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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
07/27/2023
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
I paid Hafke Plumbing $11,735 to install grinder pump and sewage lines for the pump. It stopped working this past June. Hafke came out and gave an estimate of $3800 to fix it by installing new pump and a RISER. I hired Red Cap to do the same job for $2500. When Red Cap dug up the old pump they showed me that the cover was not bolted on and thereby weeds grew into the pump enclosure and stopped the float from working correctly. there was nothing wrong with the pump. We just had to remove the weeds. The Red Cap installer told me the enclosure that Hafke used was for indoors and not for outdoors (where the pump grinder was located). Also, the pump should have been installed with a riser for easy access and repair. The way Hafke installed it you had to dig down five feet to do any work on it. With the ****** you just open the lid and it is easy to remove the pump. When Hafke first came out to fix it they said it would cost about $1200. Then they said they wanted to do it 'right' (with the ****** and it would cost me $3800. By saying they 'wanted to do it right' they were admitting they had done it incorrectly. I called them up and told them I wanted them to help pay for the repairs since they did it wrong in the first place. They put me off for about 3 weeks sayings the boss was out of town. I am coming to you for help in resolving this.Business response
08/16/2023
Dear ****************
First, I would like to apologize for the frustration you've been experiencing recently. We have come out on multiple occasions to address any issues or concerns. We did give an option to replace the pump. Pumps over time do need to be replaced. They have a life expectancy of 3-5 years. The original work was done over 5 years ago. James K Hafke Plumbing had the job inspected and passed by a city inspector and an engineer. The equipment that was installed was approved for inground installation regardless of being inside or outside the home. We warrantied our work and stood by it during the warranty period. The owner of James K Hafke Plumbing did speak with **************** an agreement was made that did satisfy the customerCustomer response
08/21/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
*********************Initial Complaint
12/27/2021
- Complaint Type:
- Billing Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
On 12/22/2021 we had James K. Hafke Plumbing go to our condo in St. Petersburg, FL to unclog our toilet due to our guests complaining the toilet wouldn't flush. Their service person went there and snaked the toilet and told me the problem was resolved, but the toilet was still flushing sluggishly. On 12/23/2021, the guest again told me the toilet would not flush properly, but that he was able to use a plunger to finally get it to flush. Our guests checked out and I had our housekeeper flush the toilet and she remarked the toilet was flushing very slowly. I then contacted James K Hafke Plumbing again and requested that the same service person check the toilet again. The service person said that the toilet was flushing, but was "sluggish." Our new guests checked into the condo and said the toilet was flushing slowly and on Christmas morning they contacted me to tell me the toilet overflowed onto the floor and sent me a video of how slowly the toilet was flushing. I then had to contact another plumbing company (******** Plumbing) on Christmas Day, pay an emergency charge of $125 plus $183.34 for the second plumbing company to unclog the toilet. These charges were on top of the $185 that I paid James Hafke Plumbing for not unclogging the toilet the first time on a non-holiday. ******** Plumbing performed the exact task of unclogging the toilet and found that a bar of soap had been flushed or dropped into the toilet (I can provide pictures). Once ******** Plumbing cleared the toilet obstruction, the toilet flushed fine. I contacted James K Hafke Plumbing, explained what happened and they are only offering a $50 refund. I am seeking a resolution of a refund for the entire amount that I had to pay ******** Plumbing because had James K Hafke plumbing performed the task properly the first time on a non-holiday, I would not have had to call ******** Plumbing on Christmas Day. The amount I am seeking is $125 and $183.34=$308.34-the amount paid to ******* Plumbing.Business response
12/28/2021
Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/12/28) */ We did provide a service (auger from toilet) which is what you paid for. The technician did verbally provide you with the option to pull the toilet and cable via the flange. Which you declined. This is the service the other plumbing company provided you. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/12/28) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The technician told me on the phone that just angering the toilet should take care of the problem. I was relying on his expertise because I could not be present at the condo. If he would have told me that he needed to remove the toilet to clear the obstruction, I would have complied. Business Response /* (4000, 11, 2021/12/30) */ Although a service was performed, and the option to pull the toilet was given verbally over the phone. We will refund you the full amount that you paid to our company James K Hafke Plumbing Consumer Response /* (2000, 13, 2022/01/03) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) I will accept a full refund since the company did not fix the issue which is what I paid them to do. Consumer Response /* (3000, 20, 2022/01/17) */ As suggested by the BBB, I have waited until January 14 for the agreed upon full refund from James Hafke Plumbing but have yet to receive it. Business Response /* (4000, 22, 2022/01/18) */ I do apologize. I will refund the remaining amount $135.00
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Customer Complaints Summary
2 total complaints in the last 3 years.
1 complaints closed in the last 12 months.