Clear Flow Water Solutions, LLC

INCOMPETENT? DEFINITELY DISHONEST? POSSIBLYI am out $for a simple clogged sewer pipe under my homeBut I almost got ripped off for $by this companyMy downstairs toilet backed up and flooded the basement My home warranty company sent Clear Water out to fix the problemThe first guy who came out couldn't figure out how to access the blocked pipe It cost me dollars for his visit which accomplished nothing At least the guy, Jose, was a decent guyHis boss, Dave, came by a few days later The first thing he announced was that the blockage was outside the house and would require complete excavation of the driveway and replacement of pipes at a cost of 6-dollars But the fact is that the outside pipes could not have been blocked because all sorts of other things were draining through there just fine Even I knew thisEventually Dave admitted that the blockage was under the house and proceeded to try to unblock it with his very amateurish equipment After an hour or so he proclaimed that he had succeeded and began to pack upI had paid an extra dollars for him to run a camera through the pipes to make sure there was nothing serious wrong He started feeding the camera into the pipe After about feet water began to rise and cover the camera view He announced that this meant that there was a dip in the pipes under the house and that the whole basement needed to be dug up to replace all of the pipes It would cost me an additional dollars I was shocked and upset to say the leastWhen Dave put the toilet back he didn't properly seal the flapper Therefore water began to leak into the pipes (I can't prove in court that Dave did this but it's the truth.) Two days later I came downstairs and found the basement flooded again with more raw sewage That clearly meant that the blockage had never been cleared because nobody had used the facilities for over a weekI contacted a local plumber in the area whose business has been around for years and who is well known in the community He was kind enough to listen to my story and offer his adv ice He thought my whole experience sounded extremely fishy and suspected that I was being ripped off He was very busy but I was able to convince him to help me outThis plumber was a true expert and he had the real equipment He used a large industrial size snake to clear the pipe You could actually hear the rush of the water when he broke through Then he got his camera and ran it through feet of the piping all the way to the outside of the house The pipes were in perfect condition No dips In absolutely excellent shape I saw it for myselfSo I'm out $for a job that should have cost around $ But I'm happy because I'm not down the $I would be if I had listened to Clear FlowThe question becomes, is Clear Flow just incompetent or is there something more sinister going on Dave seemed intent on turning this into a big project -- first outside the house and then under the house He knew that I knew absolutely nothing about plumbing I was easy prey I guess I will never know the answer to that questionIn summary, don't hire Clear Flow for anything that can't be solved with a simple toilet plunger

I will not assume liability for speculated damages on a year old tubSince they had an issue with the workmanship, I offered to come back and correct any issues but they already had another plumbing company do soI would be glad to reimburse any costs for this job but they paid us nothing, I'm unable to do soI feel they're taking advantage of the situation and trying to get a new tub

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Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because:
I already responded to clearflow’s inaccurate account of the events regarding their lack of reputable servicethey knew my situation was desperate, I was without water for 10+ daysthey were attempting to wring me dryI had to obtain service from another well company which cost me more moneythe clearflow technician had only to flip the master switch on my electrical box to turn on the well pump
Regards,
*** ***

I don't feel comfortable offering more than I already haveThis customer had a leak prior to our arrival, hence the reason for calling in a plumbing claim to begin withWe did not "cause" the leakOur insurance is for damages that occur while we're on the job site, not before or after we arrive. As for other negative reviews, we service an average of jobs per week and been in business over years, so if we have a total of negative reviews for over 20,customers, I'd say that's excellent! I believe we only have complaints on Revdex.com also, considering the number of customers we service, I don't see how that justifies the scoringOn any account, I guess you can never make everyone happy

This company not only charged me for unnecessary alterations to my water heater, they also installed the new one INCORRECTLY and two months after they installed it, it leaked and needed to be completely replaced againI asked that another company be sent by my home warranty company as I was actually very unimpressed by the knowledge the installers had from ClearflowObviously I was correct in their lack of knowledge because the new installer said that Clearflow blatantly charged me for work that they never even did! (I showed the new guy the invoice for $1,200!)
This company should NOT be in business as they are not only incompetent, they are thieves!

This customer was sent to us through *** insuranceWe determined the shower valve needed to be replaced and ordered oneWe did nothing wrong nor did we ever crack a tub, that's just speculation from a competing plumbing companyWe instructed the homeowner not to use that shower until we
return and modify the valve to fit correctly and caulk around it, they immediately used the unit and perhaps caused water damage by doing soAlso, the new knobs had a slightly smaller back plate so there was staying/ debris from 30+ years now visableAgain, not our doingThis was pure aestheticsThey then brought a "crack" to our attentionThe tub was very old and there was absolutely no evidence that anyone from our company actually cracked itThe homeowner could have done so, the other plumber could have done so, etcWe offered to come back and make things right but they already had another plumbing company do soThis job was paid for by their insurance, *** The homeowner did not pay us anything therefore there's nothing to reimburse

This homeowner never paid us for any services. We only diagnosed the problem and told her the cost to correct it properly. She did not want to pay for the work, so it wasn't fixed. The fact that it continues to leak is no surprise to us. We never did anything wrong. WE, like any other business,...

can't do work for "free". Please remove this ridiculous complaint from our profile immediately. It's not valid as she did not pay us for any service. There are two sides to every complaint, not just one.

We originally went out to this property on May 2, 2016 to address a number of plumbing issues.We were sent by her home warranty company, [redacted]. All jobs were completed except the replacement of a shower valve. The shower valve was ordered and received 3 weeks later. Upon installation,the tech noticed...

that we were sent the wrong valve, the homeowner demanded we do something to temporary stop the "dripping" sound that was keeping her up, he went above and beyond to use whatever materials he had to cap the line. There was an iron stain on the shower pan from this that we removed. If we cause damage-we correct it. We replaced the valve with the correct part the following week. She informed the office and her home warranty it was leaking again and demanded our insurance information. I immediately sent out a tech to assess the cause of the leak and damages. He took photos of the "damage", a small water spot on her ceiling. Whether or not this spot was caused from the initial plumbing leak is disputable. He determined that the caulk surrounding the tub was peeling off causing water to drip behind it and run down to the ceiling below (we have numerous photos showing the defective caulking). The tech explained that no matter what is repaired, whenever the shower is used, it will leak because of this caulking. We informed [redacted] (her home warranty company) of this issue. They informed us she just started her policy on 4/25/2016 and called in a claim for numerous plumbing issues only 5 days after starting her policy! This entire claim should have been denied due to pre-existing conditions. This individual is now trying to put in an additional claim through our liability insurance as well. We never used our insurance in the 10+ years we've been in business. It's simple, if we cause damage-we fix it. I will not honor the speculations of a competing plumbing company trying to make money nor will I give information to an individual who is clearing trying to commit insurance fraud (a federal offense). If we did something incorrectly we will gladly correct it. However, I don't feel comfortable submitting false claims to my insurance company. If necessary, I can can send in photos of her defective caulking in the shower that caused the damage on her ceiling. The caulking has nothing to do with our company.

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 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:I called within the 30 days and the plumber came back and says I need a new shower after taking my money. When I called back again, I stated my problem wasn't resolved and the plumbing problem was misdiagnosed. She hung up on not because I was rude to her but because she didn't want to fix the problem because the plumber no longer worked for her, so it was my word against his. Again, this was still within the 30 days and convenient he no longer worked there. She didn't want to hear what I had to say so she hung up on me. I wish I recorded the conversation but who expects a representative of a company to hang up the phone on a customer. I have no problem paying for a service if it's corrected or at least be honest so I can decide what to do. I trusted they were a reputable company because they were referred to me by [redacted]. I stand by everything I have said. It's hasn't been 2 years and I'm still within my statue of limitation to sue if that's what it comes down to. I wanted to give the company the chance to do the right thing but it doesn't seem like I will be getting a resolution here.
Regards,
[redacted]

Homeowner ([redacted]) was not present during the visit of Clear Flow Water Solutions. Therefore, any speculation on his part is hearsay. Upon interviewing, both technicians stated the same exact series of events: arrived at the property to fix a leak, area was saturated upon arrival, another indivual (not homeowner) let them in and stood on the bar stool to point out the leak. The technicians phoned the homeowner and suggested installing a shut off valve, he didn't want to pay for one, so as a courteosy, they added a shut off valve and fixed the leak. Our company did not charge this homeowner anything nor did we any cause damage/use the "barstool". He is upset that he has water damage from his pre-existing leak and wants someone else to pay for it. We fixed the leak, added a shutoff valve and he paid us nothing. This should be considered adequate.Tina P

I send out a representative from the company to assess the situation and take photographs. I interviewed the technician that supposedly caused the speculated "leak", he claimed he had no knowledge of doing so and everything he worked on was functioning correctly upon leaving her residence. I sent...

her a letter explaining such. In a situation like this with he said/she said it's so difficult to claim liability. This homeowner had existing plumbing problems prior to our arrival, including multiple overflowing toilets. I'm willing to work to work with her and review the estimates for the "water damage", and I'm open to discussing some form of reimbursement.

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 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because
They cut a pipe without shutting off the water and flooded my basement and the placement of the barstool was directly beneath the shut of valve that yes they did install. which to install the valve they would of had to stand on in order to get to install the valve. they did not move it or use ladders. they used the stool which is a violation under OSHA.
Regards,
[redacted]

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 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:I have never dealt with a more dishonest company in my life. I called my home warranty company as a result of a drip the shower at my new home, there was no leak or flooding at that time. Each time clear flow sent someone out they made they problem worse in one way or another. In the end they caused the leak that caused a flood in my bathroom, a problem that I had never had before they arrived. The resulting flood caused water to come though my kitchen ceiling. They need to own up to their mistakes and take responsibility. The wet spot needs to be remediated for mold and the ceiling needs to be painted. Clear Flow is also now retaliating against my family as a result of my complaint to the Revdex.com. They reported me to the warranty company for nonpayment of my deductible, trying to get my contract with them voided. I am thankful I paid with check which I was quickly able to provide to the warranty company as proof of payment. I made two deductible payments to clear flow via check during the month of May which they cashed immediately. Yet then claimed I never paid them. Appalling!I would like to see how they deny that, with the provided proof. As mentioned in my previous messages, all I am asking is for the wet spot they caused to be remediated and painted by a licensed professional. I am not asking for them to give me additional fund or trying to pull a quick one over on anyone. All I want is the damage they caused repaired, I don’t see how that is an unreasonable request.
Regards,
[redacted]

We made every attempt possible to repair the unit. However, it was difficult to find an universal part for a water heater that's 13 years old. We were equally frustrated when we received the incorrect parts from the manufacturer. We were at the property four times and have yet to be paid anything!...

We attempted to get replacement through [redacted] and they denied it and said" even if the part is on back order for six weeks, we won't replace the unit". I fully agree that the unit should be replaced at this time before my company invests any more time or money into repairing. However, if we do do without approval from [redacted], we won't be paid for doing so. I will contact [redacted] and push for replacement.

Our company replaced the well pump, that is what she paid $389 for. She received a brand new pump. During the installation of the pump, the technicians noticed some wiring that was frayed and should be replaced as well. They informed the homeowner that there’s a chance she may not have water even...

with the new pump unless these repairs are made. She refused any additional repairs and said she’ll have “someone down the road do it for a lower cost”. After the well pump replacement, she still had no water as expected. She called us several days later and demanded we return to do the additional repairs. We told her we will gladmy return for the fee we quoted her ($600), she wanted us to return at no charge. I told her that’s not possible. She got exactly what she paid for a new well pump. Any additional work would be an additional charge.As for her resolution, she already reversed her credit card payment of $389, there’s nothing to refund!Please close this claim.

Response from Clear Flow Water Solutions:Our company did attempt to repair his 15 year old water heater, his wait time was due to locating parts for the unit that were not readily available. After parts were replaced, it became clear the unit was non-repairable and we were then able to obtain...

authorization for replacement from [redacted], his home warranty company covering the plumbing claim. Upon scheduling the installation, my office staff explained there was a portion not covered by the warranty company totaling $489. [redacted] also explained the out of pocket costs to the homeowner, once he finally agreed to pay, we were able to schedule the installation of the new unit. Our technician always collects payment before installing new equipment, however the homeowner was reluctant to pay at the start of the job so the technician installed without payment. Once completed, the technician realized made a "stain" on the carpet while removing the old unit. He pointed it out to the homeowner and said to contact our office if would like a professional cleaning. The office called to collect payment of $489, he refused to pay anything. I told him just to provide documentation from a professional carpet cleaner and I will deduct that amount from the $489. I also called around to obtain quotes for carpet cleaning companies in the area, the average cost for stain removal for one room is $125. The homeowner still refuses to pay anything, even after my reduction of $125 for the stain!My company should not be caused financial hardship by this individual for the service we provided. I understand that he's upset that he had no hot water but that's no fault of our company. I understand an accident occurred by our technician staining the carpet, my company is willing to pay for that.Resolution: Once he pays for the services provided for his brand new water heater, I can refund him the cost of the carpet cleaning. I will also allow the homeowner to deduct that cost from his bill. Otherwise, I will be forced to turn this matter over to my attorney for legal actions.By offering to pay for the stain we are taking full accountability.He now has hot water and a brand new water heater because of a service provided by us-unless he's having a plumbing related concern, he needs to pay for those services provided.Thank you,Tina P[redacted]Clear Flow Water Solutions, LLC1064 Memorial HighwayOley, PA 19547###-###-#### (Office)

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Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
Regards,
[redacted]

I am faxing requested information.

The invoices provided are from over two years ago. That explains the error on our behalf. The current complaint has nothing to do with our company's workmanship. If we did anything incorrectly, we offer a 30 day warranty. I don't think that was the case, based on those invoices for two unrelated problems. I would not take much consideration to the speculations of a competing plumbing company trying to make their own profit! I don't recall ever "hanging up" on a customer unless they're being extremely disrespectful, I would rather end the conversation immediately rather than allow it to escalate. Our company does an average of 200 plumbing service calls per week, that's an average of 10,000 jobs per year! We've been in business for ten years. We only a handful of complaints. I think that represents the true character of our company! Not the accusations of one unsatisfied customer.

[redacted]Aug 21 (10 days ago)to me The complaint was not submitted under a different name.  We are [redacted] and [redacted], it appears this company has moved? and maybe thats what they mean, we sent them a certified letter and they never responded to us.Installation of wire guards is good practice, we should not have to "request them", we are not well pump experts so how would we possibly know?  If they did a good job, they would have done that, it certainly should have been covered within the ridiculous $1500 that [redacted] paid them for the well pump work.After we got a reputable company to re-do Clear Flow's work, that company also told us it is standard practice to install them.Clear Flow clearly wanted to get in and get out with the minimum of work and expense.Clear Flow also installed that new pump (which [redacted] paid $1500 for) together with the new wire, so how can they blame the pump that they installed, brand new?they told us we needed to replace the wire or the pump was not guaranteed. The wire was not covered by [redacted], so paid them $525 for that new wire.Within 90 days, the pump had gone bad.  We were again without water, and both the pump and the wire needed to be replaced.The employees at Clear Flow were surly and difficult to deal with, they acted as if this was our fault.They came out and once again replaced both components, and once again within a few days both had gone bad again.As I said, [redacted] stepped up and paid us for the pump that Clear Flow ruined.  Clear Flow now needs to step up and pay us for the wire they ruined by improper installation.Clear Flow maxed out our $1500 allowance for the well pump, so after they ruined 2 sets of pumps and wires, we had to pay out of pocket to fix the well pump and wire.So we called another company on our own to fix our well pump, we clearly need water to our home and we were NOT going to allow this company to set foot on our property. That company took pictures and replaced (for the 3rd time) the pump and the wire, they charged us 1/3 of the price Clear Flow charged to our warranty company ($625 vs $1500) and we have had no problems whatsoever for over 6 months, so clearly it is not an issue with an "irregularly shaped" well or the pump or anything else they want to blame this on.The pump that was here and finally failed after working for 28 years had no problem with the "irregularly shaped well".  We have no proof there were no wire guards on that wire, as this company pulled out and disposed of the wire. Regardless, this company did a horrible job, was disrespectful and disagreeable to us and we want the $525 we paid for a wire that they ruined twice and ultimately was trash - so that we had to buy another new wire from the company that did the final work.