Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Super had not finished first day but gave us temporary water for night in home. Finished up on second day. Very professional and helpful.

Water line connection at the water meter (on my side) had worked loose over time. Roots, etc. Guys came out, dug a hole and fixed the line. Problem is they put bricks just under the line at the meter. Took 4 months, but the bricks rubbed a hole in the PVC and the line ruptured at the meter again. The guys came back out and fixed it again but this time they allowed so much debris to enter my waterline that a blockage now exists at the PRV. My water pressure is half what it was before they "fixed" my problem. I've asked them twice to come out and resolve the issue. They told me to call the county water folks. The local guys know they did this but for some reason refuse to even return my calls. Don't be a fool like me. Stay away from these guys. Overcharged and then refuse to even communicate. Cowards put the office girl on the phone. Sad

The representative spent 30 minutes trying to up-sell their services, including a proposal to replace all the toilets in the house. The service that I requested when it was finally performed was done to my expectations, but the price was much higher than competitors charge.

Work was done by Adam who took the time explaining the problem with the water heater. Great service and courtesy!! I have recommended to friends about this plumbing company which is reliable!

I called first thing in the morning to schedule an appointment and reached the corporate call center. Stephanie quickly scheduled my appointment and told me they would try to be earlier if possible. While on the line, I inquired regarding the special offer listed here on the Angie's List site: $99 for unclogging a drain. The representative had mentioned a $69 service call fee. I specifically asked her wether the $99 included that fee. After checking with her supervisor, I was told that it was included. The dispatcher, Maria, called me about 45 minutes before the scheduled appointment and gave me an estimate on the plumbers arrival. The plumbers arrived just before the scheduled time. Both gentlemen were courteous and friendly. Due to my efforts to unclog the drain myself, there was no plumbing to disassemble. All that was required was for them to use the auger to clear the drain. That said, they spent some time inspecting the other plumbing in my home and putting together several quotes for unrelated work. I would have much preferred they simply get to work but I appreciate that they have other services to sell. I have hardwood floors thought. They took care with their shoes and with their equipment to not dirty or damage the wood. The work to actually clear the pipe took approximately 10 minutes from when the put the auger in until they were done. They were at my house for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Lastly the cost: While the website implied and the call center directly stated that the 'service fee' was included, the plumber, Paul, insisted that it was not. When I told him that the call center had assured me that it was, he essentially brushed it off as the call center representatives not knowing what they were talking about. He said that the special offer was only for clogs with 'easy access' and that I was lucky that mine was. I guess it was fortuitous that I had disassembled the drain myself. Due to my own schedule, I didn't feel that it was worth the hassle to argue over. He told me prior to performing the service and I accepted the quote in the interest of time. On my receipt, the extra charge is listed as 'Evaluation - Reserved Guarantee' and was an additionally $69, the same as what the call center representative had checked on for me. So: courteous, prompt service; satisfactory resolution of a relatively simple problem; wasted time (both mine and theirs) trying to up-sell; and erroneous, misleading, or deceptive advertising. I'm really mixed on wether I would use them again. I'm going with a hesitant yes because the job was completed properly and promptly. If there is a next time I will want much clearer pricing prior to scheduling the service.

I learned that getting all the plumbing fixed and mostly replaced in winter is a problem. I would recommend doing this type of work from spring to fall. My only problem was the punctuality because they said they were coming and then didn't. I realize winter can get in your way. But when the tank-less water heater went down one month later they came immediately. It was replaced the next day. I have not had any more problems since the initial problem.

It went smoothly - did try to sell us more features i.e. water filter for house. Felt it was a little pricey but in a time when most service providers rarely even return phone calls, it was a pleasure doing business with these folks.

I stopping toilet was expensive but ok. However, estimate for replacing wax seal and resetting the toilet was $250. Ridiculous! Whatever the traffic will bear? The comment was, We might be expensive, but we do it right." I did it myself in 40 minutes. I will not use them again. One previous use of this co. Was ok, but plumber tried to sell a new faucet which I obviously did not need plus some other products , all apparently overpriced. Enough.

Serviceman wanted me to install all new water lines. He did not tell me if anything needed to be replaced or if anything was not working properly. I did not make another appointment for any type of service.

Michael L, the plumbing technician, responded immediately within an hour of calling. The break occurred on a late Sunday afternoon which was an emergency service call. He had to locate the leak which was outside my basement wall and about 4 feet underground. He had to work into the nighttime to complete the job. He was very dedicated and considerate of my situation. I would recommend him to handle plumbing service to anyone in this area.

Paul came out three times to work on shower. It would drain fine when he left & then stop up again. He had to do some hard, dirty work outside, but we believe the pipes are finally clear. Very happy with the service received.

We were going for the product so the price was fine. They're very punctual. They called to tell us that they're coming.

They did not respond to my calls at first, finally got in touch with them and they could not schedule me until next week. I'm going elsewhere for my plumbing services. They wanted to charge me $99 for an "emergency call" but I had already scheduled and they were the ones that hadn't responded.

They fixed a leak in our sink and secured a toilet for us!

I called at noon on a Sunday - we'd gone downstairs and found the basement half covered with nasty smelling water. Asked about a fee for a weekend visit. Their regular trip fee is $69, and they only charged $99 to come on a Sunday. Appointment was for between 3-6 pm; got a call at 2:30, and he was here by 3:00 on the nose. He could have just pulled the cover off the overflow and flooded my basement even worse, but instead used a bucket and stood there for an hour draining the backed up water from the pipes and dumping it outside in the storm drain (it was POURING rain, by the way). As promised, they charge by type of job or task, not by the hour. We were given a reasonable estimate, and when the job turned out to be simpler than first thought, he immediately revised the estimate down to a lower charge. Paul, the plumber who did the job, could not have been more pleasant or professional. I promise you, we have finally found a plumber we trust. Very VERY pleased with our experience with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

EXCELLENT workers and work. Always met and exceeded my expectations. I will not use anyone except Ben Franklin plumbing

Mike, the plumber, knew what he was doing and was fast considering the sweltering heat and rain while working in cramped well house. We called initially to simply replace a leaky tub faucet in mobile home. I thought over $200 to replace a faucet (using a faucet I provided, they didn't have one anyway,) was way overpriced. I was quoted $757for the filter system on the well, which seemed reasonable. The hot water tank flush was free with a coupon. . . adding two cut off valves and replacing the anode rod in the hot water tank ran about $700 and like the faucet ... I thought overpriced for the materials and labor needed. The faucet replaced was 27 years old. The well plumbing and filter replaced were 27 years old. The hot water tank is about 6 years old. Now I think servicing the hot water tank annually is a good idea. I will have them come and bid on replacing my tub with a shower (either drop in unit or tiled), because I was pleased with the work done ( despite the relatively high cost). I'd rather deal with a company such as Ben Franklin than a jack of all trades master of none plumber.

SEE UPDATE: This company wasted a day and a half of my time due to its use of deceptive advertising. Before using them, be sure to ask if there are any other charges on top of their advertised price. I called Friday morning and asked about the $99 line cleaning deal they were advertising. They did not mention that there was a service charge on top of the line cleaning charge. They said they would be out between 9:00 and 11:00 am. They said they would call with a more exact time when the plumber was on his way. Well, I waited until 11:30 before calling them again. They said they had tried to call, but did not get an answer so they cancelled the appointment. Who knew they were going to do that, I thought the call they had mentioned would be a courtesy call. So, I setup another appointment, they said it would be between 7:00 - 11:00 pm on Sunday. Well, I was sure my phone was in working order and at 7:00 pm I received a call from Ben Franklin Plumbing telling me they were on their way. Then he said "They did go over the service charge fee", I said no, there was no mention of a service charge fee. I told Ben Franklin Plumbing that I had asked every time I had called about the $99 charge. At no time did anybody mention a service fee on top of the $99.00. The Ben Franklin plumber then said it was due to after hours, I said nobody told me about an after hour charge, and that Ben Franklin Plumbing had canceled the appointment the day before during working hours. Then he said it was due to them taking pictures of my pipe interior so they can give me an accurate bid on the job and do the job right. I already knew what I wanted and that was to have my drain unclogged for $99.00. I told him if you charge me a fee and $99 you are not cleaning my line for $99.00. I cancelled my appointment. I will be going to Home Depot in the morning to rent a line cleaner for $50 and do it myself. I had called several other plumbers before, and they had giving me a range that the job would cost, but Ben Franklin Plumbing prefers to use a misleading ad to lure you in, and then tell you the full story shortly before they arrive. Beware of their ads, ask a lot of questions. UPDATE: 06\06\13 The manager followed up with a call and apologized for the mix-up and for their call center failure to explain the service call fees. The manager was very polite and I felt that he was sincere in his efforts to make things right.

The job was done well, they arrived on time, and fixed exactly what they said they would. I was satisfied with the experience.

We felt that the representaqtive tried to sell us related plumbing services which we were not in need of.

From the wife: We are extremely pleased with the service that Michael Lavoie of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provided from the first visit to the last. After finding out that the job was going to be more extensive than previously thought when our drains would not unclog, he was very accommodating and came the very next day to install new pipes. Our pipes were very, very, filled with years of sludge and were not positioned for optimum drainage. He also had to do extensive work at our sink since it required a new trap assembly. Michael explained everything as he went along, and was patient with phone conversations and iPhone pictures when my husband had to be absent. He does an excellent job providing the information and offers of additional services that his company has but he intuitively stopped when my eyes began glazing over. He did not over sell anything which was a relief. He put up with poor previous installations of the sink and pipes below (fixed them wonderfully!) and with his assistant (Samuel?) also endured basement hassles (duct work installed weirdly, stacks of wood) that made working pretty impossible. We will definitely be calling him back with other services in the future as our home is 30+ years old and we hope to upgrade and improve, I think his expertise will be valuable. Oh, and as for professional appearance - these guys absolutely refused to enter our home without covering their shoes, they wore professional uniforms and were incredibly respectful. (If you don't like "ma'am" then you might not be happy but I'm Southern and used to it:) My husband is amazed at the job in the basement and now a new kitchen sink is in our future. Professionally installed, of course.

Woke up to no hot water. Looked up plumbers on Angies list and was impressed by the reviews for Ben Franklin. I called and spoke to a very friendly person who made me an appt for the same day. Paul arrived at 3:00 pm and quickly assessed the situation and gave me several options. He was so friendly and efficient. We made arrangements for me to purchase a water heater and for him to return the next day to install. He arrived in the afternoon on Thursday and quickly went to work to replace the hot water heater. He was pushy in any way, he offered services and left the decisions up to me. I will definitely use this company again and specifically request to have Paul be our plumber. So very pleased with his professionalism, friendliness and knowledge.

Paul showed up promptly, looking clean, neat and professional. My husband showed him the water heater to be replaced. The area had been unsecured for a long time and was dirty, damp and full of really big spiders...none of which phased Paul in the least. Paul went over all the options with us when giving us the written quote. We felt that some of the services were not necessary and were able to negotiate with the service manager at Ben Franklin for a more desireable outcome. We had the water heater installed the same day and were pleased with Paul, the service and equipment and definitely the service manager at Ben Franklin. I would recommend this company again.

They were very prompt. Same day. They looked at problem and gave me an estimate. They installed a new water heater the next day. Very efficient. checked all water pipes.

They were good. They were very courteous and professional. It took multiple visits to get the job exactly right though. There was a long waiting time to get the hardware in.