BRATSCHI PLUMBING CO

This review is in regards to my experience with Bratschi Plumbing of Winnetka and inspection of a RPZ valve (required for sprinkler systems). After Bratschi inspected our RPZ valve, it was determined that it was not working properly and an estimate of $512 was given for the repair and inspection. As this seemed high, I researched repair kits for the make/model RPZ valve we had and found them online for $36. As there was no guarantee that a repair would still pass the test, I researched a new RPZ valve and found/bought the exact model for $216 delivered and ready to install (vs. $530 to repair old model). I wrote Bratschi and inquired about the difference between repairing and replacing, and after a 2 week wait received a letter that informed me that Illinois law requires this inspection and their prices were their prices, and their price included the cost of submitting the inspection report. Suffice it to say we found another plumber to inspect the valve for $130 (including reporting it to the city), so we had a new valve for $200 less than a repaired valve. In spite of not fixing the valve we still received a bill for $196 from Bratschi for the 10 minute evaluation. I have no issues with businesses charging what they want to charge for services/materials, but I want to forewarn people that businesses are willing to take advantage of unknowing customers with this city required service on a fairly simple device.

We have relied on Bratschi for routine plumbing issues, rodding out the sanitary sewer line annually, and hot water heater replacement for many years. In spring 2015, while rodding out the sewer line, Bratschi discovered a blockage -- the line collapsed about halfway from the house to the street. They dug and repaired the line. Then they ran a camera through the line and reported problematic pipe cracks further out, closer to the street. So we paid for a second heavy-equipment dig and line repair that summer. In summer 2016, collecting estimates from various vendors for flood proofing, we discovered (camera work by other vendors) serious cracks in the sanitary line where the line enters the house. Presenting those camera pictures to Braschi, the company explained that while they did run their cameras from the access trap out to the STREET, they did not run their cameras from the access trap back toward the HOUSE, entirely missing the extent of sewer line disrepair as they repaired half of collapsing sewer line for $20,000. Bratschi denies any responsibility for assessing the full sewer line while they performed these two jobs, and calls it a "misunderstanding" if I believed their camera studies extended any further than the work area.

Overall, we find Bratschi to be honest and professional. We've worked with Ravinia and Pasquesi in Highland Park area and have been very disappointed by overcharging, incompetence and arrogance. Bratschi had been doing plumbing work at our business, so we decided to ask them to work at our home. It's a bit far for them to go, but they value us as long time clients and don't charge travel fees.

STAY AWAY!!! - As a Winnetka resident, it pains me to write this review about a "local" business. Bratschi is dishonest and charged me for work they didn't do. My direct experience with Bratschi: Recently my primary and backup sump pump failed for a short period overnight causing some minor basement flooding. Bratschi's was too busy to come out that day, so I went elsewhere for help. That plumber identified that both sump pumps had failed, but that I needed to call Bratschi because the sump was exclusively distributed through them and he could therefore not get parts. I then called Bratschi to ask if they could fix this particular pump brand. They insisted on sending someone out only to tell me that they no longer service this brand after a 5-minute long service call. They could have told me over the phone, in which case I would have simply replaced the pump myself. I live 3-4 blocks from Bratschi, so a service call doesn't cost much. They sent a nice, clean-cut, and polite guy to my house, which I appreciated. He left me a quote for 2 new sump pumps (not installed) at a healthy markup to the local ace-hardware price ($100 - 200 extra per pump, install is another additional charge). Much to my surprise they mailed a bill... $141 for 45 minutes of his time. They bill plumbers out at ~$190 per hour, even when giving quotes... Recall, this visit only lasted 5 minutes and I did not want a quote for any replacement hardware, I already had one and I told the guy I didn't need a quote. This is blatant dishonesty in sending someone out to my house so they could bill me, after the woman in the office should have been able to tell me they no longer service the brand that they had installed originally. I called them to contest the bill and he offered to "split" the bill with me. I was offended that he considered this a favor... I'm still livid they sent someone out knowing they couldn't service my request, just to send me a bill. Ultimately I paid the bill rather than have Mr. Bratschi send me to collections (see other reviews about Bratschi's collections practices), but I will not call them in the future for anything.

They are always terrific. We've used them them over 25 years. No complaints ever!

Very well. I have used them many times and never been disappointed. They are not the cheapest but I think you get what you pay for!

They called me back in 15 minutes. I text him a picture of the water heater and he was able to guide me over the phone to help me turn the water off. It was nice to be able to connect with an individual at 9 pm to help me solve my problems. The same individual, Mr. Boyd, showed up the next morning with the same model of water heater to replace it. We have been using them for 10 years and they are great!

I was relieved that the Company was able to schedule a plumber the same day as the handyman to install a new range that did not fit into the space. In addition to other needed modifications, the handyman could not slide the stove in until the gas line was moved--because the old gas connection blocked the stove. I called Bratschi Plumbing that day and they were able to get a plumber, John, over in the afternoon. John was very professional and worked quickly to finish his piece of the puzzle, coordinating well with the handyman. I was pleased with the cooperative scheduling and the professional work.

Arrived on time, professional, and completed job without issue. Took a few extra minutes to explain another concern I had without charging me (some others would). Very pleased. I've used Bratschi for a few different jobs previous. They're always attentive and professional. Informative as well. I read a lot about cost. Plumbers, in my opinion, are always going to be a bit expensive. However, it's important to get one that you feel most comfortable with. I feel Bratschi is this and more. Good local company to work with.

It went great and has worked marvelously since performing the work. They erected a plastic barrier around the work site to protect the rest of the basement area from concrete dust. The 2 workers made quick work of the job and were done in 2 days time

Excellent but much more expensive than other plumbers

They did an excellent, professional job and fixed the problem within hours. Determined some of the problem was from nearby hair salon as sewer smelled like those kind of chemicals used. They fixed it without going into a huge cost of scoping entire sewer line. I believe they are very honest and dependable.

We operate a dog grooming business, and we get loads of dog hair into our plumbing. We now have pre-scheduled visits, but before Bratschi would always help us out very quickly when we had a problem, usually within a hour of our initial phone call. I like dealing with local contractors. I will always use Bratschi.

The price was high. They were very prompt and pleasant. But didn't tell us the price prior to fixing the issue.

They were great except for their prices. They were on time, they were very professional, and they cleaned up well it was just the price that made me upset.

They have fixed almost every conceivable thing pertaining to plumbing for me. I have used them for about 20 years.

Our basement ejector pump died on Sunday. It was a minor emergency, but we decided against paying Sunday rates and requested the earliest possible service on Monday. The plumber was at our door at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. He diagnosed the problem, replaced the 16 year-old pump, cleaned up after himself, and was finished in less than 90 minutes.

A call in the early morning was not answered until 3:15 p.m. and they said they could come at that time. After arrangements were made to allow the call to take place they arrived. The disposal was jammed with a small piece of plastic which was repaired in 15 minutes. I was charged for an hour's work, $150, without having been notified. After a complaint about price, they agreed to lower to $75 this time only from their minimum service call amount of $150.

This company was very good. They came out immediately when I called with the problem. They were very thorough and hard-working. They got the repairs and installation done on time. I was very pleased with their service.

As a regular customer for many years, I called TWICE for help to disconnect a battery operated sump pump during the very cold weather. No one returned my call. I needed to disconnect the pump/battery because the risk of line freeze is high. As a result, I am now faced with a broken discharge pipe that lies under a concrete patio. My repair cost will be $$$$. I recognize that the repair is ultimately my responsibility, but when the repairman finally showed up, after I called the third time, more than a week later, and told me..."the office girls were not able to keep up with calls and they were all confused"...my confidence in the company was considerably shaken. The repair man had NO clue as to how to begin to fix locate the break...and it was not until I had another estimate from a different ANGIE'S LIST company that I learned about a camera technique, which I am currently pursuing.

The only problem I has was, that I was told $140/hour. It took the guy less than an hour to do the work and when I got the bill I found out, that they charge you for driving to my house too. I was not told that or I would have shopped more. It was not an emergency call, so there was not a special service call charge. The work was done, when I was told he would be there and the guy doing the work did a fine job.

They were excellent. They were on-time, clean and professional. They've done other jobs for me in the past and I have never had any problems with them or their work. I think they are probably expensive, but worth it for quality work!

Poor, if they have too much work to return a call about a request for an estimate, they should say so.

I HAVE USED BRATSCHI PLUMBING FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS FOR ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS AND REMODELING ON MY HOUSES. THEIR WORK IS OUTSTANDING. THEY ARE PROFESSIONAL IN ALL RESPECTS. THEY USE TOP-NOTCH MATERIALS AND DON'T CUT ANY CORNERS. THEY ARE PROMPT, RELIABLE, HONEST, HARD-WORKING AND PERSONABLE. I WOULD NEVER USE ANY OTHER PLUMBER FOR ANY JOB SMALL OR LARGE. I RECOMMEND THEM ENTHUSIASTICALLY AND WITHOUT RESERVATION. THEIR PRICES ARE COMMENSURATE WITH THEIR QUALITY. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

JOE WAS ON TIME, PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE. HE WASTED NO TIME GETTING TO WORK AND CLEANED ALL 3 VENTS ON THE ROOF. HE ALSO FOUND AN OLD, ABANDONED VENT PIPE THAT WAS CLOGGED AND HOLDING 12 FEET OF WATER -- A POTENTIAL FUTURE PROBLEM. HE DRAINED IT INTO THE BASEMENT (NOT AN EASY TASK). HE EVEN CLEANED UP AND DISINFECTED THE AREA AFTERWARD. BRATSCHI MAY BE A LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS, BUT THEY ARE EXPERIENCED AND THOROUGH IN THEIR WORK. THEY HAVE DONE WORK FOR ME BEFORE AND I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY SATISFIED.