Plumber recommendations please

[horribilis]

My house was built in 1957 and had galvanized water pipes when I moved in. Zero water pressure and when it sat for a while the next time i opened the valve the water would come out orange, yuck.

So I replaced all of the water supply with copper (4 years ago) and all the cast iron drains with PVC. My AC condenser sounded like it was on its last legs so I replaced it with a Trane Puron system. I used two different contractors and I would chose another plumber if I had it to do over again, I'd probably go with Scottco, just because of their name and reputation, they would be motivated to have happy customers. My HVAC contractor was so-so, but OK. They have stood behind the sale with a 10 year parts and labor warranty and I've had good service with them. I won't mention their name because they worked the deal through Home Depot, and that is what I suggest you look at is getting the work done through Lowe's or Home Depot. It will cost a little more, but you have the weight of those organizations behind you and they do see to it that you get good service, plus they have financing plans that are great. I had a year to pay for my unit with no interest.

[hoparillo]

I had to call Frank's Repair Plumbing out last week. Not only did they show up within 10 minutes of the scheduled time, but the repairman was very knowledgeable, courteous and in and out in a very timely fashion. I was very pleased. That being said, the Scottco people I know are great, I've just never taken the opportunity to use their services.

[gitpikker58]

west1texan said:

Don't touch anyone who doesn't quote an absolute flat-rate from a printed pricing catalog.

Scottco...largest plumbing company in town...and does HVAC and electrical.

Appears to really stand behind their work...and it's a flat-rate...no matter how long it takes.

They stand behind their work...and the controlled board went out on my heater/AC like 3 years ago...and they thought it was something else...because it was intermittent problem...that would come and go.

It required a 2nd trip...and I didn't even complain...and they just gave me the system controller board...and did not charge at all for the 2nd trip...which impressed me...because that trip was at 2am...on a Friday night.

I also use them for all new plumbing fixture installs/replacements...and they don't care if I bought the faucets myself at Lowe's.

On another trip...Scottco also rewired the master electrical connection on the back of the house to my external AC unit.

I have no connection at all to that company...but I have never seen a cleaner and sharper bunch of techs...than those that Scottco sends out.

When I have work done...I prefer to work with the largest company I can find...because you won't get excuses...and they have the financial resources to handle any problem...and will usually have the parts in stock...at night...and on weekends.

I did flat rate the last few years in my plumbing business. One of the few in Amarillo that did. I called it 'Big Mac Pricing', and I told the customers that I'd give them a price before the job was started and they'd sign the invoice.
I'd recommend Scottco also, and Jeff Schreiner Plumbing, he's a good Christian man and we both started out about the same time, and when either of us got too busy we'd refer to each other. After I was injured he started getting all my business/customers and he started growing with several trucks and plumbers.