Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
About us
Formerly known as Thompson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Established in 1932, HELP offers new installations, regular system maintenance and emergency repair for all types of plumbing problems, and all makes and models of heating and air conditioning systems in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
88 years of experience
Services we offer
AC repair, Air Conditioning installation, Air Conditioning tune-up, Electrical repairs, Furnace Service, Furnace installation, Furnace tune-up, Heating repair, Plumbing repairs Plumbing installation, fuse box upgrades, residential generators., whole-house surge protection
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.2483 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 68% | ||
| 11% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 7% | ||
| 11% |
Showing 176-200 of 483 reviews
Kim W.
Jun 2014
The Technician was very courteous, explained the service and options to pay and offered other services.
left detail explanations of preventative maintenance.
Robert B.
Jun 2014
Quality of work was good, but they tried to sell me $8000 worth of trench less sewer replacement and another $3000 of unnecessary changes to the plumbing in my home. They also had me sign a work order, but did not give me a copy of what I signed and said I would get a copy when the extra work was done. So I cancelled the job, but not be fore they dropped the price back to $8000 . Additionally the 2 service people tried to scare me into buying and financing all of this work by saying my sewer could collapse at any time and would cost thousands of dollars more. My sewer has been fine for a whole year. The problem is that this company's employees are more focused on sales than service. The actual work they did perform was satisfactory, but I would not use them again.
Aaron M.
Jun 2014
unknown
Rachel W.
Jun 2014
. Help has been anything but helpful and resistant to give a written quote. I was shown an iPad with number and a laminated sheet with no numbers and was never told the brand name of the unit they would install. I was disappointed from start to finish.
Deena H.
May 2014
I am not saying anything bad about the quality of work that HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric provides but they will try to rip you off with their " here is what we found wrong story",
This is my experience with HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric formally Thompson Heating and Cooling:
During my last scheduled service on 3/22/2014, I was told by the technician that I needed the following items:
1. a blower motor and capacitor - $518
2. dyne injection to detect a leak in the system - $99
3. April Air Filter $63
Total $680
I have suspected for about a year or so that the pricing was a bit high and I was being told that I needed items that I really did not need.
I called another company for a second opinion on the findings about my system all that was needed, the low side valve core needed to be tightened to stop the leak and a little refrigerant added to get the system back to cooling properly. Our air conditioning is now cooling better than it has in a long time.
To further confirm my suspicions of being ripped off I checked on the price for the $63 filter, I can buy 2 of the same filters for the cost of this filter.
Furthermore, I have went back over my invoices for the past two years and there always a big ticket item upsell on the work order explaining "here is what we found wrong", if I would have taken word of the technician on these occasions it could have cost me thousands of dollars.
HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric have more proven to me through their actions they are not ethical or honest with their customers.
I have since cancelled my "club membership" with HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric and will never use or suggest them to anyone.
This is my experience with HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric formally Thompson Heating and Cooling:
During my last scheduled service on 3/22/2014, I was told by the technician that I needed the following items:
1. a blower motor and capacitor - $518
2. dyne injection to detect a leak in the system - $99
3. April Air Filter $63
Total $680
I have suspected for about a year or so that the pricing was a bit high and I was being told that I needed items that I really did not need.
I called another company for a second opinion on the findings about my system all that was needed, the low side valve core needed to be tightened to stop the leak and a little refrigerant added to get the system back to cooling properly. Our air conditioning is now cooling better than it has in a long time.
To further confirm my suspicions of being ripped off I checked on the price for the $63 filter, I can buy 2 of the same filters for the cost of this filter.
Furthermore, I have went back over my invoices for the past two years and there always a big ticket item upsell on the work order explaining "here is what we found wrong", if I would have taken word of the technician on these occasions it could have cost me thousands of dollars.
HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric have more proven to me through their actions they are not ethical or honest with their customers.
I have since cancelled my "club membership" with HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric and will never use or suggest them to anyone.
Mary B.
Apr 2014
unknown
Jack K.
Apr 2014
Terrible. Tried to upsell additoinal work. I was not home and my wife had to handle. Bottom line, we paid about $500 to add 2lb of Freon. When I got home and heard details from my wife I called them to question. Couldn't get past whoever answered the phone. "That's what it cost. Claim they told my wife up front it was going to be that much". No they did not tell her it was going to be $500 to add 2# of freon. Unbelievable. Would never call them again no matter how desparate.
Donna R.
Apr 2014
I was in a mess of flood water from my 25 year old water heater and needed HELP fast. I phoned and got a nice person on the phone who filled me in on how I could get someone out to my house and it was after 6pm. Andy the tech showed up in less that 2 hours and immediately knew this was going to be a full new install and now a fix it job. He gave me all the details and options. I made my choices and he went and got the water heater and parts and went to work. It was just before Midnight when the job was done. Andy cleaned up and gave me the paperwork. Excellent work and the county inspector passed with no problem. Highly recommend HELP.
Jane R.
Apr 2014
They had a deal where you can be a member for $20 a month. Then you get a check on the air conditioner, on your heating system, electricity and a check on your plumbing for a year with no charge for the inspection and if there is something wrong you will just be charged for that. They also give you a price reduction if you buy a large appliance from them like the air conditioner or my blower motor for the furnace. What I like about them is that they come as promised. They come with their book with the prices in it so you know what they are charging everybody and they will explain it to you.
I had a water softener put in and it was it not working right since the water that was coming out of the kitchen faucet was foamy. The plumber came back 7 times and he even brought in the representative for the water softener company who was out of Chicago. They found out that it was the faucet. The rep whom they brought in had heard of this before and that was what the problem. They proceeded to contact the faucet manufacturer, got a free replacement faucet, and installed it - all at no cost to me.
You do not have to "become a member," but it has it's benefits. Their prices might be a little higher than some firms, but the fact that they stand behind their work is well worth the price.
I had a water softener put in and it was it not working right since the water that was coming out of the kitchen faucet was foamy. The plumber came back 7 times and he even brought in the representative for the water softener company who was out of Chicago. They found out that it was the faucet. The rep whom they brought in had heard of this before and that was what the problem. They proceeded to contact the faucet manufacturer, got a free replacement faucet, and installed it - all at no cost to me.
You do not have to "become a member," but it has it's benefits. Their prices might be a little higher than some firms, but the fact that they stand behind their work is well worth the price.
Kevin C.
Apr 2014
I used Thompson for a few service calls before signing up for their premium membership. For $30 per month, I get front-of-the-line pass, discount prices on parts and services, and free Comfort System Check-Ups. I kept this membership on my house when I moved out and renters moved in. The first time I needed to utilize the service was for a drain cleaning. I was looking forward to using the front-of-the-line pass and the discounted service. However, upon trying to schedule an appointment, I made a request to please make sure that they waited until I got there and not to bother the renters. I had made this request on a previous service call and the request was ignored. The serviceman was in the house when I got there. So I was more careful with this request. However, at the mention of a renter, I was told that Thompson doesn't do Drain Cleaning on rental properties. No matter how much I insisted that I was the owner and I would be there, they said they didn't do it and it wasn't covered by my service plan. It doesn't say that anywhere on the web site as far as I can tell. Maybe it is in the small print of the contract that I signed and filed away. I think that contract also says, and I paraphrase, that if we benefit from discounts and then try to cancel the membership, we owe them the difference. So it's not technically a discount. Rather, it's a payment plan. You can pay more in for the intangibles like front of the line and free check-ups (which in my experience are clearly aimed at finding something wrong so that they can bill you for service) but you can't come out on top because they'll collect the difference at the other end.
By the way, I also hired them to fix a leak from my shower that was damaging the floor and they couldn't find the leak. They found some service to do and to charge me for it but the leak didn't go away. Even after a second visit, they couldn't figure out what the problem was. Later, when doing my own work under the sink, I discovered the source of the problem myself. So I learned to replace copper and just completed the work myself.
Worthless.
[April 2014] After another frustrating experience, I have cancelled my "membership". I tried to use the "front-of-the-line pass" again when my tenants heat went out. With temperatures going down to 20*F that night, I was told there was only one emergency technician working and he had no availability that evening. As mentioned above, I had to pay a fee to cancel my membership but even at $100 it was worth it to sever the relationship with this devious and incompetent company.
In the last 2.5 years...
Total cost of membership: $938.35 (28 payments of $29.95 plus $99.75 at termination)
Total cost of work: $1644.05 (bathroom faucet repair $301.91, garbage disposal replacement $591.19, air conditioner repair $750.95)
Total benefits: discounts and 2 or 3 "free inspections"
Net: HEADACHES
By the way, I also hired them to fix a leak from my shower that was damaging the floor and they couldn't find the leak. They found some service to do and to charge me for it but the leak didn't go away. Even after a second visit, they couldn't figure out what the problem was. Later, when doing my own work under the sink, I discovered the source of the problem myself. So I learned to replace copper and just completed the work myself.
Worthless.
[April 2014] After another frustrating experience, I have cancelled my "membership". I tried to use the "front-of-the-line pass" again when my tenants heat went out. With temperatures going down to 20*F that night, I was told there was only one emergency technician working and he had no availability that evening. As mentioned above, I had to pay a fee to cancel my membership but even at $100 it was worth it to sever the relationship with this devious and incompetent company.
In the last 2.5 years...
Total cost of membership: $938.35 (28 payments of $29.95 plus $99.75 at termination)
Total cost of work: $1644.05 (bathroom faucet repair $301.91, garbage disposal replacement $591.19, air conditioner repair $750.95)
Total benefits: discounts and 2 or 3 "free inspections"
Net: HEADACHES
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"[member name removed], Thank you so much for your feedback; we value our clients sharing with us where we can improve. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you experienced. We are working diligently to improve this process. In the future, if you would be willing to give us a second chance, we would be happy to show you the kind of world class service we strive to provide to each and every one of our clients. Thank you."
Barbara W.
Apr 2014
such as cutting the pipe, etc. We feel they misrepresented the cost. As for the quality we are very disappointed with a plastic insert strapped on a existing copper pipe. Our future plans are to have it redone with quality craftsmanship by an quality plumber which HELP did not provide.
MICHAEL R.
Mar 2014
They seem to be knowledgeable and dependable. I have had no issues with them.
Sandy C.
Mar 2014
.
Keith R.
Mar 2014
We have used them for several projects. They have a "Club" that you can join which gives you major discounts. They guy that recently came to do the service checks, called the plumbing guy and he was at my house within a half hour.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Thank you so much for your feedback! We are glad that our team could HELP!"
Phil S.
Jan 2014
fairly well.
BELINDA T.
Jan 2014
Very nice, right on time, loved my dogs Kitchen drain which I had used everything on - could not get it opened. A plant fell over and the wood chips went right down the pipe. Service Tech had to go down into the basement and open one of the cast iron pipes down there to get to the blockage.. Did not take that long and I was free to start washing my dishes again.... Hooray !
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Thank you for your feedback; we appreciate it very much. We are pleased that our team was able to HELP you!"
Denise M.
Jan 2014
.
J L.
Jan 2014
.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Thank you so much for your review. Customer Service is our #1 priority at HELP Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric. We appreciate the time you took to grade us. Call us at 513.333.HELP (4357) anytime and we'll be out to HELP you!"
Zachary B.
Jan 2014
The woman who answered the phone was very professional and helpful with what to expect. I chose the next available tech and within 15 mins of talking to her I recieved a call saying a tech would be there within 30 mins. 20 mins later the tech showed up and we walked through the repair. I work in sales and they know what they are doing. They upsold me into a club membership by showing me the benefits with cost and maint. And im also getting a free electrical and plumbing inspection. The tech was very professional and helpful. Will be using them again.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Wonderful to see these comments! Customer Satisfaction is our #1 priority! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us and everyone on Angie's list how we're doing!"
Carl L.
Dec 2013
We pay monthly, and they have 24 hour availability. That is the main thing.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Thank you so much for taking your time to post your comments about the services we provide! We look forward to providing our same great service for you in the new year. Happy Holidays to you and your family."
Rogers O.
Nov 2013
see above.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"(member name removed), Thank you for your comments and giving us your feedback. We certainly cannot improve the services we provide without knowing how we are doing today. I would first like to address your comments regarding who are and are not veterans at our company. You are correct; the owner is not a veteran. His father and father-in-law are. Both experienced WWII, serving our county in different capacities. Our CFO is a veteran and many of our service specialists in the field have served in the arms forces. We take our commitment to the veterans VERY seriously and have raised over $500,000.00 for the Veterans over the last 6 years. Last year we took on the family of a fallen soldier, Nicholas Olivas. Nicholas was killed in battle leaving behind a wife and 1 month old son. The employees of this company personally gave funds to create a college fund for this baby. This year we took on the remodel of a home for a wounded soldier, Sam Shockley. Sam lost both legs and 3 fingers on his hand in an IED explosion while serving our country. We completely remodeled a wing of their home making it accessible for Sam as he's able to come home from Walter Reed over the next 3 years of recovery. We host a beautiful event on Veterans Day every year for all the local heroes and their families. We serve a buffet breakfast and have speakers from the various branches of the armed forces. If you are a veteran, I encourage you to come! Last year and this year we provided Christmas gifts for the Volunteers of America through a giving tree. We were awarded the Small Business of the Year for 2013 from the DAV. I believe that what has been listed here expresses our dedication, admiration and respect for those who have served our county. Regarding your concerns about the work we have done at your home, we were called to your home on 11/7/2012 as you had no heat. We did not charge you for this appointment. We performed a tune up and quoted an igniter, a variable speed motor, and a leak caught in intake causing the unit not to run. We recommended replacement at that time which you declined because the unit was running. One 5/29/2013 we returned to your home to perform a tune up on your air conditioning units. We again quoted parts that needed to be replaced and a dye test to locate a leak. As you were not present at that appointment, your wife asked us to come back when you were home. On 6/5/2013 at which time we quoted a new as well as moving that part of the old system that was in your attic to a closet. You chose not to install. You were not charged for any of these appointments. This was the last time we’ve serviced your home. Please accept our most sincere apologies for falling short of your expectations. We are a company that prides ourselves on the services we provide and never like hearing that someone is not satisfied. We would love the opportunity to change your opinion. I am placing HELP Bucks in the mail to you that you can use toward any work you’d like to have done in your home!"
Donna R.
Nov 2013
They put covers over their shoes when they come in. They are very clean, professional and knowledgable.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Thank you so much for the wonderful comments. Customer service is our # 1 priority here at HELP plumbing heating cooling and electric. We look forward to helping you in the new year! Happy Holidays to you and yours!"
JEAN F.
Nov 2013
Everything went great. They came out to look at the old hot water heater and saw that it was not salvageable and they were able to get a new one installed on the same day. That meant that we only were without hot water for one day. They were prompt and helpful and we would definately use them again.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We are so glad that you love the services we provide! We look forward to providing excellent service in the new year. Happy Holidays from all of us at HELP Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric."
Michelle L.
Oct 2013
When they arrive, they are very professional, well dressed, and respectful. However, their prices are way out of line and their suggestions were things that were not neccessary.
Response from Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric
"[Member name removed], Thank you for taking your time to post a comment regarding HELP Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric. We certainly cannot improve the services we provide with those clients who are willing to share their experience. Please accept my most sincere apologies for falling short of your expectations! Upon a review of your account with us I see that we serviced your home on four separate occasions performing a furnace tune up and air conditioning tune up and electrical safety inspection and a plumbing call due to a ruptured expansion tank. All of the work that we quote is provided before any work is completed. Our pricing is also provided up front, before any work is begun, to allow our clients to choose what they want to have done. We are not a band aid company and will always inform our clients of everything we see when working on their systems. We allow the client to make their decision and complete the work they approve. Again, I am very sorry that we fell short of your expectations! I’d like nothing more than to turn this around for you! I am placing HELP Bucks in the mail for you to use for any work you allow us to do at your home!"
Jeanie B.
Oct 2013
Great
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FAQ
Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric is currently rated 4.2 overall out of 5.
Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric does not offer free project estimates.
No, Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric offers emergency services.
No, Help Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric does not offer warranties.