My recent experience with Richard’s Plumbing started with Kaleb, who initially identified the problem and remarkably was able to extract several feet of roots from the pipe. Kaleb, professional and friendly, took the time to educate me about the issue at hand and provided me with a recommendation. That recommendation led to a visit a couple of days later with Cole and Gus.
Cole and Gus arrived at my house ready to tackle the issues (root intrusion, aging cast iron pipe, etc.). Cole’s investigation was meticulous. Again, as with Kaleb, I received a thorough rundown of the issues and at each step of the pipe exploration he made sure I understood.
Cole and Gus dug several feet of dirt to access the outside pipe, hopped up on the roof to tackle it from that angle, successfully jetted the pipe, and recorded everything, again walking me through the steps they were taking. Following this effort, we discussed options to solve the aging cast iron pipe. Cole provided me with a comprehensive proposal and quote for lining the pipe.
Begrudgingly, I reached out to HomeServe with whom I have a warranty agreement. They and the company they employed would not entertain anything other than a full replacement. The warranty would have paid a portion of the cost of full replacement (excluding costs associated with displacement) but would not consider another viable option such as lining. Also, now that the pipe was jetted, cleaned and operational the warranty wouldn’t have covered anything if I chose a full replacement. That is another story altogether.
I am not opposed to a full replacement if necessary. However, Richard’s Plumbing gave me options, a full replacement was one, lining the pipe, which Cole had determined was line-able, was another option. Lining the pipe was more reasonable, would last many years and not displace us from our home, and be far less costly overall.
I was very impressed with Cole’s knowledge, presentation of the facts, and honesty. He said point blank, if the other company (through the warranty service) could save me money the best bet was to do so. I appreciated that. Ultimately, I went with Richard’s Plumbing because I was so impressed with their people, their price, which was fair and reasonable, and just as important I felt instinctively, positive vibes.
Cole and Gus returned (August 5) to commence work on lining the pipe. The two of them worked tirelessly for three days, in hot, humid weather, and with torrential downpours, to achieve what they set out to do. They successfully relined the pipe, (showed me video as they recorded the newly lined pipe). Excellent across the board, I couldn’t be anymore happy with their workmanship.
Kaleb, Cole, and Gus, without question, are an asset to Richard’s Plumbing. Words that I associate with the three of them, professional, knowledgeable, personable and down-to-earth, respectful, and an absolute pleasure to work with. I can’t speak more highly of them, and when the time comes for any future work, I will be reaching out to Richard’s Plumbing because I know I can trust their brand.