I had a leak in my upstairs bathroom (a bucket or so a day coming into my kitchen). This company wrongly diagnosed the problem as a leaky vent stack (it's impossible to get a bucket of water from a residential vent stack leak, by the way). They were about to tear out a perfectly good vent stack for no reason.
I suggested the problem was a leaky drain under the bathtub. The pumber gained access to the house via the tenants and completed and billed me for work that was not required (completely missing the leak). They had to come back a third time and finally got it right. The company refused to waive charges for the unnecessary work. I was disapopointed at the incompetence of the plumber.
With hindsight, the vent stack issue appeared to be an attempt at some very expensive, unnecessary work. I would't recommend this company.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $0.00
- Company Response
Park Lane Plumbing, member of the Better Business Bureau, has had no previous complaints. This work was done back in March 11 and 14, 2005. There was a leak in the kitchen ceiling from the bathroom above. The call was issued to Walter who has been employed by Park Lane Plumbing for 25 years.
On March 11, 2005 Walter arrived to the job to meet Liz to service a leak from the second floor washroom in the ceiling below. Walter flushed the toilet, ran the basin and tub with Liz in attendance and could not find anything leaking below. Walter noticed water on the bathroom floor by the stack vent, which had been patched with tape and painted. During this first visit he repaired leaking tub taps and a charge of 1 l/2 hours was billed.
On the second and final visit, tenants below complained about water leaking when the tub was filled. We were not there three times as expressed. Walter opened the ceiling to replace a section of the lead drain from the tub. Also noticed the overflow was loose and repaired it.
If we wanted to make work for ourselves this would be the perfect opportunity. The employees of Park Lane Plumbing do NOT work on commission. Walter only repaired the section of drain which was leaking for a second charge of 1 l/2 hours for three hours in total. If we found this problem the first time the charge would be the same. Regarding the stack vent, tape and paint is not a means of repair, this will leak when condensation or rain are present.
We take great pride in our work and I felt a needed to tell our side. I hope this will not discourage customers from giving us a try.