Business ProfileforSargent's Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

I recently had service from Sargent's Plumbing related to a possible leak of carbon monoxide from a central heating furnace in my garage. The possibility of a leak was brought to my attention by a plumber who repaired my washing machine the previous day . It was he who referred me to Sargent' Plumbing and Heating. The owner of Sargent's - first name Steve - came to my home the next day as requested. He went into my garage and quickly informed me there was no odor of carbon monoxide and that he felt it was a natural gas leak that should be reported to the gas company. It was at this time that he informed me his charge was $200.00. While leaving the garage, he told me he was picking up slight smell of propane gas. I immediately informed him I knew the cause of the odor. Two days earlier I apparently neglected to fully close the valve on a propane tank I had connected to a portable stove stored in the garage. I tighten the valve and ended the leak. Steve asked if he could change the filters in my central heating and air conditioning. Realizing I was paying him $200.00 for what was then only five minutes of gas detection time, I said yes and provided him with two of my filters. He changed the filters with a ladder I provided, he had none on his van. He then asked for his payment of $200.00 for fifteen minutes of his time. I paid him as requested after first stating my objection to what I felt was an exorbitant charge. My basis for questioning was largely based on being billed the previous day only $125.00 by Moon Appliance for more than an hour of work to repair my washer with two technicians - not one as with Sargent's. t Steve offered a dismally feeble response stating " Moon's is a different operation." He also added that the higher price was "caused by the government." Neither of the above justify the difference in charges. If requested copies of invoices for the Moon's and Sargents can be provided. A web site posting by Sargent's offers discounts to seniors and veterans. Steve granted me neither. Steve himself asked my age before billing me. I am eighty five. I also told him I was a 100% disabled Vietnam vet with eight years of voluntary active service. In addition to the above, soon after he came to my house I informed him I lost my sense of smell due to my military service. This explains why I could not detect the smell of propane. In that I require a cane to walk, he had no reason to doubt my being a 100% disabled vet. In view of the above, it is highly questionable as to why no senior or veteran discount was given me by Sargent's Plumbing and Heating. I admit I was negligent in not asking for an estimate from Sargent's prior to engaging their service. I should not have been so trusting. My fault. In closing and with specific reference for Sargent's Plumbing and Heating's membership in your bureau, my confidence in your customer service has diminished. Note: The Neighborhood Watch website for San Luis Obispo currently has a posted complaint directed to Sargent's Plumbing and Heating. Sincerely, G***** ** *******, PhD My rating is one star. Mr. S****** was on time with his service