James A Wheat & Sons Inc

They were pretty good. I will absolutely use them again. I will give them a good recommendation and had a very good impression. The technician explained a lot of information, told me what the good way was, how to test it and how it was supposed to work.

They came out a few weeks after I purchased the "Big Deal" and the service went great. There's a little confusion, they charged us twice but we got back the second charge because we already paid Angie's List. Everything got cleared up at the end. I got exactly what I thought I was gonna get.

They came out on short notice to fix our AC unit when our other provider failed to show. We loved their prompt, professional service so much that we signed up for an annual maintenance contract on the spot. Alas, when heating season came upon us, they informed us we had only two options to receive the service we paid for: wait around all day for them to show up (would not give even a 2 hr window) or wait until December when they could schedule a normal appointment. So, unless we want to waste a day sitting at home, our HVAC will not be serviced until 2 months into heating season. So, unfortunately, our search for a reliable HVAC contractor continues. So disappointing.

They did come and they did check those things. They did it professionally. They made a few recommendations on things that I unfortunately cannot do at this time. I am happy with their professionalism and they were nice and they explained things to me. I was happy with their coming and doing that. I think the recommendations that they gave me were sound. I just cannot follow up on them. Actually I did follow up on one of them. There was a problem with the toilet and I purchased the parts and then when the parts came I had a handyman change it for me. So I did that myself, I didn't need to call them back for that. The price of the Big Deal was good. I would use them again if I need to.

Technician was on time, went through the fireplace set ups thoroughly. However, he spent a lot of time talking on the phone or talking to me or just wasting time. What could have been done in less than an hour took over 2 hours. He told his supervisor on the phone he would be finished in another 35 minutes -- but he was still here more than an hour later. Then he sat down to write his notes....which took him another 30 minutes. But aside from what I saw as a lack of professionalism by the technician in taking his time and being way to talkative....he did a good job, the price was good, and I had no other complaints.

I have had a yearly service contract with James Wheat for the last seven years for HVAC/Gas Fireplace and Plumbing. They always send a reminder that I am do for fall or spring service and scheduling has never been an issue. They arrive when they say they will; call in advance and explain everything. All quotes are given in writing with full explanation. Of course they always suggest additional "maintenance" work but I rarely go with it but I am never harassed to do the work. I would recommend them and will be using them when I move to my new home.

Repaired toilet seal and consulted disposer

The servicemen were wonderful. I appreciated their courteous manners. They arrived on time, they covered their shoes, and they took one look at my fireplace and said it was completely rusted through and I wouldn't be able to use it; I would need to throw it out and replace it. Since they weren't able to service or clean it, they said I could credit the $99 that I paid for the service towards purchasing a new one. I contacted their sales department and had them email me a few options. The least expensive one was $2,500 and they ranged up to $5,000. The 24in log set (the cheapest one at around $2,500) was completely sufficient for our needs, but way out of our price range as we had just purchased a new home. I was able to go online to Amazon and find the exact same log set for $1,030 and purchase it with some points we had on our Amex. This was a way for us to afford a new log set this year. At first I thought we would have to hire someone to install it, so I scheduled JJ Wheaton and Sons to come do an estimate on installation. They couldn't schedule me in until the next week. The more I talked to my friends and read the instructions that came with it, I realized I couldn't probably install it myself. So I did (with a friend's help)- and it is working great!!! I love it! I called JJ Wheaton and Sons to tell them I no longer needed the estimate on installation, but I would like to use my $99 service that I purchased at the beginning to make sure everything was safe and ready to be used through the winter (you know, to have a professional look at it and make sure I did everything right). They told me they were only planning on giving me that credit if I purchased it through them and that they consider the short visit where they looked at it and said it's broken to be the completed service that I purchased. I was very dissatisfied and will not be calling JJ Wheaton and Sons when I need my new fireplace serviced. It made me feel like they were only coming out to service something if it meant that there was a possibility that I would spend more money with their company. It also makes me hesitant to purchase things through Angie's List. I would much rather withhold payment for the service provider until I am satisfied that the service has been completed to my satisfaction. (Note- the low score on professionalism is because of the people I spoke to over the phone as I tried to resolve my concerns. The servicemen who came to my house were WONDERFUL! so I gave them the highest score for punctuality)

AC maintainence / Duct service/ parts ordered and came in quickly

They called me which was great. The inspection was thorough and informative. He answered all my questions.

The technician said the outside A/C compressor (less than one year old) had dirt on the coils and needed to be cleaned. When he told me that would cost several hundred dollars, I said that's what I thought I paid $17/month for the so-called "Eagle Service." No, he said, that was just to do diagnostics. I pitched a fit and called the office to cancel the contract. They said I could not, as I was paying a monthly amount for the year. In the end they comped me for the clearing of the A/C unit, but the unprofessional way they handled this matter means I do not plan to work with them in the future.

The work performed was desastrous. I signed the order on 7/11/2012. They waited for the WSSC permit, then they sent a plumber around 8/10 who spent most of his time running to get missing parts, since the job was so poorly planned. After a few hours, the job was completed but the installation was incorrect and was disapproved by the WSSC inspector on 8/16. They did send another team, two plumbers, who used wrong pipe size and material, and failed the PVC pipes gluing which resulted in flooding the utility room in my basement. This second attempt was again disapproved by WSSC inspectors on 9/13. The installation was finally corrected on 9/19 and passed the inspection. After I complained to Wheat's management, they refunded $500. I will never again call this company.

No problems- all ok. Two jobs completed in less than an hour. but was charged for two separate visits.

Okay so the details: I have the manual for the hot water heater, and being an engineer, I set out to try to troubleshoot it myself. Granted, I'm an electrical engineer with hardly any tools so my extent of testing was quite small. For my tankless hot water heater, the manual said I should check some things: check for plumbing cross-over, check to make sure contacts are seated properly, check to make sure that you have enough water flow (i.e. I needed at least 0.5 gallon per minute, so this involved me running my faucet and measuring how much water I got in 30 seconds. It checked out okay), and then there were tests on the igniter itself. I got about half of the things checked off (and it was okay), but I didn't want to mess around with the gas myself being unqualified to do so. I called Wheat and Sons and told them about my problem and they told me the diagnostic fee was $59 which could be applied to the eventual repair should I got with them. When the guy came, I repeated to him again what the issue was, the symptoms, etc. He asked a few questions. He poked around the heater himself for a bit, then 10 minutes later he told me the fee for the diagnostic was $167. Since I was desperate, I didn't argue with him, and I thought maybe there were some tests he needed to run that were not mentioned in the manual. I was nearby doing work, but about 5-10 minutes later, I heard him talking on the phone with the hot water heater manufacturer - Boch. 15 minutes later - he came to me with bad news. Bosch had apparently told him that the heater was installed improperly. It was installed in a space that was too small, which didn't provide it enough air to do its job. Bosch followed up with an email nulling my warranty, repeating what the plumber had said. 'fine.' I thought to myself 'I hate that stupid tankless hot water heater, having had problems with it a few times in the past.' I asked about installing another version, and the plumber said I didn't have the gas capacity. Something about my gas lines not being fat enough. I asked about a non-tankless heater. I had space in an HVAC closet, but unfortunately it was behind a furnace. I also offered the alternative which was to remove cabinets and get access to the space behind the cabinets. He then looked at my gas supply lines and crunched numbers. He came back to me with a $6000 estimate. $2500 to take the furnace out and put it back in, and $3500 for the new heater, which included parts and labor. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and believe them when they say that that included labor for both installing whatever plumbing is required. Anyways, I told them that I would think about it and get other estimates. Meanwhile, I review the tankless hot water heater manual in greater detail, and I find out that it can actually be installed in small spaces. However, you need venting to the outside. I looked in my bathroom and apart from the fan that was installed I saw that there was indeed another vent space cut out that goes out to the building exterior. I think I was given erroenous information. I paid $167 for an assessment that took about 45 minutes, which included a 15 minute phone call to the manufacturer. I The next day, I also received the receipt for his services, and here's what was written about his diagnostic: '(.4/0) Diagnostic - Plumbing Water Heater. Thorough inspection of the gas or electric water heater. Gas includes - test of thermocouple safety device, gas valve / thermostat, carbon monoxide, and proper flue draft. Electric includes - test of both heating elements, both thermostats, proper amps, and proper voltage. Included in both - test of water temperature. water pressure, gallons of hot water provided, pressure safety relief valve. Owner understands that per manufacturers instructions the pressure relief valve is to be tested annually. Should the valve not reseal, it is considered failed and must be replaced at Owner?s expense. 1-Year Warranty' Um no - I don't remember him doing half the tests mentioned on this report, and he certainly did not tell me anything about a pressure relief valve. I'm moving on though, but I want to point out to people here - BEWARE WHAT YOU SIGN WHEN THEY COME OVER! I'm sure what you're signing is a statement saying you agree to the things they say they did. I called some other companies. It was a pain - I ended up talking to about a dozen plumbers, most of whom don't really know much about tankless heaters and finally got someone competent. Apparently, my real issue was that since my neighborhood is very old, I actually have variable gas pressure. He says that it's especially a pain in the winter when gas pressure is low. He zeroed in on this issue, and he gave me examples of the associated problems, and what he said was spot on. In the end - here's what I did. I called my normal plumber/handyman - who I had forgotten did this kind of work. I think he is semi retired and doesn't often respond to stuff. I ended up getting an ELECTRIC hot water heater installed. Materials - $700. Install was $550. For this price he also removed the old tankless, replaced some copper pipes, ran a 240 Vac line from the main power breaker, and he patched up the walls that he ended up cutting holes in to get access to stuff. He did a good job. *** Update. **** I need to clarify some of the things I said here. I just realized the manufacturer posted a pretty inflammatory response. First of all - I bought my condo as-is with the tankless hot water heater installed. I did not have it installed illegally. Secondly, prior to my second appointment with James Wheat and Sons I had bought an Angies List coupon which involved a whole house plumbing inspection and a tankless hot water heater flush. And guess what? NOT A PEEP FROM THEM ABOUT THE SUPPOSED ILLEGALITY OF MY TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER. I also should clarify that the 240 Vac line wasn't a new line. I used to have a hot tub installed on my roof deck, which I have since removed because it turned out to be a pain. It was a happy accident that THAT line was still around and accessible. We literally just had to re-route those lines. The plumber/handyman had it hard-wired to the heater. Whether or not that was illegal - I can't say as I do not know the rules. But I am an electrical engineer with over 10 years of experience, and I have personally wired 240 VAC lines on million dollar government labs, and I didn't see any issues with what my plumber/handyman did. As for the hot water heater install itself and whether that was illegal - you can have a look at AngiesList, and $700 to $1000 is in line with hot water heaters if you get coupons. Sure, maybe my plumber/handyman loves me and cut me a break. Or maybe he just didn't rob me blind. My issue with this company: - bait and switch on the diagnostic fee. I was told one price over the phone and was given another price when they got there. Sorry I didn't read the fine print on the emails they sent, but I know what they said over the phone. I called a bunch of people and I kept a record of what each one said. And I know that the price they quoted me didn't match the price they gave me once they got there. - secondly, the invoice they gave me listed all these tests they supposedly did and things they said to me, which I have a hard time believing actually happened. There's no way in h*** they did all those tests for 10 minutes (I was nearby the whole time), and if they did do the tests in 10 minutes - why did they charge me $167? - third - they gave me wrong information on the issue with my heater. They told me it was a matter of air capacity - the tiny bathroom it's in is too small. Fair enough - but the very manual I had stated small spaces are okay if you are vented, which it was. Bottom line is that I think that both technicians they sent me know nothing (probably as much as I do) about tankless hot water heaters. And yet they happily took my money. - fourth, the pricing on the new gas hot water heater they gave me was insane. I won't dispute the labor costs involved with messing with gas pipes, because I have no idea. But the prices they proposed for the gas water heaters were outrageous - one was $3K and the upgraded fancy one was $5K. I looked at the Sears websites, and you could buy brand new gas heaters for $500!! $500!! Listen, buddy, I'm a girl, and I'm a young girl, but I'm also an engineer and I'm not a complete idiot. The nerve of these people.

Professionally. Technician explained what he had done and suggested future services to consider. No upselling. Wore booties when in house and cleaned up on completion of service.

James A. Wheat was punctual, careful and neat. Took time to fully test the new system to ensure it worked completely. We were very pleased. We have used them for years and will continue to do so.

Technician arrived on time. Did a thorough job. He identified an issue with capacitor in AC unit and replaced it right away. The day when he came in it was raining heavily. So he came back another day and continued his work. Very professional and did a great job. Answered all my questions.

They were excellent. They were very professional and the owner even came back to check the furnace for me.

OK so lots of comments regarding the high cost of a plumber from James A. Wheat & Sons but from my personal experience, I only wish I had called them first. I had paid another plumbing company to snake the same kitchen stack in Jan 2009; and in 2012 yet paying another plumbing company for snaking a slow draining basement bathroom. Both of these companies combined exceed what I paid James A. Wheat & Sons and were a waste of money. They were both temporary fixes as best. The plumbing company that snaked the basement bathroom drain at the main waste stack told me I needed to replace the waste line to the street because it was collapsing - a deal that would earn him several thousands of dollars. I passed on that so called great deal, figuring I'd pay when it broke. Last week, James A. Wheat & Sons, and specifically Tim W., had a great solution for me and all the draining issues. The kitchen waste stack was obviously clogged with an estimated 60 years (age of house) of grease, etc. (worst TimW had ever seen) when he snaked the drain from the cleanout to the main drain connection, so he suggested a water jet snake that is used to spray clean the walls of the drain and included a camera to verify results - yes it cost more that a regular snake, but I was so impressed with Tim W. and the camera verified results that I bought the Plumbing Eagle Club package and it saved me 15% on the spot. I've never, in the 30+ years I've lived in this house, seen the inside of a clean pipe before. Tim W. was very respectful of my home and I can't thank him enough! Guess what else I saved...the worry and cost of digging up my yard and replacing the waste line to the street. Tim W. and I looked carefully at the waste line and could tell the waste line was in good shape - no so called collapsing sewer line visible. Tim W. has fixed the slow, gurgling kitchen/laundry/bathroom waste lines. Venting restored to kitchen sink and the all issues resolved. Water jetting line fixed all the issues I have over the years! If you want an honest plumber call James A. Wheat & Sons. You'll finally get your monies worth.

The person who was to solder the new connection in the house did not use flux, so when the water was turned on the seal did not hold and water went all over the place. Wheat was going to push the dirt back into the hole without tamping it down. In that process the heavy equipment scraped the older part of the driveway leaving claw marks which look very bad. The soil would have settled over time, causing a space into which the new section of driveway would have fallen. The job took about 2 weeks to complete. The heavy equipment Wheat used leaked oil on the neighborhood's newly laid street making a huge mess. That was power washed after I requested it. It seemed as if Wheat is not able to do this type of work. My neighbors have had similar work done and it took 2 to a few days total to complete a job. We were very disappointed in the workmanship and the time frame to get the job done.

Wheat and Sons are a well-organized, efficient, and professional machine. Their workers are courteous and respectful. Their prices are reasonable and they are generally low-pressure for additional services. We continue to use them, year after year....

Technically competent and proficient. Horrendously expensive, so much so that I have switched to another plumber and would not use again except in an emergency

He gave me the option of using the Eagle Club or the $35 Angie's List coupon. I asked what he would advise a relative who had no plumbing skills. He asked if there were several plumbing issues. That was the basis for my decision. Justin inspires trust.

I have had problems with getting the pilot light started before. Another provider told me I would probably have to replace the fireplace if the pilot went out again. Serviceman from James A Wheat came, got the pilot light started promptly and completed cleaned and inspected the unit. I will definitely use this vendor again.

They did a good professional job as always