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Flatley's Plumbing Express

About us

Plumbing Express is Family Owned and Operated servicing Cook, DuPage and Will Counties for over 57 years. We offer Complete Plumbing & Sewer Repair for Residential and Commercial properties. We are Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Please mention Angie's List for Discount.

Business highlights

Emergency services offered
69 years of experience

Services we offer

Battery Back Up Sump Pumps. Flood Control Systems & Overhead Sewers, Hot Water Heaters. Ejector Pumps, Hydro Jetting, Sewer Cleaning & Repair, Sump Pumps & much much more.

Amenities

Emergency Services

Yes

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.027 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
67%
4
11%
3
0%
2
4%
1
19%
Showing 1-25 of 27 reviews
Steven C.
Nov 2021
1.0
$335
If I could give zero, I would. Do not hire. This is what we tell the plumber (he doesn't deserve that title) when he arrives: we have a septic tank and the toilet won't drain. We just got the septic sucked out and this Just started when it's been raining a lot recently. Coincedence? He didn't think so. So he sticks a toilet auger down the toilet after we told him we've already tried that. Surprise, no success. So, he takes off the toilet and sticks a larger auger down the drain....no success. Then, his boss arrives and says we should look in the septic tank outside. It's filled and he says the rain has backed up into the septic tank and they can't do anything. Didn't we tell them this problem started when it's been raining?! So, we owe them $335 for taking our toilet off and putting it back on for no reason. $335 and the problem isn't fixed. Step #1 was look at the septic tank - any plumber with any knowledge of septic tanks would have thought..."hmm, this problem has been happening since the rain? Maybe the septic is backing up with rainwater....let's take a look at the septic first." He would have been in and out in 5 minutes if he would have taken a look at the septic tank but instead he sticks around for 3 hours messing with the toilet to collect a paycheck. Not only that, but we got water from the bottom of the toilet when flushed because he didn't set the toilet right...had to fix it myself. So not only did he not fix the problem but he created one. These guys aren't plumbers, they're thieves. Reply to Patrick F.'s comment: The fact that you would reply to argue that I am at fault shows what a joke you guys are. Look at your yelp rating, it's 2.1 - apparently I'm not the only one who knows you guys are terrible. Now addressing Patrick's comment: We told the plumber the problem started when it's been RAINING. The first step was to look in the septic tank after hearing this. Any plumber with any knowledge of septic tanks would think..."maybe there is a problem with the piping in the drainfield from the septic tank." This is the problem - nothing to do with the toilet or toilet drain piping and nothing to do with the tank not being pumped recently. All the plumber had to do was look in the septic tank FIRST and he would have been out of there in 5 minutes - not mess around with a toilet drain. Your comment further shows the lack of plumbing knowledge at this company. Again, this issue has NOTHING to do with the septic tank not being pumped - it was just pumped as we've stated. The problem is with the rain backing up into the septic tank drainfield piping. You said the technicians "dug" down underneath the picnic table? Haha, dug. I moved the picnic table with a friend out of their way and the plumber simply lifted the 12"x12" concrete lid on the septic tank - it maybe took 1 minute to move the picnic table and uncover the lid. Dug?....haha no.... And thanks for the new $1 toilet bolts which makes me realize I forgot to tell the future customers something: Make sure you guys have some garbage bags and cleaning supplies on hand for these plumbers - they do not carry them. I had to give the plumber a contractor bag, disinfecting spray, and paper towels. Patrick - plumbing is generally not the cleanest job - you should really supply your guys with some garbage bags, disposable towels, and some disinfecting cleaner. Last thing Patrick - I had to argue my way to $240 because you guys failed to fix the problem...it's not like you guys said..."Hey, we couldn't fix the problem today but we've been here a while, how about we give you a discount?"..... No, you guys are terrible and your comment shows this. TO CUSTOMERS THINKING ABOUT HIRING THIS COMPANY - DON'T! Edit: Writing a new review to reply to Patrick's comment: The fact that you would reply to argue that I am at fault shows what a joke you guys are. Look at your yelp rating, it's 2.1 - apparently I'm not the only one who knows you guys are terrible. Now addressing Patrick's comment: We told the plumber the problem started when it's been RAINING. The first step was to look in the septic tank after hearing this. Any plumber with any knowledge of septic tanks would think..."maybe there is a problem with the piping in the drainfield from the septic tank." This is the problem - nothing to do with the toilet or toilet drain piping and nothing to do with the tank not being pumped recently. All the plumber had to do was look in the septic tank FIRST and he would have been out of there in 5 minutes - not mess around with a toilet drain. Your comment further shows the lack of plumbing knowledge at this company. Again, this issue has NOTHING to do with the septic tank not being pumped - it was just pumped as we've stated. The problem is with the rain backing up into the septic tank drainfield piping. You said the technicians "dug" down underneath the picnic table? Haha, dug. I moved the picnic table with a friend out of their way and the plumber simply lifted the 12"x12" concrete lid on the septic tank - it maybe took 1 minute to move the picnic table and uncover the lid. Dug?....haha no.... And thanks for the new $1 toilet bolts which makes me realize I forgot to tell the future customers something: Make sure you guys have some garbage bags and cleaning supplies on hand for these plumbers - they do not carry them. I had to give the plumber a contractor bag, disinfecting spray, and paper towels. Patrick - plumbing is generally not the cleanest job - you should really supply your guys with some garbage bags, disposable towels, and some disinfecting cleaner. Last thing Patrick - I had to argue my way to $240 because you guys failed to fix the problem...it's not like you guys said..."Hey, we couldn't fix the problem today but we've been here a while, how about we give you a discount?"..... No, you guys are terrible and your comment shows this. TO CUSTOMERS THINKING ABOUT HIRING THIS COMPANY - DON'T!
Response from Flatley's Plumbing Express
"Mr. [Member Name Removed], There is no need to check the septic tank if it was just pumped weeks earlier as our licensed plumber was told. Our plumber took the correct steps and continued on to pull the toilet to rod your sewer line. Another plumber was dispatched when there were further complications. Our technicians continued their investigation and dug down underneath a picnic table and found the tank to be full and it was apparent that it had never been pumped. We reset your toilet with new toilet bolts, reused your water supply line to set it properly and didn’t charge you. I’m sorry you feel this way but the plumbers both took the proper steps based on the information given to them. We didn’t charge you $335, it was a total of $240 for two (2) technicians that were misguided and worked diligently for hours to help you."

Lynzee M.
Dec 2020
1.0
$200
He came out looking it over and turned off water at meter. And looked out side to make sure there was no sump pump discharge pipe . After that told my daughter to call water department to get water turned off at street. He then said he had another job and said he would be back because water department would leave tool to turn off water and he can turn it back on when he came back. Well that’s when he never came back and said he would come in the morning. Sure as **** he called in the morning said he had 2 job to do and call when on his way so and by the way water still off so after 12 hours being off friend went out and turned the water back on because it was not leaking water. Know it’s after 5:00 o’clock and he called and said he can’t make it today he will come in morning my daughter told him at that point she’s going to get a different plumber because he just left her with the same problem and 200 bucks less his only response was I’m only one person. Well don’t tell someone you’re going to come and then over book your schedule. Do yourselves a favor get a different plumber to do your job!!
Response from Flatley's Plumbing Express
"Dear [Member Name Removed], we are very sorry you feel this way and the fee was $165.00. The plumber was there on a Saturday and spent an hour investigating the issue you were having. Your city sewer was inspected, the pump was inspected, toilets & drains were inspected, It's difficult to diagnose underground water leaks and you have to go through a process of elimination. The process was even harder due to the heavy rains that day. The plumber suspected it was your main water service that was leaking and recommended to have the water shut off at the b-box. He called you 3 different times during that day to ask if the leak had slowed down which you mentioned it had. He stated he would inform the dispatcher and try and get you on the schedule for the next day. When he called you on Sunday morning you informed him that you turned the water back on to the house and there was a leak again. He explained he had an emergency sewer repair call and would get back to you but that call took longer than anticipated. He called again that day and there was no answer. Then he tried again and you answered but you opted out of service."

Edward G.
May 2018
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
They did a great job. They were prompt with their service but they were pricey.
Response from Flatley's Plumbing Express
"Dear Mr. [Member Name Removed], Thank you for your positive review! We try our best to have competitive pricing as well as strive for the best service! We appreciate your business!"

Renee W.
Feb 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$289
It went well. They provided same day service. They were prompt and quickly fixed the issue.
Response from Flatley's Plumbing Express
"Dear Mrs. [Member Name Removed], Thank you for your positive review! We are delighted with the review of our service and pleased we met your needs and expectations. We appreciate you as a valued long time customer!"

Peg P.
Dec 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
It went really well. We haven't had a problem with it since. Even though it was before the holiday, they sent someone right out.

Peg P.
Feb 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
.

Tonya Y.
Feb 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$295
They came out to rod my sewer lines as a maintence. I had problems 2years ago with water backing up in the downstair bathroom because my lines was full of tree roots. I used Flatley's Plumbing Express then and was impressive with their professionalism that I decided to use them again. Once again no complaints. They were on time and cleaned up after. Thumbs up!!!

Peg P.
Feb 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$160
They come out right away. The guys are polite and they work fast. They clean up really well after themselves. I have been very pleased with them.

Rita B.
Dec 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown

Andrea M.
Nov 2014
2.0
$3,600
We recently used this company, and we had a very bad experience with them. They came to repair a main sewer line which involved digging a large hole in the front yard. We were told they would attempt to save bushes so they could later be replanted, but couldn't be responsible if they didn't survive. However, once they started the project, they just immediately bulldozed the bushes without making any attempt to save them. They were also extremely destructive with our property. They made zero effort to protect our lawn or concrete pathway by putting down any plywood or other protective materials As a result, they caused extensive damage to our entire front lawn, they caused multiple large gashes in our concrete pathway with their backhoe, they ran over our gutter drain and shattered it instead taking 5 seconds to move it, and they damaged a pillar to our house. They also finished the job in only half the time they said it would take. Yet, they made no adjustment to the $3000+ price tag. We had another plumber come to give an estimate, and he quoted a price of only half the amount of Flatley's. Unfortunately, we had signed a contract already by that point. And finally, after they dug the large hole, they had to wait until the next day for the village to inspect the repair itself before filling in the hole. They then decided it would be hilarious to use crime tape saying "crime scene do not enter" all around our front yard. So, as if we weren't stressed out enough about a major unexpected repair, now we have to deal with them sabotaging our reputation by having the whole neighborhood think we are some kind of criminals.
We were extremely dissatisfied with the sloppy, careless job that was done, and we attempted to call the owner of the company, Patrick. First, he didn't return our calls. When he finally called, he called demanding money. We never said we wouldn't pay the balance. We only wanted to speak to him first to express our dissatisfaction. Patrick was unbelievably rude, and kept adamantly insisting that the plumbers did a "beautiful job", despite him never coming to inspect the property himself. He showed absolutely no concern whatsoever regarding the completely avoidable damage done to our property. Sounds like he inherited this company from his parents, which make sense. I can't imagine anyone with his attitude building a successful company on his own.
Response from Flatley's Plumbing Express
"I’d like to first start off by stating that I am perplexed by the review that we were given. Like I said on the phone, I am very sorry that you were unhappy with our service. We did exactly what we proposed to do on our contract. Your letter is completely inaccurate, you told me about your concerns & I told you I would go back and address all of your issues free of charge but you told me not to send anyone out. I have before and after pictures and I stand by my word, the plumbers did a perfect job and we stand by our warranty. We pulled our permits and everything was done according to code. We have been in business for over 57 years and I don’t have the luxury to be rude on the phone with my customers. I did my best to satisfy you, but I came up short."

WILLIAM P.
Mar 2014
1.0
$4,400

Absolutely the worst!!! Because of these people I became a member of Angie's list and will use it for all my home owner needs.

I am sorry I did not use Angie's list to find the services I needed.

I called Flatley's Plumbing express in Frankfort Il. because my basement was filled with human waste from sewer back up.

1) I made an appointment for them to come out they couldn 't pin point put it would be between 2pm to 4 pm.

                 I waited till after 5 called and they said they got tied up at last job, never called

2) them came gave me an estimate to build  an outside clean out which I needed and did not have. The cost of $2700. They would be out the next day to do the work first thing in the am. ( I called competitor for the same job and Flatley's was a little higher but I felt they had already been on job so I would stick with them)

3) at noon I called, they did not, asked where they were they said driver wrote down the wrong address. arrived a few hours later.

4) When the work crew got there  they said they could not do the work because the job originally quoted could not be done for the price given because the work needed was more than originally thought AND the job would take a few more days and more equipment. I was also told my lawn driveway and side walk would be torn up.

5) I asked if there was an alternative. Plumbing Express  gave me an alternative to do the work from the inside. I called a couple of competitor and they quoted $600-900. However they did not recommend because was not as good of a job because the bigger equipment to clean out the line was not available for inside the house.

6) Plumbing Express gave me a price of $1600. again over the competition but they were there in my basement  along with the waste water.

7) When I looked on my credit card statement Flatley's Plumbing Express had charge $4400.00!!!!

8) I called and told them that the did not do the original job of $2700 for out side at all but billed me for the work in addition to the inside job of $1600.

9) they said they would get back to me that day before the end of the day. They did not.

10) the next day I called and the office told me I had to talk to the plumber, Jason.

11) Jason left a message for me that he had taken care of the bill.

12) I called back the office and asked what did that mean? was I credited for the work that was not done? They said I don't know you have to talk to Jason. I Said I do not feel comfortable Talking to Jason because he is the one who first fraudulently bill me. They said he is the only one I could talk to

13) I called Jason and he said that is the price for the work that we did!!! I told him it was about $3,000 to $3800 over what his competition would charge. I told Jason I would like to have the bill adjusted he said that is the cost for the work we did. I told him I was not going to leave it there and if he would like I will take it to the next level. Jason said fine do that.


My home which I owned for 3 years suddenly filled with waste water.

 I only knew of plumbers in the area from my dissatisfied neighbors So I looked through the yellow pages called Flatley's Plumbing Express. I called them because they had a Christian symbol on their add. I have always preferred dealing with Christians because they have always been honest in the past. I told the girl who answered the phone Kathy and the plumber who came to the house I chose them because they professed to be Christians and I trusted them.

I hope this letter finds it way to one of the principals and he informs his crew what it means to be a Christian. If not at least thousands of others will not make the same mistake I did, my advice   Do not trust FLatleys



Matthew Y.
Jan 2014
1.0
$95
We had called this plumbing service to check our water heater after we had smelled gas.  We had Nicor out the previous night and he told us it wasn't a difficult fix but he could not touch our appliances for liability reasons.  So the next morning we called three service providers: a contractor/remodeler that does a lot of work for my family's portfolio of houses (he could not make it until the next day), a gas repair man that I used recently, and plumbing express.  Plumbing Express was the one that said they could come out right away.  We had specifically asked if they could repair a Sears brand water heater, and they said yes since other companies said they would not because they had to get the parts from Sears. 



So the plumber came out, inspected the water heater and said that certain parts of the water heater needed replacing and since it was 10 years old, it would be more economical to replace it.  So he went to work up a quote for repairing and replacing.  We proceeded to get quotes on the phone from Home Depot and Lowes for anew water heater both coming in just above $1,000.  He returned and said that we would have to go purchase the parts from Sears ourselves and he can come back and repair it charging us in the process $95 for today and coming back and repairing it for $385.  Alternatively, we could replace it for $1,385 (please note above HD and Lowes were charging $1,000.  So I asked if he can't repair it for me today (after we specifically asked if they repaired Sears brand water heaters), then why am I paying $95 today.  He responded that he came out and inspected the water heater and wrote out all these options for us.  So basically they charged me $95 to not give me a viable option and to try to take advantage of our unfortunate situation.  After 15 minutes of arguing I paid the $95 to get him out of my house.



Later that afternoon, the gas repairman called, diagnosed the problem immediately and said it was a 5 minute fix but he couldn't come down today because he was booked.  Our remodeler/contractor came the next day, came to the same conclusion and fixed it in 5 minutes.  Over two weeks on, there are still no problems.  He also mentioned since it was a 75 Gallon Kenmore Water Heater it was built sturdier and would easily last us another 5 years.

Karen P.
Jan 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
Flatley's responded quickly, within an hour, fixed the problem and minimized the damage. I would use them again without hesitation.

Fran W.
Dec 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
This toilet stopped cooperating (running continuously)at a very critical time for us. I called Flatley's Plumbing Express and set up an appointment. I explained that this was a difficult situation since my husband had just come home from the hospital after heart surgery and needed this bathroom. The most compassionate Service Agent said she would get someone out ASAP and would call as soon as the Plumber was dispatched. True to her word I received the call within the hour and 10 minutes later Jason was at my back door. The repair went very quickly and Jason left the bathroom work area spotless. The repair went smoothly, as usual. I have used Flatley's Plumbing Express in the past for a major repair and the service was top notch then too. The entire crew is great, you will not be disappointed from the initial contact through your repair. I want to wish everyone at Flatley's Plumbing Express a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.......you have made my Christmas merry. Thank you.



HARVEY S.
Dec 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$235
Rick from Plumbing Express arrived at exactly the agreed upon time and listened to the description of the problem I thought we were having - the sound of running water in the plumbing on one side of the house. He checked all the plumbing fixtures on all levels of the house and then found that it was the backup sump pump running constantly because the primary sump had failed. He was exactly correct and then proceeded to replace the faulty sump pump.
The cost was exactly as the estimate he had given me. The work was done quickly, efficiently with NO mess, and professionally. We are very pleased with Plumbing Express and happy to recommend them to others.

John M.
Aug 2013
4.0
The first day two men worked 12 hours. The second day, they filled in a hole and did an inspection of the sewer line, in 4 hours or less. Destroyed concrete step to get to drain through wall. So tota, price will be closer to $8,000. Very unhappy with price.

Terri W.
Mar 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$780
Our ejector pump ran continuously one night due to a bad float switch. We had to unplug it to stop it from running.  Flatley's Plumbing Express was called at 7 am when they opened. They put us first on their list of services for the day and were at our home by 8 am.  The service person wore shoe covers (booties) over his shoes so as to not dirty our home.  The service person identified our issue immediately and made several recommendations for repair, and quoted us a price before starting anything.  The work was performed quickly, accurately, was done without any mess.  We have also used Flatley's once before for a minor issue.  They were just as responsive and nice to deal with.  $780 was ALOT of money for the one hours worth of work that was done.  One thing to note is that the pump quality we now have is a superior grade compared to what we had, which we are happy about.  For an hours worth of work, they made some good money and we got some piece of mind, and the ability to shower, flush toilets, etc.

TOM R.
Aug 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
They are a very good, responsive company. Whenever we have problem, we can count on them to be out to our home within a few hours. They aren’t cheep, but their work is always done well.

Scott C.
Jun 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
Very well. Called them that morning, they came out that afternoon. Told us estimate over the phone and stuck to it after the job was done.

TOM E.
Feb 2010
1.0
$625
Horrible experience. Gave an estimate, and raised it 30% when the job was finished. Now, the thing they fixed in 2006 has failed. AVOID at all costs!!

TOM R.
Oct 2009
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
They are good. We like them a lot. They get it done like the first time and that's what we like about them. We have used them so many times that I probably paid off his cadillac. They are steep pricewise, but they are a little flexible on things sometimes. They are responsive, punctual, and professional. I would definitely use them in the future. I don't want to, but I am sure I will need them.

DIANNE H.
Jan 2007
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$325
The furnace humidifier sprang a leak on Sunday morning. The plumber kept us informed of the approximate time he would arrive and arrived when he said he would. He used 'booties' to keep the floor clean. He did a great job.

GINA B.
Apr 2005
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$135
THE VISIT TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THE PLUMBER RODDED OUT OUR TOILET THAT WAS NOT FLUSHING PROPERLY. I THINK THE PRICE FOR THIS WAS EXCESSIVE. THIS COMPANY HAS DONE WORK FOR US IN THE PAST, AND HAS DONE GOOD WORK.

LORI B.
May 2004
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$400
WE WILL DEFINITELY USE THEM AGAIN. I WAS TOLD BY FRIENDS THEY WERE PRICED HIGH, BUT THEY DID THE WORK WHEN WE ASKED AND SHOWED UP ON TIME. VERY PROFESSIONAL PERSON ARRIVED. GOOD OFFICE STAFF. GREAT COMPANY. WE DON'T MIND PAYING IF THEY DELIVER AND THEY DID.

HELEN B.
Apr 2003
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$125
HE WAS VERY COURTEOUS AND PATIENT. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE COST, HE CALLED HIS OFFICE, WHO VERIFIED A CREDIT I HAD. I WILL CONTINUE TO USE AND RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY.
Showing 1-25 of 27

Licensing

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FAQ

Flatley's Plumbing Express is currently rated 4.0 overall out of 5.

Flatley's Plumbing Express accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard

No, Flatley's Plumbing Express does not offer free project estimates.

No, Flatley's Plumbing Express does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, Flatley's Plumbing Express does not offer a senior discount.

Yes, Flatley's Plumbing Express offers emergency services.

No, Flatley's Plumbing Express does not offer warranties.