TOBLER PLUMBING CO

He repaired my washer on a Saturday but still charged me regular rate (not overtime) which was nice. He is fast and honest and keeps his work simple and to the point.

He did everything that was in his power. He could only do it partially because the pipe was in too bad of shape.

Just before pre-xmas weekend, Doug came out morning following my call. On time. Great start :-) As with other plumbers, he agreed can't be fixed and so need a new one. He could also install new one the first morning I returned from Xmas trip. Would he show or not show on that day was my worry...I really needed hot water (leaking water heater water valve off and put on vacation mode.) I The previous and quot;reputableand quot;, highly rated plumbers or referred to me by busy highly rated plumbers assured me they knew the code and my job would be done to code. They explained what that would entail and all said no permit needed. Doug was last to come by b/c last one called (last two plumbers were no shows). He also went through the code details verbally, and through and quot;life and safetyand quot; check that would be done by inspector b/c permit required by city. (eg, check for working smoke detectors in certain parts of house...yep, inspector checked; so no bs). So far, I was really glad last two no-showed and came across Doug. Doug emailed me a VERY detailed bid that same afternoon which was actually cheaper than the others who had said permit just extra cost and hassle. There would be no miscommunication in what would be done day of job with him; that's for sure. Liking this guy a lot now. We set up the date. fyi-Others refused to either write a bid beyond vague phrase plus price, price, or nothing at all. The worst was a guy who does phone 24/7 quotes (yes, I was desparate after 2nd no show). This guy says most plumbers are rip-off's by charging for more than unit cost. He said had a better Rheem unit than one I had found on Rheem site, He gave me the model # and I told him the specs of that model are not as good according to Rheem's website. He proceeded to demand I tell him why then do the units have the energy star sticker on it? I said I don't know, but energy factor is only .59 and specs are .67 now; mine is .62. He arrogantly said, but his has a better Annual Operating Cost and that's what matters. Wrong again, as I look at models and their specs. I told him he really needs to look at the Rheem site; it really is quite informative and helpful. He was beyond angry, so I realized, I just needed to hang up and did. Other plumbers may have lied about permits (and so will other tradespeople), but they didn't try to sell me (and is selling to others) something that is not what he claims the model to be...energy star and more efficient than is. Someone told me he probably bought a bunch of old units from someone cheap. Who knows, but makes since b/c saw that ehe .67 energy factor for energy star rating standard has been around since at least late 2010 for direct vent tank gas heater. Back to Doug: Doug opened the city code permit required for the job and paid the fee for permit, showed up that morning as promised...and showed up on time! Did everything to Austin's City code. Called in the inspection. Actually showed up for the inspection (not required; but is required inspector has open access if someone not there. Passed inspection! Th city Inspector was very impressed; said most plumbers would not have done a few things Doug did (and would have failed) and that he did some things very well ((like replace ceiling drywall (to attic) and replace rotting wood holding up water heater in garage closet)). Some fixes were issues with firebreaks and venting which could have caused problems resulting in major structural damage or death for me. High odds; no, but why not do the work...remember...Doug was still less than rest and did more work...and did it right. Permits: Most people in Austin don't realize there is a City of Austin permit database for probably every home b/c almost every home has had permits opened to build or replace HVAC or something. Once a permit is opened, it must be closed after passing. Sometimes the inspector forgets or your tradesperson did not pass and so is out there as failed (I had an inspector forget on previous home). If never closes b/c passed, within 6 months or so, it gets marked with a different term and you will have to possibly get it reinspected and pay to re-open it. I could not close on previous home until all permits passed or closed and it was not fun. I got lucky finding out before buying it; could have been a HUGE deal breaker for us. On the other side of coin; if a permit has not been closed, then good luck getting new work done. Why do I say all of this? 3 reasons: 1) no one (including most realtors) tells you this stuff when you buy in Austin and is very important. City rules your world! (word of advice: treat inspectors respectfully, be quiet, and as if gods even if you think they are (and may be)) wrong; they can go out of scope of job inspecting and make your life he!! It is not unheard of for inspectors to look up in database any new looking work done on house when not in current scope of work. 2) Doug actually printed off the page that shows it passed and I am ready to roll again. He went out of his way to once again, ensure I was taken care of. Wish all tradespeople worked like he did. May whoever you pick be as ethical, thorough, and good at job as Doug. Doug is a straight shooting, nose to grindstone guy; a keeper on my and quot;Golden Listand quot;. One plumber and one electrician; more to go. Thanks Doug!

Tobler's was very reasonable and friendly. The man was very clean cut and personable and knew what the problem was right away. He fixed it and I've never had a problem since.