Shafer Services

The guy performing the job was quick and I had a good reading.

We purchased the Angie's List special that Shafer was offering for the sprinkler system backflow preventer test required by SAWS. After purchasing we called to schedule and was offered an appt for early the following week. Our appt was for an 8 to 8:30 am window. At 7:45 am they called to let us know that an earlier job was taking much more time than anticipated and gave us a new window. Apparently the job was a doozy because they continued to call and push back the window. They arrived around 3pm that afternoon. This wasn't really a problem for us since they did keep in contact. The service tech was professional and the test was done in a reasonable amount of time. Other services were made known to us but the tech did not do a hard sell of their other products. A few days after the service call we received a hand written thank you note in the mail acknowledging our business.

The guy was very professional and took the time to answer all I my questions. I could also call him at any time and he is very responsive. Sometimes he would come out the same day. I never had a problem or complaint with them.

This started good after calling to make sure they were still coming as they were late to the appointment. This reps were nice and introduced themselves and went about their business of testing the backflow. After about 30 minutes they ring the door bell and that is when things went bad in my opinion. The rep tells me the backflow device failed on valve # 1 so they stopped their testing...there are two valve on the unit so not sure why # 2 was not tested as well. The rep then proceed to tell me I have two options (1) replace the backflow device for about $1,100 this is where they lost me as you can buy a new backflow at a home improvement store for as low as $200, so $900 to install is just a rip off. Option # 2 was to clean valve #1 for $188 and it will probably fix the issue but there were no guarantees. I told him $188 for cleaning is way too much and I would not agree to it, so he thought for a minute and then said $94 and he would do something behind the scenes for that price at which point I said again no that is still too much. This leads to the conversation about them telling SAWS I failed which I took as a threat but said go ahead I am getting a second opinion as which point we agree to part ways. After about 10-15 minutes of still being at my backflow device (will explain this) they finally brought me the paperwork to sign that I failed and departed. At this point I called another company which has inspected my backflow for the last few years to re-test. The arrived today to do the test and (from above) as soon he removed the valve cap water immediately start shooting out and filling up the hole making the new tester job more difficult. Well to the initial companies credit, valve # 1 did fail today as well but the new company removed it cleaned off the limescale, replaced it, retested, and it passed. The charge for doing the cleaning $0 all they charged was for the backflow test which was cheaper than the "Big Deal" which for me was a "Major Loss"... Never again will I do business with this company!

Larry and Carlos arrived on time, as scheduled. They arrived in a Shafer Services truck, dressed in Shafer Services uniforms, and were very neat and clean; providing a professional image for their company. After introducing themselves, they tested our backflow preventer and it failed the first test (valve 1 of 2). I asked what this means and they patiently explained the next step of disassembling and cleaning the valve internally to see if there is damage or debris that is preventing the valve from performing its function. They also told me what it would cost, depending on what they found. I agreed and they proceeded to disassemble and inspect the valve. Finding a small piece of plastic that apparently was left in the valve during a previous repair, they determined from a small discoloration on the valve plug that the plastic had been lodged between the valve and seat, preventing it from closing. They removed the debris and inspected the valve seat and valve plug for damage. Finding that the seat and plug were in good condition, they reassembled the valve, carefully cleaning the sealing gasket and o-ring seating surfaces to assure that they would hold pressure. After reassembling the valve, they re-tested it and it held pressure well within specification. They proceeded to test the second valve (valve 2 of 2) and found that it held pressure well within specification. After cleaning the valve exterior and replacing the protective cover, they promptly produced electronic equipment to charge my credit card, swiped the card, I signed, they printed the receipt and, after verifying my e-mail, told me that they will file the test report with the City of San Antonio for me and that I will receive a copy of the test report in my e-mail. Great job; prompt, fast, fairly priced, and professionally performed by two able and polite guys. I would hire them again in a minute. No, I don't know Larry or Carlos personally and never used Shafer Services before but I will again.

They're top notch. They have great attention to detail. They really listen and address all problems and in a timely manner. The technicians are always punctual and courteous, too.

Very professional; gave me a written report (via email) of status of both cooling systems with current problems as well as what to expect in the future. One of my systems is 20 years old; I was given options and cost estimates for replacement when it is no longer functional.

I phoned several plumbers for an emergency call when I discovered my water heating flooding a bedroom closet. It was late on a Friday afternoon and several could not come for hours. Shafer Services sent Larry within 30 minutes! Larry has a great attitude, professional, friendly, super helpful. He and his partner covered their boots and quickly went to diagnose the problem. They drained the water heather to stop the flooding, then returned Monday with a team of three to remove and replace the water heater from the attic. Work was extensive as they had to remove, then replace our attic stairway. All the men were excellent and worked diligently! They lay plastic to cover any carpets, they even vacuum up any debris before they leave! What could have been a disaster was handled with care and excellence. We would most definitely call them again!

I called after 6pm and a tech was able to be at the home at 7ish. He reviewed the issue and cleared what needed to be done and also researched some to see why this may have been caused since the unit was installed in Nov 2012. He wasn't able to determine what was the actual cause but did resolve the immediate need to clear out the drip pan and the piping that was gurgling.

Overall service went really well. I was informed when the tech was on his way. Rodney has been my heat/ac tech for several years. He does a great job and always explains everything after compleation. No sales pressure but gives me all the options if something needs to be addressed. Keep up the good work.

Bob is absolutely wonderful! He is extremely professional and has taken care of any plumbing problems at my house for the last 3 years. I would highly recommend him.

The estimate from Shafer Services was very well done and very professional. They are coming to do the work next week.

It went really well. The guys are obvious professionals, and very courteous. They kept everything as clean as possible (given the nature of the work, there was some dust), kept me updated on everything, asked appropriate questions, and completed the work as quickly as possible. I was given an estimate of 1.5 days, it took 2 full days, but it wasn't a problem. On another note, I work out of the home and I experienced few disruptions. They were respectful of my privacy and time. They were also sensitive to aesthetics in my 1940s home and placed registers/returns in appropriate places and matched grills whenever possible, reusing my old grills. They sought my input. Previously, my only return in the house would hiss because so much air was flowing, now it is silent. Great job, guys. The temperature also seems to drop in the home more quickly than it did. They also took care of my CPS rebates, and made the process seamless. They explained financing available. Overall, they were very interactive and know their job well. That gave me confidence in moving forward with the repairs.

Their price was reasonable. They were timely, did a good job and before they left they checked to make sure everything was okay. They were very professional and knowledgeable. They explained everything to me.

We've used Shafer for plumbing, heating, and AC services for about 10 years now. They are truly professionals. They show up on time. They are courteous. They respect your home (they wear booties and lay down tarps to protect your floors.) Their prices are fair, but not particularly cheap; we got three bids to do this work, and Shafer's was between the other two. Most importantly, we trust them, which is not something I can say about many service companies in San Antonio. My recommendation is to get three quotes for a job--Shafer and two others. If the prices are comparable, go with Shafer Services. People who worked on this project included: Steve B, Edgar D, Hector G, and Booth. They were all top-notch, and I wouldn't take the time to write this if they weren't.

Very well, excellent service. Arrived on time and went right to work.

Overall it went well. The check was thorough. They were in and out in minimum time.

The entire Shafer Heating & Cooling team were fantastic. My heat pump was beyond repairing and the need for a replacement was urgent. Shafer helped me locate a unit that would fit our domestic needs, budget and schedule. They continue to maintain my system today because I know I can trust them to be proactive with inspections and advice. The team is knowledgeable, professional and treats customers with the respect you expect when you're looking for an ongoing vendor relationship. I would definitely recommend Shafer. Rodney Smith, Tom Marrs, Josh, Hector and Michelle are all assets to the company.

Shafer installed a water softner and continues to provide ongoing inspection and maintenance services for my water and plumbing system. Bob Archambault and Dale Satterfield do outstanding work. They are professional, knowledgeable, prompt and courteous. I know I can rely on Shafer to get the job done right the first time. I have been very impressed with their entire organization including management, office staff (Michelle) and the field crew.

I was pleased with the services. After he left, I thought the AC/heater was not working as it should. I called the next day and Jim came back and rechecked the system. He was completely professional and polite about having to come back. He explained what he thought was the problem. I agreed to give it another day and found that he was right. I was completely satisfied with his handling the situation.

I was completely pleased with Shafer services.

Service call for second estimate on Sewage pipe. Great from start to finish. I particularly like how they send you and email prior to your appointment with the name and photos of your customer service rep and service technician.

We have used Shafer for several years. They are always professional, courteous, and on time.

Larry arrived on time, gave us very helpful information, and was very professional.

Entire service experience was extremely productive, efficient and pleasant. Rodney was on-time and extremely thorough. Complete system check was performed, deficiencies corrected and I was kept updated and informed every step of the way. The high degree of professionalism, technical knowledge of the system, about to quickly resolve issues was exceptional and noteworthy. Rodney was courteous, respectful of my property and very professional. Rodney is an outstanding Ambassador of Shafer Services. I have been completely satisfied with the previous upgrade and installation of a new AC/Heat unit performed last September 12th as well as the ongoing maintenance and service calls.