SCHAEFER BROTHERS PUMP & WATER CONDITIONING INC

Our well pump started running almost constantly, so after searching Angie's List, we called Schaeffer Brothers Pump and Water Conditioning to come out and look at it. They determined that a switch needed to be replaced. Since the well pump was 23 years old, we decided to have it replaced. Schaefer's came out to replace it within a week, even though the weather was cold. We (and our neighbors) watched as the crane pulled up the old pump and it was replaced with the new one. It took about 8 hours of hard work in miserable weather, but they kept working until it was finished. There wasn't much inconvenience to us--the water had to be shut off for a few hours, and the well had to be chlorinated, so we used bottled water for a few days. We are still in the process of having the water tested for purity since it fell a little short of the recommendations the first time. While it's not very exciting to sink almost $3,000 into the ground, we were very pleased with Schaefer Bros. and the work they did. We would definitely recommend them.

We have used Schaefer since we purchased this home in 2001. They have maintained the equipment in this home at least as far back as 1995 when they installed new equipment. I have the paperwork from the previous home owners and the sticker on the equipment was how I knew who to call when we needed our annual well water test. I was oblivious that annual maintenance was also necessary, being clueless about home ownership. I don't know what other people do when it comes to their well equipment or sump crock things, but as first time home owners who didn't have a clue, having that Schaefer sticker on the pressure tank probably saved us from years of costly repairs. We made that first phone call and told them we knew we needed an annual water test, but that we don't know what or how often we need service. Luckily, we had the records for the equipment from the previous homeowners. The owner Ken Schaefer came out, explained the system and how it worked and what things were needed regularly, such as charging the pressure tank. He did the maintenance, took a water sample and gave us his card. We never looked for another company since then. The switch on our well pump died in 2008 probably due to a power surge as we had lost power earlier that evening. (same unit that was installed way back in 1995) We ended up with a bit of clean water overflow out of the crock and although it wasn't necessary or urgent, they still came out late at night to replace it, because I was panic stricken, convinced our basement would be flooded and mold would grow and destroy our home. My husband discovered the water around 8 p.m. and the repairman came and stayed for 2 hours. That bill was $400. It was complicated. After that incident, still in a worried state, I called Schaefer about battery backup and surge protection. The owner, whom has done some of the maintenance over the years himself, brought us a variety of options to look at and discuss. He didn't ask us what our budget was (which is irritating to me), he showed me what he thought was the best solution and then after answering my prewritten list of questions (and he didn't mind at all, he actually appreciated that I had taken the time to inform myself). He was honest and shared all the pros and cons of each option and was very patient with my questions. We decided on the Stormpro battery and pump backup system. He gave me a written quote with some extra options that I hadn't decided on yet, like an extra battery, and that was the price we paid. The whole system including removal of old system, adding an extra battery, upgrading our pvc outlet pipes and all the parts needed to complete the job; was just under $3,000. His invoice includes every part price and labor charges. I don't know if that is typical, but it makes me feel good knowing I'm not getting gouged on the cost of nuts and bolts and such. After the installation, he went over the instructions with me and explained how to do the monthly battery performance check. It's fast and easy and I do it myself. They come out once a year for maintenance, as they have since 2001, and all I need to do is look for the sticker to see when that time is approaching. One phone call and they are here to do what needs doing. They check and test all the equipment and take the water sample, check and recharge the pressure tank if needed, test the pumps, etc. They install quality equipment, (19 years running with only minor and typical repairs/part replacements.) If they hadn't done the maintenance, I'm sure another company would have convinced us newbie homeowners to buy all new equipment simply because our existing was "old". That's a fallacy that I am glad I no longer believe in. New is not always better nor is it cheaper to buy new rather than maintain what you have, in the proper manner. One last thing: These are some of the most pleasant people I have had in my home. They are true professionals in their trade and all around very nice people to talk to and deal with. I feel safe having them in my home even when my husband is at work. I hope the new owners of this house will also rely on and appreciate the kind of service, quality and professional integrity that Schaefer has provided for the past 11 years. We are currently building a new home and we are taking them with us, so to speak. We will be customers for life. Nobody asked me to write this or any of my reviews. I'm a new Angie's List subscriber and I plan to make several more posts about contractors I have worked with, starting with the good ones, as I feel the last 11 years of home ownership have given me a lot to say.

I was very impressed when the individual assigned to my job, John, called earlier the morning of the appointment to let me know he was "on his way." So often, people may call, but when you don't get to the phone, they simply don't come after all. I appreciated both the heads-up and the lack of panic when I did not hear or pick up the phone. Once he arrived, he was professional and helpful with all of my questions and concerns. He acted as if I were the only customer on the planet, a wonderfully refreshing (and rare) feeling.

Well Pump went out, no water available at all! Called Schafer arrived within a couple of hours. Diagnosed problem and arranged for well to be cleaned out and well pump replaced. Made arraangement for removal all old equipment. We were happy with their quick repsonse, although removal of equipment took a week.

DID NICE WORK AND THEY ARE NICE PEOPLE.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, THEY INSTALLED THE OLD ONE ORIGINALLY AND WE HAVE USED THEM A COUPLE TIMES. THEY ARE VERY RESPONSIVE, PUNCTUAL AND PATIENT. IT ALWAYS HELPS WHEN THE SERVICE YOU ARE DEALING WITH IS PLEASANT.