Pitman Plumbing & Heating

The boiler of my 4-unit building in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn failed on Friday, November 22, 2013. Our regular plumber, Bob's Heating and Plumbing, was so busy with commercial work he couldn't help us quickly (we sort of are a legacy customer from his old days of homeowner service). He recommended a colleague, Jason, who just installed a big boiler for him. We were fairly desperate for quick service, as we had tenants with an infant. Jason and Pitman P&H were prompt and informative. They visited our site and gave us a detailed and complete estimate, for free, and did the work as quickly as possible (given the hours of boiler vendors in NYC). The workers he sent to complete the work (under his management, exercised through frequent visits throughout the day) did so competently and professionally, and neatly. They cleaned up thoroughly, and did not disturb my garden. We had one small follow-up issue, and Jason came within an hour of my call and took care of the repair within four hours. We had a minor timer issue as well (we have a peculiar old-fashioned type of timer that requires specialist service), and when our old friend Bob came out to fix the timer, he said that Jason had done a great and professional job of installing the new boiler. I should also note that, although Jason was not contracted to service the timer, he came out within an hour of my call to make sure the boiler was working and check that the problem was with the timer. He spent 20 minutes talking passionately and professionally with me about cost-effective improvements I could make in my radiator valves, my pipes, my timer. He even took his time to explain the physics and engineering of how the boiler system worked! As a science n***, I was grateful for the lesson. I don't think this level of responsiveness could possibly be typical, but it can't help but be indicative of a capable and responsive company. Jason can be gruff on the phone. It's puzzling, because as soon as he arrives he is affable, engaged, professional, and eager to share his knowledge and expertise. Don't be put off!