FIRST CLASS PLUMBING LLC

We discovered water backing up in our basement around shower stall drain. Contacted company (Tom Lamden in Annapolis office) at 11am and they dispatched plumber (Mike Jones) who arrived by 11:30am. In the meantime, we also contacted WSSC since we believed the problem originated in their main line and not our own sewer line This was because we had a prior blockage on the WSSC main line 10+ years ago (roots in line), and because we believed our own line was clear (because we installed a totally new water and sewer line running from our home to the WSSC main line about 18 months prior to this event). WSSC crew arrived around the same time as Mike, and after WSSC conducted dye test in their main line, WSSC concluded from this test that there was no apparent blockage to explain the flow of water back into our basement. Mike proceeded to run cable through our shower pipe drain and out to the connection to the WSSC main line. He found no blockage in our line and contacted WSSC with the results. WSSC said to run cable out an additional 150 feet beyond our own line into main line. He did this, and in the course of doing so, we began to receive a larger volume of "black water" and greater flow backing into our basement and shower stall. Prior to this, we were continuing to have water flow into the basement, but most of the water was clear or light grey, and the rate of flow was modest (0.5-1 gallon per minute). After we began to receive the "black water" the rate increased to 1-2 gallons per minute. We collected and discharged this out of the house using WetVac and a small portable (1/6 HP) pump. Even after Mike completed routing his larger cable the additional 150 feet through the WSSC main line, no blockage was discovered and the flow of sewer water continued unabated into our basement. Mike and we both contacted WSSC a second time, informing them that we were still having sewer water flow back into our basement, and whatever blockage was contributing to this must be in WSSC's main line. WSSC returned with crew to work on their main line (arrived ~6:30pm and commence testing/clearing process after 7:00pm). WSSC used a pressurized water jet and cutter device to test the main line for blockage. As Mike and we suspected, WSSC found a blockage in their main line down the street from our home (despite their prior dye test results earlier in the morning) which the jet/cutter cleared out. The blockage was beyond the reach of the 150ft of cable Mike ran into their main line. Mike and the First Class office were great throughout this ordeal. Mike stayed as late as he could (until 6 pm) in order to try to be at the house when the WSSC crew arrived. He also stayed in contact with the main office, took pictures to help get advice on plan of action, and he was very communicative on what he was doing and supportive of us throughout the event. First Class notified us early in the process what their fixed price cost for the job was going to be (price based on running the cable through our own pipes, as well as running the larger cable the 150ft into the WSSC main line). Total time spent on site was about 6 1/2 hours, so fixed price was much more reasonable than possible hourly rate that could have been charged. (Note: Because the blockage was in the main line, WSSC is prepared to reimburse us for the cost of the plumber's bill, plus other losses attributable to the sewer backup).

The technician mumbled and barely made eye contact upon entering. I had bought a kitchen sink faucet fixture and wanted First Class to install it. My original fixture was leaking water after 15 years. The technician virtually fought to get the old fixture off, scraping my stainless steel sink and putting a small indentation into the wood molding just above the sink. He also created a small tear in my linoleum flooring. While he ran a rag over everything before he left, there was debris and filth from the old piping inside the cabinetry, dirt and debris on my floor and metal scrapings in my sink. I am disappointed with the quality of service I received for the price. NOTE: I had agreed to this estimate at the time I made the appointment.

OMG! His work was ok. His whining was so unprofessional. I'm not going to try to get part of my money back. I just want to warn you all. When I said to him I was going to try to get a partial refund, he started (and didn't stop even after he left) telling me how he would get in trouble, and how in every unit in my development he's encountered complaints and screaming, and how he's not sure he can keep coming out to do this job, and how he's got a life too, and he just keeps getting in trouble with his boss, and how my request for a refund would put him in the middle. OMG! the whining. I backed off just so he'd leave. Please don't ever go near this company. That's my revenge.

The plumber who came out did a pretty decent job. He was very funny and put me at ease despite the fact that my house was flooded.