Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical

Gibson sent out the plumber the next morning. He called me at 8:22 am to say they would have to cut through the wall. I gave my permission. I was on the road driving to Nashville. They called me again at 10:47 am to say they had completed the job. The cost for a cheap faucet ($50) installation was $950 - - 350 for faucet, 150 for other parts, 450 for labor. Talked me into having water pressure valve replaced for $650 due to false reading on water pressure; pressure 50 psi lower was verified by water company. Demanded immediate payment by check or credit card. Owner of company will not talk me about excessive charges. I put a hold on the credit card payment. I had used them for many years. This is a change in ownership. Not good. Will never use the company again. Negative reviews on other sites have magically disappeared.

Discovered I had no hot water and one bathroom faucet was blocked. Plumber arrived and determined that I had a calcium blockage in lines. Lines were replaced approximately less than (20) feet total inside with no obstructions. When inspecting the water hear saw calcium build-up in there as well.  Plumber said he had to go get parts and was gone approximately one hour, ($95) hour for getting parts.

Second visit scheduled to bring out new water heater next day.  Gibson sent (2) plumbers at $125/hr in lieu of the $95/hr rate due to installation of water heater. Water heater was installed and appeared working and plumbers left.  After a few hours to allow new heater to warm up to temperature, still no hot water and lines still blocked.  Called back and was told plumber would come back out.

Third visit they sent the two plumbers again to inspect the water heater.  Determined that I "must have got a bad heater" and would need to trade it out. They uninstalled and went to get another water heater and returned after approximately two hours (remember $125/Hr x 2). New heater  was installed.

Next day noticed the new heater was leaking from release valve and called back. Next visit they said I needed a filter since the water in my area was bad and the filter would possibly help keep water clean. Had to go get parts and returned.  Filter installed.

Next day noticed the "New heater" was still leaking and asked "what is the possibility of getting two new water heaters that were bad!" I had also received the first of two bills for services and noticed that I was billed for (2) plumbers to come out to replace the first "bad" water heater?  When I called the office and asked why I should pay labor for the replacement of the new water heater the accounts receivable lady said "YOU DON'T EXPECT US TO PAY FOR IT, DO YOU!!!!"  I told her I did n't think it was correct to bill me for a replacement for a new unit that they had selected and installed. I know they received credit back on the questionable faulty unit.  I asked for Jason/ owner or manager to give me a call to discuss these charges since the lady said she had no authority to adjust the bill.  As of this writing, I have not received a call back from him, (over two weeks).

To finalize this drama and not write a novel, I paid the bills and learned a lesson not to call Gibson's again.  Total labor was $1,050 and still not sure problem is resolved?  Inspector is scheduled to come out and?

My advice and talking to others that have used this company, be prepared to pay a minimum of approximately $200 for labor, drive time to your home and then at least an hour to get the most basic parts ($95/hour) to go to store/shop? If you have a question for the manager/owner, do not expect a call back.  

The actual plumber that works for Gibson and did the work is a great guy and I truly believed he did the best with what he has to work with.

Originally they thought there was a blockage in the lines under that patio and thought it might take thousands to repair.  Then I was told that it was where the clean outs needed to be converted from 2 to one.  The problem persisted.  I called them and told them the problem had not been resolved.  They kept telling me they would send someone out.  After coming once and again saying the problem was resolved, I had to call them again when it was not.  Then there were some "no shows".  Finally they coordinated a visit and found the problem was a simple one, a blockage in the line between the bathroom and washing machine.  After cleaning it out, problem solved.  So I ended up paying $750 for a repair in the yard that I had not asked for.  When I spoke to their office, I told her that if I had to pay the full bill for something I didn't request, I would never use their services again.  She said that was fine....very rude.  This was a very reputable business that was sold to new owners who have ruined the company name.  STAY AWAY!!!!

It was performed promptly and professionally.