I was given an estimate of $3000 to install gas lines in our house. We were in the process of obtaining permits from the City and getting estimates from various plumbers on the work. We told Drain Patrol this and that we would be making a decision within the next two weeks or so.
Of course, Drain Patrol was the lowest estimate so I called them back appx 3 weeks later after receiving the permits and scheduled an appointment on Monday for them to begin the work. I called the previous Friday to confirm the appointment and make the necessary arrangements. I also explain there was a deadline for the work to be completed and inspected by the City because PG&E would be installing the meter that Friday. They said it would only take 1-1/2 days to finish the work and they would meet with the City inspector at 5pm on Wednesday. I was told they would be start at 8am on Monday.
I waited around until 9am on Monday and no one showed. I called Drain Patrol and was told the plumber had overslept and had to run some personal errands, but that someone would be out that afternoon around 5pm to take measurements and I was assured the work would be done in time for PG&E on Friday.
I met with two plumbers Monday afternoon who spent about an hour taking measurements and said they would be back at 8am on Tuesday. They also said they had a scheduled appointment at 5pm on Wednesday with the City inspector.
I received a call around 3pm on Tuesday afternoon from someone in Accounting about a contract. I said I was never told about a contract and that I was only given an estimate. I said I was going to be very upset if no one was out there today because we had a Friday deadline. This gentleman said Well you'll have to be upset in a very rude tone because there is no contract signed and no one has been sent out there. After a very loud discussion to no avail, I asked what paprerwork he needed so I could get this work done by Friday. He then said he had to fax me a contract to sign and then proceeded to tell me the work was appx $5000. When I told him I had a written estimate for $3000, he said that contract had been Voided without my knowledge and this was the new price. He refused to honor the original estimate or make an compromises.
At that point, I told him I did not wish to deal with a business with such hardball tactics and low ethics.
I only wish to warn others of my experience with Drain Patrol.
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