St Johns Plumbing

I had an offer on a house and had just completed the home inspection. Per the inspection report, there appeared to be problems with plumbing so an assessment by plumber was recommended. I was given the name/number for St John's Plumbing (Roger Pigmen) by another contractor that has done good work for me in the past. I called Roger and asked if he could meet me at the property to look over plumbing including what appeared to be problems with water flow in kitchen and bathroom sinks. (We did discover that the bathroom issue had been corrected in the meantime by the handyman for the listing real estate agency). Upon Roger's arrival, he asked my real estate agent for the fee for this visit. As I requested the service, I told him I would pay by check. In exchange for payment, I expected an inspection, followed by a write up of problems found, and an estimate for replacement of the old, galvanized pipes. Roger spent approximately 10 minutes looking over plumbing issues followed by a few verbal suggestions. I gave him a check there at the property. I was not given a receipt and never received a write up of problems found, nor an estimate for replacement of piping. This occurred on a Saturday (5/19/12). I emailed Roger the home inspection and asked him to address issues identified in the report and anything else he found. While at the property he identified the piping for the hot water was sized incorrectly causing low flow upstairs, the washer drain was trapped incorrectly and a few other items. I let him know I would need a write up early in the week. I called on Tuesday and left a message for him but he did not return the call. I called again on Thursday and said that I would at least like an estimate for replacing the supply piping. I received no call back, no e-mail. However he quickly proceeded to cash my check. As we were so busy with other inspections, estimates and such for this house under contract, the time slipped away and we realized one month later that still..NOTHING from him. We sent an e-mail to 3 different e-mail addresses listed for this business and requested a receipt/report and provided our PO Box. Again, nothing which was no surprise. I regret that I trusted the referral to this "business" which is why I did not investigate beforehand. After the fact, I looked up his website and he boldly advertises "Free Estimates" as he does as well on his Angie's List page. Also, he spent more time talking with my real estate agent (probably trying to drum up business from her) than going over my concerns for which he was wrongly paid. The only positive grade given was punctuality as he did show up on time. I understand that estimates take up time and because there was an element of inspecting the plumbing, I was willing to pay for it.. This is a fairly simple job; 2 sinks, a toilet and bathtub. If he did not want to provide a write up or estimate he should not have cashed the check. Not only did we lose $80 but also any leverage to correct plumbing problems in the house deal. We currently are getting someone else to provide the same estimate. At the very least I would like my $80 back along with something for my time. A formal complaint process will take place. (Angie's List staff, please note: review written by Louis Starr).