BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
About us
4th-Generation Family Owned and Operated - Serving the North Shore Since 1937 - Celebrating 81 Years in Winnetka!
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
88 years of experience
Services we offer
BATHROOM & KITCHEN PLUMBING REMODELING, DISPOSER REPAIR & REPLACEMENT, FAUCET, PIPING, PLUMBING, REPAIR SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT, RPZ/BACKFLOW TESTING, SHOWER, SUMP PUMP MAINTENANCE, TOILET, WASTE PIPE & SEWER RODDING, WASTE PIPE AND SEWER REPAIR, WATER FILTER, WATER HEATER REPAIR & REPLACEMENT
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.531 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 77% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 6% |
Showing 1-25 of 31 reviews
Janice W.
Jun 2017
This review is in regards to my experience with Bratschi Plumbing of Winnetka and inspection of a RPZ valve (required for sprinkler systems). After Bratschi inspected our RPZ valve, it was determined that it was not working properly and an estimate of $512 was given for the repair and inspection. As this seemed high, I researched repair kits for the make/model RPZ valve we had and found them online for $36. As there was no guarantee that a repair would still pass the test, I researched a new RPZ valve and found/bought the exact model for $216 delivered and ready to install (vs. $530 to repair old model). I wrote Bratschi and inquired about the difference between repairing and replacing, and after a 2 week wait received a letter that informed me that Illinois law requires this inspection and their prices were their prices, and their price included the cost of submitting the inspection report. Suffice it to say we found another plumber to inspect the valve for $130 (including reporting it to the city), so we had a new valve for $200 less than a repaired valve. In spite of not fixing the valve we still received a bill for $196 from Bratschi for the 10 minute evaluation. I have no issues with businesses charging what they want to charge for services/materials, but I want to forewarn people that businesses are willing to take advantage of unknowing customers with this city required service on a fairly simple device.
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"We are a 4th generation family owned and operated business that employs professionally trained, licensed and certified plumbers. We fully admit that we cannot compete on price if the customer's option is to buy an RPZ valve online and do the work themself as Dr. [Member Name Removed] states he did. Despite replacing the valve, an RPZ/backflow test is still required by the state and the village code. RPZ testers require extensive training and must be certified by the State of Illinois. The RPZ certification, including the paperwork process, requires a professional service to do the testing and filing, both of which Bratschi Plumbing plumbers are licensed to do. We know plumbing work is expensive, and it is also expensive to run a licensed, bonded, insured service company with certified professionals. We do everything in our power to keep our overhead as low as possible to keep our prices down and provide quality service. Bratschi Plumbing provided Dr. [Member Name Removed] an estimate to repair the valve, not a bound contract to perform work. Upon receiving an estimate, a customer has the right to accept the proposal or seek an alternate solution with another service vendor. Bratschi Plumbing is not in any way, shape or form "willing to take advantage of unknowing customers," and this statement is disingenuous to the long-standing quality service we, at Bratschi Plumbing, have provided our customers for the past 80 years. (NOTE: please see the positive review by this same customer in regards to an RPZ certification in 2016.)"
Ken K.
Dec 2016
unknown
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"Thank you for your kind review. We enjoy doing business with you and are glad we were able to serve your needs. Please call us again! Sincerely, Bratschi Plumbing"
David C.
Sep 2016
We have relied on Bratschi for routine plumbing issues, rodding out the sanitary sewer line annually, and hot water heater replacement for many years. In spring 2015, while rodding out the sewer line, Bratschi discovered a blockage -- the line collapsed about halfway from the house to the street. They dug and repaired the line. Then they ran a camera through the line and reported problematic pipe cracks further out, closer to the street. So we paid for a second heavy-equipment dig and line repair that summer. In summer 2016, collecting estimates from various vendors for flood proofing, we discovered (camera work by other vendors) serious cracks in the sanitary line where the line enters the house. Presenting those camera pictures to Braschi, the company explained that while they did run their cameras from the access trap out to the STREET, they did not run their cameras from the access trap back toward the HOUSE, entirely missing the extent of sewer line disrepair as they repaired half of collapsing sewer line for $20,000. Bratschi denies any responsibility for assessing the full sewer line while they performed these two jobs, and calls it a "misunderstanding" if I believed their camera studies extended any further than the work area.
Janice W.
May 2016
Overall, we find Bratschi to be honest and professional. We've worked with Ravinia and Pasquesi in Highland Park area and have been very disappointed by overcharging, incompetence and arrogance. Bratschi had been doing plumbing work at our business, so we decided to ask them to work at our home. It's a bit far for them to go, but they value us as long time clients and don't charge travel fees.
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"Thank you for your kind review. We enjoy doing business with you and are glad we were able to serve your needs. Please call us again! Sincerely, Bratschi Plumbing"
Harry P.
Mar 2016
They are always terrific. We've used them them over 25 years. No complaints ever!
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"Thank you for being a loyal Bratschi customer. We're glad we were able to provide quality and reliable service. We look forward to working with you for any future plumbing needs. Warmly, Bratschi Plumbing"
SUSAN M.
Feb 2016
Very well. I have used them many times and never been disappointed. They are not the cheapest but I think you get what you pay for!
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"Thank you - we appreciate your endorsement!"
Barbara C.
Apr 2015
They called me back in 15 minutes. I text him a picture of the water heater and he was able to guide me over the phone to help me turn the water off. It was nice to be able to connect with an individual at 9 pm to help me solve my problems. The same individual, Mr. Boyd, showed up the next morning with the same model of water heater to replace it. We have been using them for 10 years and they are great!
Patricia C.
Nov 2014
I was relieved that the Company was able to schedule a plumber the same day as the handyman to install a new range that did not fit into the space. In addition to other needed modifications, the handyman could not slide the stove in until the gas line was moved--because the old gas connection blocked the stove. I called Bratschi Plumbing that day and they were able to get a plumber, John, over in the afternoon. John was very professional and worked quickly to finish his piece of the puzzle, coordinating well with the handyman. I was pleased with the cooperative scheduling and the professional work.
Ryan W.
Aug 2014
Arrived on time, professional, and completed job without issue. Took a few extra minutes to explain another concern I had without charging me (some others would). Very pleased. I've used Bratschi for a few different jobs previous. They're always attentive and professional. Informative as well. I read a lot about cost. Plumbers, in my opinion, are always going to be a bit expensive. However, it's important to get one that you feel most comfortable with. I feel Bratschi is this and more. Good local company to work with.
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"Dear [member name removed]- Thank you for your kind review. We enjoy doing business with you and are glad we were able to serve your needs. Please call us again! Sincerely, Bratschi Plumbing"
Todd H.
Jun 2014
Problem fixed and tested
Response from BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO
"[member name removed], Thank you for being a loyal Bratschi customer. We're glad we were able to provide top notch and reliable service. We look forward to working with you for any future plumbing needs. Warmly, Bratschi Plumbing"
Todd H.
Oct 2013
It went great and has worked marvelously since performing the work. They erected a plastic barrier around the work site to protect the rest of the basement area from concrete dust. The 2 workers made quick work of the job and were done in 2 days time
BERNARD D.
Oct 2012
Excellent but much more expensive than other plumbers
Jayne W.
Jan 2010
They did an excellent, professional job and fixed the problem within hours. Determined some of the problem was from nearby hair salon as sewer smelled like those kind of chemicals used. They fixed it without going into a huge cost of scoping entire sewer line. I believe they are very honest and dependable.
Rockey F.
Apr 2009
We operate a dog grooming business, and we get loads of dog hair into our plumbing. We now have pre-scheduled visits, but before Bratschi would always help us out very quickly when we had a problem, usually within a hour of our initial phone call. I like dealing with local contractors. I will always use Bratschi.
EDGAR E.
Oct 2008
The price was high. They were very prompt and pleasant. But didn't tell us the price prior to fixing the issue.
Robert B.
Oct 2008
They were great except for their prices. They were on time, they were very professional, and they cleaned up well it was just the price that made me upset.
DANIEL K.
Oct 2008
They have fixed almost every conceivable thing pertaining to plumbing for me. I have used them for about 20 years.
Janet J.
Jun 2008
Our basement ejector pump died on Sunday. It was a minor emergency, but we decided against paying Sunday rates and requested the earliest possible service on Monday. The plumber was at our door at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. He diagnosed the problem, replaced the 16 year-old pump, cleaned up after himself, and was finished in less than 90 minutes.
MARY R.
Nov 2007
A call in the early morning was not answered until 3:15 p.m. and they said they could come at that time. After arrangements were made to allow the call to take place they arrived. The disposal was jammed with a small piece of plastic which was repaired in 15 minutes. I was charged for an hour's work, $150, without having been notified. After a complaint about price, they agreed to lower to $75 this time only from their minimum service call amount of $150.
Lori B.
Sep 2007
This company was very good. They came out immediately when I called with the problem. They were very thorough and hard-working. They got the repairs and installation done on time. I was very pleased with their service.
LINDA C.
Oct 2006
The only problem I has was, that I was told $140/hour. It took the guy less than an hour to do the work and when I got the bill I found out, that they charge you for driving to my house too. I was not told that or I would have shopped more. It was not an emergency call, so there was not a special service call charge. The work was done, when I was told he would be there and the guy doing the work did a fine job.
SUSAN M.
Aug 2006
They were excellent. They were on-time, clean and professional. They've done other jobs for me in the past and I have never had any problems with them or their work. I think they are probably expensive, but worth it for quality work!
CHRISTINA L.
Nov 2004
I HAVE USED BRATSCHI PLUMBING FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS FOR ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS AND REMODELING ON MY HOUSES. THEIR WORK IS OUTSTANDING. THEY ARE PROFESSIONAL IN ALL RESPECTS. THEY USE TOP-NOTCH MATERIALS AND DON'T CUT ANY CORNERS. THEY ARE PROMPT, RELIABLE, HONEST, HARD-WORKING AND PERSONABLE. I WOULD NEVER USE ANY OTHER PLUMBER FOR ANY JOB SMALL OR LARGE. I RECOMMEND THEM ENTHUSIASTICALLY AND WITHOUT RESERVATION. THEIR PRICES ARE COMMENSURATE WITH THEIR QUALITY. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
NANCY C.
Jul 2004
JOE WAS ON TIME, PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE. HE WASTED NO TIME GETTING TO WORK AND CLEANED ALL 3 VENTS ON THE ROOF. HE ALSO FOUND AN OLD, ABANDONED VENT PIPE THAT WAS CLOGGED AND HOLDING 12 FEET OF WATER -- A POTENTIAL FUTURE PROBLEM. HE DRAINED IT INTO THE BASEMENT (NOT AN EASY TASK). HE EVEN CLEANED UP AND DISINFECTED THE AREA AFTERWARD. BRATSCHI MAY BE A LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS, BUT THEY ARE EXPERIENCED AND THOROUGH IN THEIR WORK. THEY HAVE DONE WORK FOR ME BEFORE AND I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY SATISFIED.
RICHARD R.
Jan 2002
HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE BILL YET.
Licensing
State Contractor License Requirements
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
FAQ
BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO offers free project estimates.
No, BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO offers emergency services.
No, BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO does not offer warranties.