plumber billing practices question

last month

hi,

I did a search for this but I didn't see this answered in recent years - and, maybe things have changed? (I am in Southern California - and I don't know if that's relevant.)

We had a plumbing problem. A plumber from our new-ish company came by and told us what was needed, and that the repair would take 4 to 5 hours. Based on that (or so I thought), he estimated a certain price and I agreed. I didn't shop around because I've had decent experiences with this company.

The job ended up taking about 2.5 hours. There was no price adjustment though, as I had expected. (I guess it's my fault, there wasn't an itemized estimate or a breakdown of the labor cost.) He said it was just a flat fee.

Now, these are nice people - and I think they are good plumbers and they are reliable and honest, all those good things. I am just wondering if they are too fancy for me. Champagne plumbers.

Does this way of billing make sense to people? I am a bit uncomfortable. (Also, the person who came to fix it was a different person than the one who did the estimate. Is that normal?)

At the same time, I am reluctant to complain - I don't know if my expectations were reasonable or not.

Should I have just gotten different bids? What do other people do about this?

We used to have an awesome plumber, but he retired. You never had to worry about being overcharged. That was so nice. (But, I am happy for him, that he is retired.)

All suggestions appreciated. (I promise, I did a search for this, if it is an obvious question.)

Thanks in advance.

Featured Answer

Kendrah

last month

Based on that (or so I thought), he estimated a certain price and I agreed.

They either charge by the hour or by the job. If they didn't give you an hourly price then they charge by the job, which may take more or less time depending on the various snags they run into when doing the actual work. They need to estimate how long it will take to prepare you for how long they will be in your house and also to schedule their day.

the person who came to fix it was a different person than the one who did the estimate. Is that normal?)

Yes, very normal.

If you were satisfied with the work that was done and if they didn't break anything else while they were there or damage your walls or other parts of your home while carrying materials, I'd consider this a wildly successful experience.

There are a lot sloppy workers out there who leave you hanging, don't show up, don't do the work to satisfaction, and damage your home in the process. This sounds like you have someone good. Lucky you that it didn't take as long as anticipated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Jake The Wonderdog
last month
last modified: last month
Yeah, I have to agree with Kendra:

They are going to estimate the job by the hour or by the job. They may give you an expected amount of time - even if it's by the job. By the hour is more typical when people don't really know what they are getting into - because it's not visible, for example.

If it's not clear to you how the job is being quoted, you should ask. It's okay to ask what happens if it takes considerably less time than they expected.

All that said: In my area, plumbers became very expensive during the pandemic and they never came back down to earth. Attorneys charge less. What's more, they are oftentimes only marginally skilled. There's a big push here to "retail plumbing" (and HVAC) that seems more concerned about client "hand holding" and a lot less concerned about "wrench holding". When they advertise on TV and the plumber is high-fiving the client, hold on to your wallet.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked Jake The Wonderdog
Related Professionals
Woodinville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Tempe Landscape Contractors · Fair Lawn Landscape Contractors · Indio Landscape Contractors · Mahwah Landscape Contractors · South Hackensack Landscape Contractors · Yukon Landscape Contractors · Shenandoah Landscape Contractors · Vadnais Heights Landscape Contractors · Shafter Landscape Contractors · Placerville Swimming Pool Builders · South Park Township Bathroom Remodelers · Ridgefield Park Bathroom Remodelers · Peachtree City Furniture & Accessories · Greenwood Village Furniture & Accessories
dan1888
last month
You were OK with the estimate and the work. Let it go until next time. Then get more estimates.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked dan1888
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal)
Original Author
last month
Okay, thanks!! I appreciate it, people!!

I think next time, I will try someone else though.
klem1
last month
Majority of plumbers I've known through the years chase cars and lick places civilized folks won't touch with their hand in public.
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
last month
I would stick with them because they did the job at the quoted price.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
rwiegand
last month
Getting a job completed with work well done at the quoted price is a huge win. I'll take that any day of the week.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked rwiegand
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal)
Original Author
28 days ago
Thanks again! I don't know how much time I'll have to put into it, but I still hope to find a plumber I can just trust. (Like my mechanic.) I don't have the knowledge to judge these things myself, and it also doesn't feel totally right to drag a bunch of people over, just so I can get a number of bids.

And it's not that I don't want them to make a profit - of course I do. However, we are not made out of money - some people are, but not me. I don't know that I think 400 an hour is fair.

Meanwhile, I've never met a plumber who wasn't pleasant and intelligent - I don't know where the whole thing about smelling bad even comes from. I'm the one that smells bad - I couldn't do laundry!

So overall, yes, I do feel lucky just to have indoor plumbing that works. It is amazing when I think about it all. Maybe I am getting spoiled.