Fred Ruff, a Baltimore native, has been serving the Baltimore and Harford County areas for 25 years as plumber. Although he has experience in all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing, Fred’s specialty is septic, sewer and drain inspection, locating sewer lines, jetting and drain cleaning. In his “spare” time, Fred works full-time as a Baltimore City fire chief. No matter what he’s doing, Fred’s main goal is to serve his community and help others. As a small business owner, Fred knows the value of hard work, honesty and integrity. He strives to provide his customers with fair prices and exemplary work, regardless of the size or complexity of the job.
Business highlights
16 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered
Services we offer
Mechanical drain cleaning sewer machines, high pressure water jetting, grease trap cleaning, sewer & drain video inspection (inside or outside) septic video & drain inspection (outside) locating sewer & drain systems (inside or outside) locating, diagnosing & inspecting septic systems, septic tanks, drywells and distribution boxes (outside) locating water lines (outside) locating cleanouts (outside) locating private utilities- (outside) dog
Fred was amazing. After Len the Plumber gave us the run around (only because they caused the damage...NOT because I hired them), Fred was able to come right away and get to the root of the problem. He not only took the time to figure out what was going on and why (many plumbers have not done this, they just put in a new pipe and move on without knowing why something was broken) he was able to prevent the problem from reoccurring. He was very thorough and took the time to explain to us exactly what he was doing, why he was doing it and the results...and made sure we understood. Even after the problem was solved Fred still checked up on us to make sure things were working properly. There a lot of big name companies out there but I’m so glad I worked with this company. Fred and his staff were also so friendly and helpful. In the process of determining the problem he also actually ran figures by me and tried to get everything done without costing an arm and a leg. And not once did he do something without running things by us for cost and effectiveness. Not once was I ever given the run around. I would highly recommnend this company to anyone needing plumbing needs. And the next time I need a plumber they will be the first one I call.
Description of Work: Had a problem with sewage coming into the basement from an unknown source and location.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
chris B.
11/2016
5.0
plumbing
+ -1 more
Fred came out to the house, cleared the clog and then videoed the sewage pipe. His work was very professional and he couldn't be any more pleasant. I am recommending him to all my friends and family.
Description of Work: Had a main sewage line cleaned out. It was totally backed up and I was in a bind.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$450
Colleen H.
04/2015
5.0
plumbing
+ -1 more
Fred is punctual, thoughtful (asked to come in through the basement because it was raining), and very conscientious about doing a good job. He called me about a week after the job was complete to make certain I wasn't having any problems and that everything was working okay. He also had the best quote for the job. I actually had to leave the house a couple of times throughout the afternoon but felt comfortable having him there working without me being there.
Description of Work: Installed a laundry tub in the basement that required a pump. Other miscellaneous tasks.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,400
Marlaine H.
11/2013
5.0
plumbing
+ -1 more
Fred was here two weeks ago to make multiple plumbing repairs on my Very Old house, so most of the repairs weren't exactly simple fixes! He replaced a corroded pipe from my water heater to the stationery tub and washing machine so that I can finally get hot water to do laundry. He also found and fixed a major leak under the kitchen sink, and replaced a toilet that was beyond repair. He was going to install a new gas cooktop, but when we uncrated the new cooktop it was the wrong one, so he came back today when the correct model was delivered. This was a bigger job than we anticipated, since none of the fittings were correct, so he was starting from scratch. He also checked my gas logs, since I was smelling gas and was nervous about using them. Fred is absolutely meticulous, and when he does a job, you can be assured it's done properly with no short-cuts. He arrives at the time agreed upon, and his prices can't be beat!
Description of Work: Replaced corroded water pipe from water heater to tube, repaired leak under kitchen sink, replaced toilet, installed gas cooktop, checked for potential gas leak in gas logs.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$750
Marlaine H.
09/2013
5.0
plumbing, water heater repair
+ 0 more
I found Fred-the-Plumber (Chief Fred, BCFD) through word of mouth, one of my best discoveries! Fred has completed two jobs for me, replacing a faucet and a water heater, and I couldn't be more pleased. Although I do not have a septic system, or drain or sewer problems, they are his specialty. He arrives when he says he will, does a beautiful job quickly, and I am positive he will be there for me for any plumbing problems I have in the future. His prices are way more than fair (yes I checked), he is totally honest and forthcoming, and he truly cares about his clients. Fred is one of a kind, a remarkable plumber, and a truly wonderful human being. I have the utmost trust in Fred.
Description of Work: Replaced kitchen plumbing and installed water heater. The cost is for labor, and the work was done on two separate dates.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Plumbing,
Drain Cleaning,
Sewer Cleaning,
Water Heaters,
Septic Systems,
Wells and Pumps
FAQ
Drain Chief is currently rated 5 overall out of 5.
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Drain Chief accepts the following forms of payment: Check,Discover,Financing Available,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
No, Drain Chief does not offer free project estimates.
Drain Chief offers the following services: Mechanical drain cleaning sewer machines, high pressure water jetting, grease trap cleaning, sewer & drain video inspection (inside or outside) septic video & drain inspection (outside) locating sewer & drain systems (inside or outside) locating, diagnosing & inspecting septic systems, septic tanks, drywells and distribution boxes (outside) locating water lines (outside) locating cleanouts (outside) locating private utilities- (outside) dog