Phill's Plumbing

Very well. Fixed what was broken and cleaned up when he was done

Came out same day as call. Had a water leak in the bedroom and thought it was coming from floor pipes. Looks like it was coming from condinsation of air conditioner. I was impressed with the speed in which he arrived to assess the problem

I had an unusual (european) faucet that required a costly part. I was very appreciative that the plumber showed me how I could fix it myself next time.

Our backyard remodel required a new underground natural gas line from the gas main to the new fire-pit and BBQ. Because this was a natural gas line we didn't want to mess around. We needed a contractor that: a) had experience; b) provided great service; c) produced a high quality results; and d) was very professional. After researching Angies List reviews, California State License Board and Los Angeles Better Business Bureau, we chose Phill's Plumbing. When we called for an estimate, Phill immediately answered his phone and setup a convenient appointment (Phill always worked within our schedule.) Phill arrived and assessed the project. He educated us about the (technical) details of the installation (including alternative installation approaches) and local building codes. I greatly appreciated this because I am not knowledgeable in these areas. Phill gave us a written estimate. We decided to contract Phill to do the work and scheduled a start date. Phill and his assistant arrived for work on time and well prepared. Their work was delayed several times due to other contractors, but they never complained and took it all in stride and completed their work in a professional timely manner. Phill took much pride in his work. He worked on our home as if it was his own. You can't see most of his work, but we have peace of mind that the work was done right. The 'rough' city inspections passed with high praise from the inspector. After our backyard remodel was completed, Phill promptly returned to finish the fixture installations and prepare for final inspection. Phill's work passed the final inspection again with many positive remarks from the inspector. We had high expectations and Phill met every one of them. We would use Phill's Plumbing again and we highly recommend them!

We discovered water leaking through the ceiling on our first floor under our guest bathroom and feared for the worst. I called Phill's around 9:00 am and they had someone (Mike) at my place by noon. It took Mike about 8 minutes to figure out what was going on (after going through a crawlspace and poking around on the first floor) and he immediately wrote up the estimate. The problem involved the drain from the bathtub, and the trap and ventilation pipe (which had rusted and literally broken apart) that tie into that bathtub drain. Phill's does not charge by the hour; they have established fixed amounts for various tasks, and this repair included about five different tasks. I was expecting the job to involve a lot more work and wall damage, but Mike kept that to a minimum. He was able to do most of the work through the attic crawl space, and he did have to cut one opening into the ceiling on the first floor, maybe 18 inches by 24 inches. Mike worked on it until 6:00 pm and had it mostly under control, but the stoppage in the drain was still causing a problem. It did not mean we could not use the bathroom, so we agree rather than keeping him even later, he should come back the next day. Mike showed up promptly at the time we agreed on and finished the work in a meticulous and efficient manner. He tested everything to make sure he had it - and he did. He cleaned up the place and that was that. Mike was polite and friendly, even though he was working constantly and getting things done. Phill's Plumbing is on my speed dial. I was thrilled.

clean and fast work, just expensive.

Very professional. Also suggested small changes to plumbing to prevent in the future (not included in drain cleaning). First plumber to ever do that.

My first pick from Angie's List, and so far I'm a happy camper. Mike, the technician, showed up on time and was very professional throughout. I've tried many other plumbers, some with "big names," and this was the best experience I've had, even though it was a small job. Did exactly what I wanted and needed -- no up-selling. Will definitely call them again (soon, for a downstairs sink installation).

Excellent. This is the second time I have used them. Professional, ontime, excellent work, and from using other plumbing services in the past, Phill's had the best price.

BEWARE. I thought Phill was a conscientious plumber. I gave him a good review initially at his request. However, after I paid him I had problems and found out he had hidden costs and unprofessional tactics. I was having work on my old house to rent out. I discovered I had a water leak. (My water meter was running but no water was being used). The general contractor told me to call a plumber and shut off the main water gate valve to the house. It was Friday close to 3pm. I called Phill because he had a lot of good reviews, and I thought he was the plumber I had spoken to a couple of weeks prior for some advice. (Later I realized he wasn't.) He came within 15 minutes so he was punctual and responsive in that respect. He said I had a slab leak. But then he had an emergency call from a "big client whose water was cut off while the factory was functioning" so he had to leave. He said he would need to do a water leak detection, could return on Sunday to do the job, and only charge 1/2 the usual cost for the test. The water was shut off and no one was living there so the work could wait. I didn't think much about Sunday because this is what he offered so I thought this was best for his schedule. I spoke to him on Saturday to see if he was still coming. He said, "If you want me to." So I agreed. Be careful, with his wording as I LATER realized that he CHARGES PREMIUM PRICE for coming on the WEEKENDS/AFTER HOURS. This is standard, but I did not know/consider this at the time especially when he offered to come on Sunday. He never mentioned any premium charges before coming out. KEEP THIS IN MIND IF YOU CALL HIM. On Sunday, he did a water leak detection. He said the leak was under the downstair's bathroom floor tile. He thought it was a hot water line leak leading to the shower. He gave me the option to: 1) cut through the floor tiles (6-8 six inch old tiles that came with the house and I didn't have spares) to fix the leaking pipe section; or 2) go behind the water heater to access the manfold (where all the pipes start to branch) inside the wall between the bathroom and the garage, cut the line with the leak, and repipe a new line along the wall to the exterior of the house and come back in at the shower (~15ft). He would have to remove and reinstall the old water heater ("~$700") so he recommeneded that we replace it with a new one (~$5-600) which made sense. I also asked him about whether we should update the main water gate valve because a nearby house had a flood and their main gate valve did not shut off the water. He agreed estimating it to be $235 ($50 more than what the contractor was going to charge me, but I figured I should do it with a plumber). He added that I should have a separate sprinkler valve for my sprinklers, but we told him we DID NOT WANT THE SPRINKLER VALVE done. He estimated the total cost of the agreed upon work if he went through the tile and only fixed the leaky section to be ~$1000, and if he repiped, it would be ~$3000. We decided to do the latter through his recommendation because he said we could get another leak if we only fixed the leaking pipe section ("sauldering would soften/thin the surrounding area"). (I also didn't want to redo the floors and have to worry about matching the shower/sink counter tiles.) We also agreed to let him buy a water heater because he said he could get a better one for less price than anything we could get. My husband asked him if he would redo the leak detection test after he fixed "the problem" to make sure there were no other causes of leaks. He said he would. I think it was on Monday when he told me the leak was actually a cold water line leading to the toilet. He MISDIAGNOSED the problem WITH the LEAK DETECTOR. He said, "Good thing you decided to not go through the tiles." (Yes, good thing.) He only had to repipe near the manfold rather than to the exterior of the house so no stucco damage would be needed. I thought the price should be much less, but he said it was the same because my manfold had "weird piping" so he had to "redo it". He purchased a 40 gallon AO Smith Water Heater for me (a brand that could only be obtained by plumbers). I had spoken to someone that morning who recommended only the Bradford White water heater (another plumber obtained brand that is considered good by some), but he said he services it and asked if I want him back here all the time fixing it. Well, I later read that AO Smith had really bad reviews, but I hope he is right. I asked if the contractors would be able to dry wall the hole (~4ft x 2ft) if the water heater was installed and he said yes. I later returned when he said he would be done and wrote him a check for $2892.41 (less than the $3000 estimated...good, right ?). He pointed out that he didn't charge me for the water leak detection so I saved $ 267.50. I went to look at the main gate valve and noticed HE ADDED A SPRINKLER VALVE. I asked him what he did there. He said, "I GAVE YOU THE SPRINKLER VALVE FOR FREE." I thought that was nice. He proceeded to show me how to use it. WATER WAS LEAKING between the metal pipe he installed and the old PVC pipe. He said, "Try to do something good, and I shoot myself in the foot. I have to return to fix it tomorrow." He sent his employee (Mike) to fix it the next day. I looked over the bill the next day while placing a copy at the water heater at his recommendation. (Probably so that if anything went wrong the renters would call him to service it.) I was charged a total of $2892.41: "Electronic Leak Detection N/C" (no charge; but note he misdiagnosed using it, and didn't use it nor any other tests to rule out other leaks as he said he would); "Reroute 1/2" Copper to Toilet $881.80"; "STD 40 GAL Gas H2O HTR $1090.15"; "H2O HTR Stand (Demo & New) $483.86" (removed old wooden box stand/installation of a new table-like metal stand...over charge??), '3/4" FPBU $180.90' (??); '1" FPBU $255.70" (??). I then asked an employee of the general contractor about the charges and found out the 3/4" FPBU was the sprinkler valve and the 1"FPBU was the main gate valve. So the SPRINKLER VALVE that he mentioned he was so nice to do for free WAS NOT FREE. WE DID NOT AGREE FOR HIM TO DO THE SPRINKLER VALVE. HE DID IT, LIED THAT IT WAS FOR FREE TO MAKE HIMSELF APPEAR LIKE HE WAS HELPING US OUT, CHARGED US, AND HID THE CHARGES WITH ABBREVIATIONS. Although he said he uses his quote book to "give a consistent price", I think he knows exactly how to use that book to get close to his original estimate yet just under to make it seem like we are saving money - making "the customer happy" while still benefiting himself. It would be fine if he was doing it ethically, but he didn't. Also, I found out that the contractors could not do the dry wall with the water heater installed as he said. They were going to charge me for removing and reinstalling the water heater. To his credit, he agreed to come out to remove it for them to dry wall and reinstall it. The following Sunday, I got a call from my old neighbor stating that I had a leak in front of my house. Water was gushing out of the T connection of the pvc just below the metal pipe he connected for the sprinkler valve. I turned off the sprinkler valve. Then I noticed blue glue at the T connection (the exact same blue color at the pvc-metal pipe connection for the sprinkler valve). I called him and told him what happened. He said to me, "Good thing I installed the sprinkler valve." As if he saved the day; it could have been turned off by the main gate valve. I asked him if he could fix it. He said, "Do you want me to come and fix it? It's Sunday so it will be premium charge." I was speechless. I asked him if any problems would occur if I waited. He stated he was planning to come later to install the water heater so he could look at the sprinkler as well. After he came, he started blaming the leak on the "bad PVC piping the gardener did". I asked if the blue glue was what he used. He said yes, but quickly realized what I was trying to determine and stated that most contractors (inferring my gardener as well) use the SAME blue glue. He then told my husband he was going to charge us >$200 to fix it. My husband was irrate because we didn't even ask him to touch the sprinkler and in doing so he probably disturbed the PVC connection that was about 9 inches away. He argued he didn't touch the T connection but that was within inches of the metal pipe he added so in removing a portion of the PVC to connect his metal pipe, he probably loosened the T connection. He said, he would give a gentleman's courtesy and charge $50 for fixing the leak. My husband agreed just to get it done. My husband asked if he ever checked to make sure there were no other leaks, and he said he forgot. He then put a pressure gauge on the washer/dryer water bib and saw a pressure drop (70 to 50) and said we had more leaks. He would have to do the electronic water detector to find the leak (listen for the loudest leak each time), fix it, then repeat the test to find the next loudest leak, etc -another ~$275 just for the test. My husband agreed only because he already had it out with Phill stating no more unauthorized services. Later, I texted Phill stating we no longer wanted the test done with him. Upon the recommendation of another plumber, I decided to monitor the water meter and do the test with an independent company if needed. The next day, he texted me requesting the $50 which I intended to pay. He stated the glue he used was a different blue color and neither he/his employee touched that section. He denied responsibility even though the leak occurred days after and within inches of his work. I texted back that I disagree with his practice. He charged me 180.90 for the sprinkler valve. He stated it was for the main house valve. I told him he already charged $255.70 for it. He said, "I stand corrected" ("didn't have the invoice"). He had no response afterwards.

Very prompt, courteous, professional.

Came over the same day I called. Was finished in 15 minutes.

The job was $100 under the estimate which was $1200.00. I had cooked on electric for 30 years and now my husband thinks I need gas stove . They ran the pipe but we could not have them hook it up because I'm in the middle of a kitchen remodel. So they told me just to call them and they would come out and hook it up for free. I called them last week and he had to install some value because the pipe was 3/4 and stove is 1/2. So it took him longer than I think he thought it was going too. I showed him the invoice when he was done and it showed Install at no charge. What a deal!! thank you Phill

I called Phill late in the afternoon and he was very professional. When I requested a specific service (presure regulator replacement), instead of just scheduling a repair, he made sure that there was a true need for it by asking specific questions about my needs. He let me know he was just finishing his scheduling and would call me in the morning to see if a plumber could make it the following day, and it might be the day after since the call was later in the day. The next morning, he called, as promised, and had a plumber out in an hour. Mike arrived and was a pleasure to deal with. He was very clean and professional. The new shut off and presure regulator were installed and adjusted quickly. thank you for your great serive!

I was very satisfied with the work. He knew we didn't know anything about the problem. Some companies might have tried to take advantage of that and sell us the farm, but not Phill's Plumbing. We will definitely use them again if we need to.

The water heater failed and I called Phill because I could not get the pilot to light. Phil came over right away and it was determined that the temp control was failed. The water heater was still under warrantee so phil explained how to get parts shipped from the manufacturer and said to call him when they came in. He did not charge me for this initial visit. When the parts arrived (several days later) there was some urgency with getting the heater back on line. Although Phill was tied up on another job he arranged to have someone come over in short order and the work was completed in a timely and professional manner.

Phil answered the phone himself, nice. Bill arrived on time,was very professional, tidy and explained in detail what he was doing (clogged shower drain) and was very efficient. I thought the price was a little high but I haven't used a plummer in probably 20 years. I liked the service and would definitely use him again, Nell

Phill's Plumbing is the first business my husband and I have found through Angie's List and we are very happy with our experience. We were surprised that there was a highly rated plumber right in the town in which we live, Huntington Beach. My husband called on a Monday to ask that someone come the next day to find a leak in the kitchen that had buckled some flooring. Phill would have come by that evening to take a look, but my husband was not available that evening. Mike came on Tuesday. He arrived on time, found and fixed the leak, and charged less than the estimated price. We are very satisfied with the quality of the work done and will definitely be calling Phill's Plumbing for any future plumbing issues.

We gutted our bathroom to bare studs. We made several calls to plumbers and Phill was responsive.

Phill did a great job on short notice on Saturday. I even offered to pay him more for the unexpected drain issue but he said to pay just for the drain cleaner not his time. Hopefully my plumbing problems are over but if not, Phill's the guy I'll call.

Great Job!! Phill's answers the phone himself even after hours. He sent Mike to fix 2 showers and investigate a water hammer probklem. Phill also came to check what was needed. Both were always here exactly on time and were very professional.

Someone in the house accidentally put a plastic spoon down the disposal. We got that out but later the disposal would not operate. The technician was great and tried to a couple of ways to get it to run. He figured out it was the outlet plug. Disposal works great and am was very impressed by the professionalism. Now I also used them for a quote on installing a gas line. I got three quotes to keep my husband happy and Phill's Plumbing was the middle of the line. I will always call Phill's when I have a plumbing problem. Great company and great technicians.

Excellent experience! Phil and his team were quick to return my call regarding an emergency plumbing problem (a leaking pipe between the first and second floor resulting in a streaming downstairs ceiling!), they worked us into a full day and got the work done right away. It was clear that this team knows what they're doing. Capable, quick, clean, professional, and I felt very comfortable with them working in my home. Fair prices, I have done a lot of home repair work and these guys are really honest and reasonable. I will definitely call them again for both emergency plumbing and also for planned renovation work.

A friend of a friend referred a plumber, I gave him a call. We scheduled work for Friday afternoon but he never arrived. I had two toilets leaking - so I took a chance and joined Angie's list: On Monday, I found Phill's Plumbing - we scheduled an appointment for Tuesday around 1pm - they called at 11am and asked if they could arrived early...early can you believe it! Mike arrived on time, handled my issues, and at my request addressed a few future items - he provided a written estimate for the future work. I don't feel he was trying to "over sale" . I'm very happy and will use Phill's Plumbing for the future work.

Had a shower leaking that we couldn't fix ourselves, joined Angies list to find a good plumber and we were very satisfied with Phil. When he came over, he was clean, dressed professionally, put booties on, and went to work. Very personable, was able to fix our issue and since it was such a quick fix and he was only at out home for a short time he didn't even charge us for the service call. I will definitely call him again and recommend him to friends, family and clients.