It is the customer responsibility to know or check with his insurance for coverage. The customer chose to use his fans and dehumidifiers to save money and for that reason we can't be liable if the area dried out properly or not. We all  know that the insurance estimates is always lower than what a company would charge to do the job. The customer is upset because the insurance will not pay him the amount he paid to our company for work performed. The tech diagnosed the problem and gave customer recommendations and pricing to fix the problem and the customer agreed except for the fans and dehumidifiers because he wanted to save money. The customer can't ask for a refund because his insurance gave him lower price or refund on the amount of money he spent.
Thanks for your concern. if you have any question feel free to contact me.
Leo B[redacted]

I am responding to a complaint ID # [redacted]
I am not sure who's [redacted]  ? We never worked for him.
On 03/30/2014 we got a call from **. [redacted] that his basement is flooding. We informed the customer that this is an emergency and weekend rate...

to do the work today. The customer agreed and we sent the plumber tech over to take care of the problem the plumber found two to three feet of water flooding in basement also found out that the sump pump is broken. The plumber gave a price for [redacted]. To do the job and repair the problem of a broken sump pump. The customer agreed to do the job where he initialed five times for different tasks to do the repair. The plumber had to put his life in danger to work in two to three feet of water trying to replace the sump pump and the piping. The plumber was successful completing the job with no harm to himself. The customer thanked the plumber tech for serving them on a Sunday and he signed the invoice and paid him using a credit card. The plumber gave [redacted] a discount price on the repair. This case should be closed there is no reason for the complaint.
If you have a questions feel free to email me.
[redacted]

Review: A recent storm caused my elderly parents basement to flood. The sump pump failed. They called Acclaimed Services to come out on an emergency call (weekend hours.) [redacted] arrives. He says he stated the price to them upfront (my parents say otherwise.) He does the work in about one hour and thirty minutes. To replace a sump pump and a pipe and some smaller items he charges $4300. My Dad, though agitated and shocked, gives [redacted] the benefit of the doubt and signs the invoice. This sounds very very high to me and to them.

-I call [redacted] who explains to me that they sometimes charge DOUBLE for parts and labor for emergency services and says that is what they did with my parents. He goes on to say that Acclaimed Services is typical in that regard and that most companies in the area have the same policy.

- I call several other companies in the area. None of them have this policy, only an emergency fee which they explain upfront to any customer. All of them told be that charging 100% is outrageous and unheard of.

- I call [redacted] back to inform him of my findings. I ask him to refer me to someone higher up, say, the president of the company, Mr. Bejjani. He gives me the number to another office. I call three times and each time the same guy takes down my number and says he'll have him call me back. Nobody does.

- I call several more times, each time I am told someone will get back to me. They don't.

-I call and talk to [redacted]. I ask him if charging 100% for emergency services is company policy. He says it is when it a a very dangerous situation. [redacted] says I should be extremely grateful that [redacted] risked his life for my parents! That's right, [redacted], cared so much for my parent's basement that he risked his life for it. For the record, [redacted] told me there was a spark and some standing water.

I still can't find a single company in the area that doubles their prices for emergency services. They charge a fee and they state that fee upfront. [redacted] did not tell my parents that he would double the cost nor is it indicated on the invoice. I am sure they would not have signed off on it if he explained that there was to be a 100% markup.

Not s single person returned my calls during any of this. Not once. [redacted] refused to give me his last name. I have never in my life dealt with such a flagrantly dishonest busineDesired Settlement: I would like Acclaimed to refund the outrageous mark-up and instead do what is standard for plumbing companies which is to charge an emergency fee. The invoice did NOT indicate what the emergency service cost would be to my parents.

Business

Response:

Hi.

Review: I am filing this complaint on behalf of my elderly parents who I feel were taken advantage of for plumbing repairs. They contacted several plumbing companies which they had used and trusted in the past to come to their home and look at their leaky hot water heater but none of them could get to them for several days. They finally called Acclaimed Services. Acclaimed charged them $7429 to install a new water heater. $1689 of that was for mold treatment that Acclaimed told them was needed. After the work was completed I reviewed the invoice to compare prices online to determine average prices versus what appeared to me to be inflated prices. I was also told by my parents that Acclaimed would not take a check so the entire charge was put on their credit card. I had a discussion with the installing plumber who told me all charges were base on flat rate per item. I believe the charges are not reasonable based on my research. I also checked Revdex.com for performance information on Acclaimed.

While my parents have planned for their retirement and had the funds to cover this expense, the are also on a fixed income. I also wonder and worry about other elderly people have been put in similar situations.Desired Settlement: I am only looking for the fair value of services rendered which I believe to be no more than $1500-$2000.

Business

Response:

Dear **. [redacted].

Review: Saturday, November 9, 2013, I noticed that my downstairs floor was wet. When I opened the door to where my hot water heater sits, there was water everywhere. I had to get to my second job, but I took the time to call my home warranty service. After several calls back and forth and several companies declining the job until Monday, the warranty company said that I could go outside the network, and proceeded to give me instructions on how to get approval prior to service. I contacted several plumbing companies, and I was told no. The last company left to call was Acclaimed Services, located in [redacted] and [redacted], VA. I called ###-###-#### and was told that a plumber would be dispatched to my house that afternoon. He actually did not show up until 8:30 that night. He comfirmed what I suspected and that the water heater needed replaced. He also used scare tactics to get me to approve charges for mild remediation, a dehumidifier, a fan, the taking up of my carpet, the removal of wet padding, and the hot water heater replaced. The hot water heater was not replaced that night. I was told that a plumber would be out the next day between 10 and noon. I was also told that I needed to make the entire payment that night. Additionally, the home warranty company would not approve anything other than the hot water heater. The plumber told me that my home insurance would pay for everything else. The plumber proceeded to to go his truck and pull out a tank filled with liquid and squirted the liquid around the hot water heater that was going to be replaced and in the corner by the heating system. Then he left, advising me to keep the water turned off. On Sunday, even though I was told that the plumber would arrive before noon, after at least two phone calls, the plumber did not arrive until closer to 2 PM. He proceeded to replace the hot water heater. He brought in a dehumidifier that did not work when plugged in, and a fan. He then told me that he was told to cut the carpet and take out the wet padding. He also told me that he had never done anything like this before and didn't know how to proceed. I told him that if he was told to cut it, he had to be careful because if he didn't take it up correctly, the carpet wouldn't be able to be repaired or reseamed and would be ruined. When I came back downstairs, the plumber had cut the carpet in two different areas and took up the wet padding. There was more wet carpet under the media center, so the center was moved and he made a third cut and took out more padding. He also got dirt and some sort of red dye on the carpet. After he left, I called my home insurance and after I returned from my trip, two adjusters came to my house. They told me that they would not pay for the mold remediation as I was told by Acclaimed Services. They said that what the plumber had told me was incorrect, that black mold would not form within 24 hours without remediation, that the carpet should have never been cut, and the padding should not have been removed. When I called Acclaimed Services, they connected me to the plumber who came to my house on Saturday. He told me that he was not wrong, that my insurance adjusters were is and didn't know what they were talking about. He would not listen to anything that I had to say so I stopped speaking. I called Acclaimed Services again and told them that I paid for a dehumidifier that never worked, I still had their fan, and that they ruined my carpet. They told me that the would remiburse me for the dehumidifier. I have never received that money. When I told them that I was going to file a complaint with the Revdex.com, they said that they would have someone come out to look at the carpet. A month later, I have not heard from Acclaimed Services.Desired Settlement: I wrote a check to Acclaimed Service 11/9/13 for $4708.70, my entire savings. I paid $1431.20 for the hot water heater. I would like a refund of $3277.50 minus the charge for the fan of $195 which I did use Sunday night until I had to go out of town Monday morning. I did not want to leave the fan running for three days without my being in town. Total refund: $3082.50

Business

Response:

Responding to **. [redacted].

Review: We had a clogged basement drain that caused minor flooding in our unfinished basement. When [redacted], the plumber, arrived he tried to use scare tactics to convince me I needed a bunch of work done. When I asked him how much everything would cost, he said "Maam, calm down I'm just trying to help you." I asked him to break down everything he was describing that needed to be done, all the while he kept reassuring me that insurance would pay for it. How would he know what my insurance covers? I agreed to the unclogging of the drain and diagnostics (which consisted of flushing toilets and turning on water $250) and then he proceeded to make more of a mess as he was leaving because he was angry that I didn't agree to the clean up portion ($1600) and we would do it ourselves. I had to call my husband at work to talk to him and a neighbor to come over because I felt that he was intentionally intimidating me because I was a woman with a crying baby at home by myself AND proceeded to make more of a mess because he was angry that I didn't fall for his scare tactics.Desired Settlement: I would like their business flagged on the Revdex.com as having complaints and ensure they do not ever receive positive ratings on your site. They already have multiple complaints on Yelp.com complaining of the same thing I have. I would like the charges for diagnostic services removed OR a refund for part of the unclogging of the drain because initially he said it would include removal of the waste (there were worms in the water), but then said that was part of the 'other part'.

Business

Response:

Responding to [redacted].

Review: On June 3, Acclaimed Services came to fix a leaking kitchen faucet. I was told that a new faucet was needed. [redacted] recommended the Moen Integra faucet, a $206.45 faucet for which we were charged $1189.

1. I was not given an estimate prior to installation of the faucet.

2. An additional $256 was charged "to drain down" to replace hot water valve. This involved simply turning off the water to the house. I was told that this charge was for "liability".

3. The faucet is not metal as I was led to believe.

4. After installation, I noted that the faucet was loose and told that this was "normal".

5. The billing was confusing; I was told to pay upfront for work that was scheduled for later on June 18. When I continued asking about the "drain down" charge, [redacted] took $100 off item 5 and $55 off the whole bill. $155 was credited back to my card. A new bill was not written up.

Original bill: 1. remove old faucet, install new kitchen faucet $1189

2. soap dispenser $142

3. "drain down" $256

4. replace cut off valve $376

5. June 18 replace bathroom faucet $576 {minus $55 "discount" for June 18 services}

6. June 18 replace bathroom faucet pop up with assembly $476.50 {minus $66.97 "discount"}

5. After reviewing evaluations of this company in Washington Consumer Checkbook and the Revdex.com, I cancelled further work that I had originally set up for June 18, items #5,6 above and was credited $930.53 to my credit card. On June 18, [redacted] called to say he was coming to fix the loose faucet that he had told me was "normal" on June 3. After feeling misled and confused throughout the process, we declined his services.Desired Settlement: After not receiving an estimate prior to the work being done, we were egregiously overcharged for the installation of a Moen Integra kitchen faucet as well as the for a "drain down" and replacement of the cut off valve. We would like a trade practice consultant to determine standard charges and recommend an appropriate refund.

The faucet remains loose. We do not have confidence in the personnel or services provided by this company and ask that Acclaimed Services cover the charges of another plumber for this matter.

We would like the Revdex.com to investigate their Acclaimed Services business practices and fee schedule.

Business

Response:

I am responding to [redacted] complaint [redacted]

Review: The morning of April 15ht (approximately 8:30am) I called the business with a plumbing problem. I took off work to have this worked performed. Technician [redacted] showed up (approximately 9:30am) the same day. I explained to [redacted] I had a leaking toilet.

[redacted] inspected the toilet and explained I needed: 1) a total rebuild of the toilet which he said was causing the leak. 2) a new shut off valve that he said was leaking. 4) A “drain down” of the condo so he could replace the shutoff valve. 5) Mold prevention treatment because of the leak.

As we waited for the condo manager to turn off the water to the building [redacted] said he wanted to check the shutoff valve under the sink in the kitchen. After his inspection he said it needed to be replaced and showed me what he called “dried water” on his glove.

The condo is owned by my parents. [redacted] spoke to my father on the phone and had me sign off on all the work. [redacted] then completed the job and left around noon.

[redacted] told me to stay out of the bathroom for four hours due to the mold treatment. This is a small bathroom with a ceramic tile floor. At approximately 8:00pm that night I noticed the toilet was still leaking on the floor. The next morning I called the company back (at approximately 8:30am) and reported I still had a leaking toilet. I had to take off work again. [redacted] called me at about 9:30am. He said if it was leaking from a new spot, or a spot he missed, I would be charged again. I explained I already paid him $2,594.50 and expected him to warranty the work since he had "totally rebuilt my toilet" and replaced the shutoff valve. What else could be leaking?

[redacted] arrived at approximately 11:00am and inspected the toilet. He told me it was his work that was leaking and there would be no charge. He took the tank off the bowel and re-tightened all the bolts in about 30 minutes. He said he had solved the problem this time.

I went off to work thinking my problems were solved. That night when I got home the toilet was still leaking...I called my father and he set up another appointment with “[redacted]” for Saturday, April 27th at 10:00am. He also asked my uncle to come see what was going on.

I then got a call on 4/26/13 canceling my 4/28/13 Saturday 10:00am appointment because [redacted] was off that weekend and they had no one else to send! They didn’t have the courtesy to contacted my father who made the Saturday appointment.

On Sunday, April 28 my uncle came over for dinner and used my computer. He joked about the toilet and asked to look at it. He dried under the tank completely and placed dry paper towels under the tank. He then looked 15 minutes later at where the water slowly dripping on the towels. It was directly over the shutoff valve but there were no fittings there. It also dripped off the two tank bolt. He had me look from the inside of the tank to where the leak dripped on the paper towel and I saw a very, very slight crack. It was thinner than a human hair. He actually couldn’t see it because he’d forgotten his glasses and the tank was full of water.

He called my parents and told them they needed a new tank. He took the tank off so he could match it up at [redacted]. You can see and feel the crack better from the bottom of the tank. [redacted] had to order the tank and it would take a week. My Dad didn’t want to wait another week with a leaking toilet and frankly neither did I. My uncle offered to install a new toilet right then. I purchased a new one piece Kohlar toilet and wax seal which my uncle installed within 40 minutes.

I have kept the old toilet. I do not have much storage space in my condominium but I will hold it for 7 days if you want to inspect it.

After finally figuring out why my toilet kept leaking I am disputing your charges. I contend:

The bathroom shut off valve didn’t need replacing. It was wet because the tank was cracked directly above the valve... leaking on the valve. I have the old toilet and you can line it up yourself.

Replacing all the internal toilet parts was unnecessary and didn’t stop the leak because they were not leaking. The water dripped to the floor under/on the shutoff valve and pooled on the top of the stand from the cracked tank. It then dripped through the two tank mounting bolts hole in the stand. The crack looks to be three to four inches long. [redacted]’s second trip was a complete waste of my time since all he did was tighten bolts that weren’t the cause of the leak.

A reputable company would not cancel a third appointment after the first two appointments were workmanship/diagnosis failures when I still had a leaking toilet. They should have dropped everything to properly accommodate my needs after two failed attempts and two days of missed work.

It’s difficult to dispute their invoice line by line because it’s unreadable. Is that on purpose?

After selling a mold abatement program to me they were willing to allow the leak to continue for how much longer?Mold needs moisture to grow so their lack of competency, professionalism and speed of service has degraded the actual service they sold me.

The alleged leaking kitchen shutoff valve is now in question due to the lack of diagnostic expertise and knowledge of your employee. I’m unable to find a plumbing definition of “dried water”.

Their technician [redacted] has a horrible reputation concerning matters like this on the internet. Please feel free to look for yourself.

What is their standard hourly rate? What is their set price per service? I submit to you the charges on my bill were not only unnecessary and performed incompetently but their fees are not common and customary within their industry in this market.Desired Settlement: My uncle came for dinner on 4/28/13. We looked at the toilet and found a crack in the tank. He replaced the entire toilet for $300 and I have not more leaks. This company is dishonest and their technicians are untrained in repairs and overtrained in sales. I would still be waiting on them today with a leaking toilet if my uncle hadn't come resolved the issue. I am disputing this with my credit card company.

Business

Response:

I am responding to case #[redacted].

We talked to [redacted] and gave him all his money back because the plumber did not pay attention to the cracked toilet tank.

For any questions email [redacted]

Thanks for your help.

Consumer

Response:

From: [redacted]

Date: Fri, May 31, 2013 at 1:26 PM

Subject: Complaint ID [redacted]

To: [redacted]

Dear [redacted],

This email is in regard to the complaint I submitted against Acclaimed Services located at [redacted]. My complaint ID is [redacted]. Since I submitted this compliant to the Revdex.com, the business has resolved the issue to my satisfaction. I was contacted by the president of the company, [redacted], and he refunded all of the money. I spoke with both [redacted] and [redacted] the general manager, and the money was credited to my account in full that same week. I have attached below the email I received from [redacted] for your review. I now consider this complaint resolved; however, please let me know if you need any additional information.

Sincerely,

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: [redacted]

Date: Mon, May 6, 2013 at 12:35 PM

Subject: Acclaimed Services

To: [redacted]

Dear [redacted],

Review: A recent storm caused my elderly parents basement to flood. The sump pump failed. They called Acclaimed Services to come out on an emergency call (weekend hours.) [redacted] arrives. He says he stated the price to them upfront (my parents say otherwise.) He does the work in about one hour and thirty minutes. To replace a sump pump and a pipe and some smaller items he charges $4300. My Dad, though agitated and shocked, gives [redacted] the benefit of the doubt and signs the invoice. This sounds very very high to me and to them.

-I call [redacted] who explains to me that they sometimes charge DOUBLE for parts and labor for emergency services and says that is what they did with my parents. He goes on to say that Acclaimed Services is typical in that regard and that most companies in the area have the same policy.

- I call several other companies in the area. None of them have this policy, only an emergency fee which they explain upfront to any customer. All of them told be that charging 100% is outrageous and unheard of.

- I call [redacted] back to inform him of my findings. I ask him to refer me to someone higher up, say, the president of the company, [redacted]. He gives me the number to another office. I call three times and each time the same guy takes down my number and says he'll have him call me back. Nobody does.

- I call several more times, each time I am told someone will get back to me. They don't.

-I call and talk to [redacted]. I ask him if charging 100% for emergency services is company policy. He says it is when it a a very dangerous situation. [redacted] says I should be extremely grateful that [redacted] risked his life for my parents! That's right, [redacted], cared so much for my parent's basement that he risked his life for it. For the record, [redacted] told me there was a spark and some standing water.

I still can't find a single company in the area that doubles their prices for emergency services. They charge a fee and they state that fee upfront. [redacted] did not tell my parents that he would double the cost nor is it indicated on the invoice. I am sure they would not have signed off on it if he explained that there was to be a 100% markup.

Not s single person returned my calls during any of this. Not once. [redacted] refused to give me his last name. I have never in my life dealt with such a flagrantly dishonest busineDesired Settlement: I would like Acclaimed to refund the outrageous mark-up and instead do what is standard for plumbing companies which is to charge an emergency fee. The invoice did NOT indicate what the emergency service cost would be to my parents.

Business

Response:

I am responding to a complaint ID # [redacted]

Review: Acclaimed Services replaced the water main in my residence in January of this year. The plumbing system has suffered from an extreme level of noise ever since. The noises occur throughout the house, on a constant basis, and were never present before the water main was replaced. Research indicates that this may be due to a problem with the water pressure in the house, commonly occurs following water main replacement, and can cause additional damage to plumbing components.Desired Settlement: Completion of repairs necessary to stop the excessive noise in the plumbing system and prevent further damage to plumbing fixtures. If Acclaimed Services can perform the repair work in a satisfactory manner, that would be acceptable. Alternatively, I am requesting a refund so that I may pay another contractor to make the repairs.

Business

Response:

Responding to ID #[redacted].

Review: The gas hot water heater was not working. The man showed up and started the hot water heater and then said that there was a probable water leak in one of the pipes leading to the hot water heater. I authorized him to repair the leak. He did and charged a total of $1,089.78 for the repair. About ten minutes after he left, the water heater stopped working. I called the repairman and he said he got it started and if he came back, there would be an additional charge. I called [redacted] and they said we needed a part and sent it fedex. I again called the repairman and he said he would send someone else out to help us install the part, but that there would be an additional charge. I called the office and asked for a credit for the repair of the water heater since it had not been repaired. The man who answered said he could not help me because he did not have the invoice. He said he would call me in the morning. I installed the part, but the water heater never worked. I purchased a new water heater the next day and never heard from Acclaimed Services.Desired Settlement: I should receive a credit for the work on the water heater since it was never fixed.

Business

Response:

Complaint ID: [redacted]

Dear [redacted],

Our technician was dispatched to Customer’s home on March 20, 2013. Our technician

attempted to relight the hot water heater. Which he did. The customer was advised that he needed a

Thermo coupling, which the customer said he would purchase himself. Customer

was also made aware that there would be a charge for us to return and replace

the thermo coupling. Customer was advised to call the Acclaimed office upon

receiving the part if he wanted us to come back out and install it. Apparently

the customer installed the part himself instead of having a qualified

technician do it.

To my knowledge Customer did not call

to schedule a return call or to confirm that he had a return call scheduled, I

had the technician available to customer the following day March 21, 2013, as I was expecting his call.

I am not entirely sure as to why customer

wants a refund, we responded to his initial call, our technician relit the hot

water heater, advised the customer as to what he needed to do fix the hot water

heater, and that if we had to come back out to his home there would be a

charge.

Should you any

further questions please contact me at [redacted].

Review: I had a stoppage in my toilet. The company came to snake it out and then I called again the following week as the problem still occurred. They took it upon themselves after replacing a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe to replace 2 toilets in my house, do a black mold treatment and cut out drywall and patch and paint for a grand total of $9,095.00. The labor charge alone for the 20 feet of PVC pipe installation was a whopping $4,890.00, the cost of 2 commodes - $1,789.00 and $1,034.00 for black mold treatment. I was never given the option to refuse the purchasing of two new toilets at $900 each. They did this without informing me. On the bill it was pointed out that parts totaled $467.00; however, the difference was all labor. When my family (son, daughter and her husband) met with these people discussing the exorbitant labor costs and told them that normal plumbers charge between $80 - $100 an hour - they were told by them that they could charge up to $300 an hour according their book. I was not given a Scope of Work or any estimate sheets prior to the work being done.

My son told me that he told the plumber the first time they came out not to exceed $1800.00 on the job. The company refuses to reimburse any portion of the job.Desired Settlement: Partial refund for the exorbitant labor charge.

Business

Response:

From: [redacted] <[redacted]>

Date: Wed, May 8, 2013 at 7:34 AM

Subject: Fwd: [redacted] letter

To: [email protected]

Case ID # [redacted]

In regards to [redacted]'s complaint.

Our technicians were sent out to the [redacted] residence on March 22nd, 2013 to unclog a toilet. Which our technician did.

On March 27th, 2013 [redacted] called us again complaining of the same problem, a clogged toilet.Our technician unclogged the toilet and

advised [redacted] that she would need new toilets. Our technician replaced two toilets, the supply lines for two toilets and flanges for

two toilets. Our technician also replaced the stack for the two toilets from the bathrooms to the basement. [redacted]'s claim that

our technicians "Took it upon themselves to change the two toilets, and that she was never given an option to refuse purchase" is false.

[redacted] had three days to cancel the installation of the two toilets. [redacted]'s claim that she was not given the scope of and the cost

of the work needed to be prior to the work being performed is also false. It is our company's policy to give "Upfront" estimate so as to ensure

that the customer knows in advance what the work will entail and what it will cost. [redacted] signed four invoices, she also initialed

each individual cost. We do not charge by the hour , we charge by the job. Upon completion of the work [redacted] signed that she was satisfied

with the work and the pricing. [redacted]'s claim that it was pointed out to her that the parts for the work performed cost $467.00

and that the rest was labor is also false as this price is found nowhere on any of the four invoices.

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: [redacted] <[redacted]>

Date: Tue, May 7, 2013 at 5:32 PM

Subject: [redacted] letter

To: [redacted] <[redacted]>

In regards to [redacted]'s complaint. Our technicians were sent out to the [redacted] residence on March 22nd,

2013 to unclog a toilet. Which our technician did.On March 27th, 2013 [redacted] called us again complaining of the

same problem, a clogged toilet. Our technician unclogged the toilet and advised [redacted] that she would need new toilets. Our technician

replaced two toilets, the supply lines for two toilets and flanges for two toilets. Our technician also replaced the stack for the two

toilets from the bathrooms to the basement. [redacted]'s claim that our technicians "Took it upon themselves to change the two toilets,

and that she was never given an option to refuse purchase" is false. [redacted] had three days to cancel the installation of the two

toilets. [redacted]'s claim that she was not given the scope of and the cost of the work needed to be prior to the work being performed is also

false. It is our company's policy to give "Upfront" estimate so as to ensure that the customer knows in advance what the work will entail and what

it will cost. [redacted] signed four invoices, she also initialed each individual cost. We do not charge by the hour , we charge by the

job.

Upon completion of the work [redacted] signed that she was satisfied with the work and the pricing. [redacted]'s claim that it was

pointed out to her that the parts for the work performed cost $467.00 and that the rest was labor is also false as this price is found

nowhere on any of the four invoices.

Consumer

Response:

Check Message tab or see attached.

Review: A call was made on the evening of the 31st of July for water leakage from a water pressure regulator. The water was turned off and drained by the homeowner. An appointment was made for the following morning.Adam, the plumber advised homeowner about replacement of the faulty regulator and recommended a moisture mitigation to prevent

Mold and mildew resulting from the water leak. Homeowner was advised to notify insurance co. And assured him that the cost of this water mitigation would be acceptable. A video was made of the water damage during the removal of building materials. The charge for the mitigation was $1,989.00. When the travelers adjuster reviewed the work and related charges, his assessment was $491.94, per usual fee, which would have included 3 days of professional dehumidification equipment. We were told to run our dehumidifier and a house fan, which we are doing.

Homeowner made 3 phone calls , 2 to technician and one to main office, to try and resolve over pricing. We asked for the return of $1,000. , and have this settled, but they would not agree.

Homeowner feels that the fee of $1,989.00 is an unfair fee. All charges, in retrospect, were above market pricing, but customer feels, at this point, that a minimum refund of $1,000. Would be acceptable . Our concerns were expressed to the company on three occasions but no agreement could be met.Desired Settlement: Refund of $1,000.00

Business

Response:

The customer shut the water off but when the tech got there the water was still leaking so the tech had to use his pliers to shut water off and drained the system down. The Tech advised the homeowner to do a mold prevention treatment to the area where the water leaked because mold spores could form within 24 to 48 hours. The customer didn't want to do the mold prevention treatment first but the customer called his insurance and got verbal approval to get it done. The customer sign the invoice for the tech to do the mold prevention treatment. There was no mitigation done the customer chose to provide the fans and dehumidifiers himself because he wanted to save money. The tech never assured the customer what will the insurance pay. How could he ? How is it possible that the tech will know what kind of coverage the customer has with there insurance. It is the customer responsibility to know or check with his insurance for coverage. The customer chose to use his fans and dehumidifiers to save money and for that reason we can't be liable if the area dried out properly or not. We all know that the insurance estimates is always lower than what a company would charge to do the job. The customer is upset because the insurance will not pay him the amount he paid to our company for work performed. The tech diagnosed the problem and gave customer recommendations and pricing to fix the problem and the customer agreed except for the fans and dehumidifiers because he wanted to save money. The customer can't ask for a refund because his insurance gave him lower price or refund on the amount of money he spent.

Review: On 3 July 2013, a severe storm blew the flashing off our townhome roof, and we had water leaking in. Our insurance company ([redacted]) told us to call someone for an emergency repair. The severity of the problem was such that we had no time to spare; we went 'alphabetically' and called Acclaimed Services, since their Yellow Pages ad stated emergency responses were possible. A man came, went up the ladder, used some 2x4s, a tarp, and nails to cover the hole. He then charge us $1450.00 for the half hours work!!!!!!!! However, as my wife and I both started to exclaim in upset, he explained to us that we would need a new roof, and that the $1450.00 WOULD GO towards the total re-roofing cost; he also put this in writing. However, when I called the business later to talk to the roofer, [redacted] (last name not clear), he stated that "...the $1450.00 offer should not have been made, and he would not subtract that much from his roofing bid of $5700.00. He said he would take off a 'little', but WOULD NOT SPECIFY how much that was". It could have been nothing, $20.00, or $300.00; the point is, he had no intention, and stated so, of honoring what my wife and I were given both verbally AND in writing on the service form. It was only later, when we looked up Acclaimed Services on the Revdex.com site, that we learned of their poor rating and read many of the negative reviews. We are going with [redacted] (A+ Revdex.com rating), whose roofing bid was ~$4000.00 total for the same work! Not only did Acclaimed Services not intend to honor what my wife and I considered a contractual agreement, his bid was almost $1700.00 higher than a reputable roofer. I think "[redacted]" purposely had no intention of honoring it, since his company had just made a very easy $1450.00. I called Acclaimed Services today (8/19/2013), asking for [redacted], who had been listed as a company officer manager, and was told "she no longer works here". The phone respondent, who had a heavy accent and whose name I could not obtain, stated that he would have some higher up "call me back". I am not holding out much hope.Desired Settlement: Given that when [redacted] roofing came out and examined our roof and said that the tarp, 2x4s, and work would only be a $150.00 job had [redacted] done it, I think we should receive a partial refund. The man who came out and charged us a huge amount for a relatively small repair and told us it would go towards a roofing job may have been sincere (he was in fact a very nice fellow), but "[redacted]" at Acclaimed Services was, in our opinion, acting fraudulently and was totally a horses patoot, attitude wise, on 7/30/2013 when we communicated and he sent me an email. We would be happy with a partial refund of, say, $725.00, half the amount we were conned into spending. It should be added we were not told in advance that the bill would be $1450.00 for a small repair job, or we would not have done it; we'd have called someone else.

Business

Response:

I am responding to [redacted] id [redacted]