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Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville

Plumbing, Water Heaters, Septic Systems,

About us

Locally owned & operated. Financing available. Additional DBAs - Virginia Plumbing, Jester Plumbing Co., Inc. Additional phone - (757) 490-7077. Additional contact name - Jack Jester , Lee Jester.

Business highlights

Emergency Services Offered

Services we offer

Well pumps and systems, water filtration, septic rejuvenation, leak detection, tank less gas, water heaters, drains, sinks, tubs, showers, softening & septic tanks.

Amenities

Emergency Services
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

3.312 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
42%
4
0%
3
17%
2
0%
1
42%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.8
value
3.1
professionalism
3.8
responsiveness
3.4
punctuality
4.5
Showing 1-12 of 12 reviews

JENNIE C.
10/2014
5.0
plumbing
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: new water softener and water filtration system. New plumbing and rerouted some pipes

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000

Matt B.
04/2014
3.0
water heater repair
  + -1 more
It's a return service because the job was not done the first time. It wasn't the best experience because they were here 4 times with a brand new unit in about a year to try to fix the leak and at those times, the owner finally came out and took care of it. The staff id very friendly and actually, one of their staff told me that the unit that they sold us, none of them were certified to actually work on it and of course there's the warranty that the company can give but that's a little concerning. I would probably not recommend them.
Description of Work: I used Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for water heater installation.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
5.0


Susan T.
03/2014
3.0
water heater repair
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: They tried to talk us into a very expensive replacement of our 9 year old water heater. Ended up fixing the burner. Did not fully connect the gas line. This resulted in a gas leak and could have burned out the lead if left unchecked. The gas company came to investigate a leak and found the loose connection and fixed it. Ben Franklin got us to sign up for a maintenance program that included a discount on future work and electrical and roof inspection. They did not schedule these inspections. I had to call and arrange them. So far they have both been rescheduled twice and not yet completed. The repair was done a few months ago. I do not recall the exact date or the charge.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0


Margaret A.
03/2014
1.0
plumbing, water heater repair
  + 0 more
See above. Mr Wood asked me what I thought would be fair and when I asked him what he thought would be fair, he said he thought the price was correct. He offered to give me credit for the work if I wanted them to repair the rest of the pipes in the house which he said were corroded with minerals. I declined.
Description of Work: Repaired leaking pipes on top of a water heater. Two years before they had done the exact same repair and charged me over 300.00 then. I believe that if the first repair had been done correctly, the leak would not have recurred. I talked with a Mr. Wood who said that he felt the price was fair. No adjustment was made.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
4.0

$432

Jerry W.
07/2013
1.0
plumbing, water heater repair
  + 0 more
These Benjamin Franklin rip-off artists quoted $3,000 to replace a hot-water heater. We told them "good-bye" and hired a different plumber, who repaired the existing water heater for only $367. It has worked fine ever since.
Description of Work: These Benjamin Franklin rip-off artists quoted $3,000 to replace a hot-water heater. We told them "good-bye" and hired a different plumber, who repaired the existing water heater for only $367. It has worked fine ever since.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
5.0

$3,000

Mark W.
05/2013
5.0
plumbing, water heater repair
  + 0 more
This all took place on two visits; one on a Wednesday and the other two Saturdays later. The plumber, Eric, arrived about 5 minutes late and immediately told me I was due a discount because he was late (it's a fixed amount per minute late). Overall, he was professional and articulate. He wore shoe covers and took care not to scratch the floor even though he had to remove the pressure tank to get to the water heater (which was the real problem since it was rusted and leaking) to replace it. When he came back 10 days later to do the bathroom I asked him about scheduling a time to replace the kitchen faucet. Even though it was about 6 pm on Saturday he did it then. These guys are not the most inexpensive around, but they do quality work.
Description of Work: Water heater replaced, bathroom sink faucet and plumbing replaced, kitchen faucet replaced

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,200

Sara G.
12/2012
5.0
plumbing
  + -1 more
Over a year later, I still have no iron issues. I love that the plumbers came into our home and put covers on their shoes before they walked in and cleaned up after themselves. Tim explained everything to us in detail and answered all of our questions. I will definitely use them again.
Description of Work: We had a serious issue with the iron level in our well water turning everything orange (even with a filter system that was in the home when we bought it) and Tim and his crew took their time to find the perfect solution. They installed a new higher tech whole home water filter and added a water softener. We spent a lot of money on the filter system itself. The cost for installation and labor was very reasonable.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$8,000

Suzanne M.
10/2012
1.0
septic tank
  + -1 more
Paid for services I did not receive - overall, it didn't go!
Description of Work: Signed a contract (and paid in advance!!) for bi-annual septic tank inspection and cleaning after meeting with the salesman from Benjamin Frankling Plumbing. Not only did they refuse to come out and perform the inspection/service on the septic tank six months later, they also refused to refund my money. And have since refused to return my messages I've left. This is one company I STRONGLY encourage you to avoid!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
2.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
2.0

$400

Carol L.
05/2012
5.0
plumbing, septic tank, water softeners, wells
  + 2 more
They did some work before, and they have done a good job, so we choose them again for this job. They are conscientious; they keep us informed on what they were doing and why, and if they have some kind of variation from their initial estimate, they'll explain it to us beforehand why it was changed, so I felt confident with them, and I am hiring them again for that sort of work.
Description of Work: We used them to fix a well and do some plumbing work. They repair the casing of the well and also did the septic tank, also for our water purifier maintenance.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,154

Carolyn S.
04/2012
1.0
plumbing
  + -1 more
I called them because i needed two appliances removed and two new ones installed, a dishwasher and microwave. We had a $100 coupon and rather than use Sears who was charging $300, we thought we would use the $100 coupon and assumed the job would be about $200. The plumber arrives in a starched white shirt and puts on hospital booties so not to dirty the floors, so good first impression. He looks at the job, then writes for the next 10 minutes then explains that he is giving us 3 options. 1. remove both appliances and hook up the new ones (he said he would need both my husbands and my help with holding up the microwave) for $1,285. I thought it was a joke, and asked if that included the new appliances. It was not a joke. He was dead serious. Wanted to charge over $400 just to remove the two old appliances. I asked him if it was a 3 day job, and he said no, about 3 hours. I said I never heard of a plumber charging $428 an hour, even in NY where I am from. I didn't give him a top grade for punctuality or responsiveness either because I had booked the appt Friday for Monday afternoon, and they called Monday afternoon and said they couldn't make it, they were backed up, which wasn't a big deal for me but had I taken a day off work it would have also been upsetting. I would NEVER recommend or go near these people, seriously it was a scary experience which we will be telling for many years to come! PS We promptly called Sears and they are coming to do the same job for $300, and to think the Sears appliance salesperson thought we could get it done more cheaply by calling someone directly.
Description of Work: WE didn't hire this plumber because the cost was so outrageous. See the details below. Bottom line, $428 AN HOUR for one guy! I think I want that job.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
1.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0

$1,275

Barry M.
09/2011
5.0
plumbing
  + -1 more
We have been Ben Franklin customers for several years and during this time their staff have provided various plumbing services for our home. The array of services includes repairs, a new water heater, a well system pressure tank, a water filtration system to balance the water pH, and a new toilet. The services and projects were completed within a very short time frame, the quality of work was exceptional, and the staff were always professional and courteous. For many years we have wanted to remodel our basement. We had completed various stages, but always got tangled in design and use issues. This summer we were determined to finish the project and Ben Franklin was the first company we contacted. The staff created a beautiful full bathroom, provided the necessary plumbing for our kitchen area, helped us creatively think through various process steps for all stages of the project, and put us in contact with other vendors who could help us meet our goals within the designated time frame. Ben Franklin Plumbing was able to offer us much more than plumbing services. We are thrilled with the final project and it has become the focal point for gatherings with family and friends. Many thanks to the Ben Franklin family. Barry & Jennifer M.
Description of Work: The array of services provided by Ben Franklin Plumbing includes standard repairs, a new water heater, a well system pressure tank, a water filtration system to balance the water pH, and a new toilet. Additionally, this summer the staff created a beautiful full bathroom, provided the necessary plumbing for our kitchen area, helped us creatively think through various process steps for our basement remodeling project, and put us in contact with other vendors who could help us meet our goals within the designated time frame.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$14,000

JOHN G.
06/2011
1.0
plumbing
  + -1 more
We had no idea initially what the scope of the job would entail. 8 hours at $40/hr; 2 hours at $30/hr; 30 feet of 59 cents/ft of piping, $18; overhead, a generous 100% (almost all businesses haver overheads far less). Weekend time another 50% for labor. Total labor and overhead + materials at about a generous $36: $1,176. Even allowing $2,200, to allow for the 10-year warranty and/or other costs that I could not see at all, I should be receiving at least $3,500 back. Electrical and phoe lines were not involved. The company relies on a trustworthy name. It also appears to use a smooth-talking approach and customer worry to distract. The company manager has failed to address my letter, asking for the assignment of the charges to labor, materials, overhead. He has so far (going on two weeks from the date of initial communication regarding the matter, in which I asked only for his rational in the assignment of the charges) avoided any communication. If I find the manager responding with his own rationale I shall so report, but in due time I shall otherwise contact the attorney general's office. 8 hours at $40/hr; 2 hours at $30/hr; 30 feet of 59 cents/ft of piping, $18; overhead, a generous 100% (almost all businesses haver overheads far less). Weekend time another 50% for labor. Total labor and overhead + materials at about a generous $36: $1,176. Even allowing $2,200, to allow for the 10-year warranty and/or other costs that I could not see at all, I should be receiving at least $3,500 back. An acquaintance, on hearing the company name, without knowing myh case, that they are overpriced. The reputation builds!
Description of Work: This plumber has failed to justify the cost of the job that was done. The job was the replacement of a leaking water service line. It was clear, after the job was done, in a modest emergency (leaking could have been addressed over a few days), the amount of labor, skill, and materials required were far less than we were led to believe by the price. Several people knowledgeable of the plumbing business declared that we were heavily overcharged. A pipe supplier in Ohio told me that at the job could be done for as little as $500. An Atlanta person who has worked for many years with plumbers thought that anything over $2,000 was robbery. Two persons in Charlottesville agreed that the job should not have required a charge more than $3,000. The job took one skilled plumber 7 hours (8 if you include the time for the estimate). One or two persons of lower skill level, who brought some materials or help, accounted for another two man-hours at most. Nationally reported plumber rates of $30/hr (average for journeymen at the lower levels) to $45 (skilled, experienced) bring me to the following analysis:

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
5.0

$5,700

    Contact information

    P.O. Box 272, Atlantic, VA 23303

    www.benfranklinplumbing.com

    Service hours

    Monday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Thursday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Friday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Licensing

    State Contractor License Requirements

    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,
    Water Heaters,
    Septic Systems,
    Wells and Pumps,
    Water Filtration and Softening,
    Drain Cleaning

    FAQ

    Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville is currently rated 3.3 overall out of 5.

    Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
    No, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville does not offer free project estimates.
    No, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville does not offer a senior discount.
    Yes, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville offers emergency services.
    No, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville does not offer warranties.
    Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlottesville offers the following services: Well pumps and systems, water filtration, septic rejuvenation, leak detection, tank less gas, water heaters, drains, sinks, tubs, showers, softening & septic tanks.

    Contact information

    P.O. Box 272, Atlantic, VA 23303

    www.benfranklinplumbing.com

    Service hours

    Monday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Thursday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Friday:
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM