ComplaintsforJ Blanton Plumbing

• Initial Complaint

  07/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Friday, July 12th, I called J Blanton to book an appointment to replace my tub spout. I booked an appointment for the next morning and put down the $49 deposit, which would be applied toward my total invoice. They ended up not being able to make the Saturday morning appointment and I had to reschedule to Sunday morning. They did not make that time slot either. After several calls, the plumber arrived at about 4pm. We discussed the job, and he said with my $49 down, it would just be an additional five twenty something for the part. He specifically did not use denominations for the numbers he spoke, which lead me to believe he just meant an additional $5 and some change, so I agreed. He zoomed into the spot on his phone where I signed. Between running to the hardware store for the replacement spout and completing the installation of the spout and a new shower head, it took no more than 45 minutes. When he discussed final numbers, he again did not include denominations and referred to the extra five something on top of the $49 deposit I paid. I agreed once again thinking he meant an additional $5 and some change, making the total job around $55 and some change. He zoomed into the signature spot and I signed it. I did not see any total written down and he never confirmed the total verbally. About 20 minutes or so after the visit when I got the email with my copy of the invoice showing a total of $570.38, I was truly shocked and thought there was a mistake. Surely this was an error because the plumber was telling me it would only be an additional five something after my $49 deposit. I contacted customer service and received rude, condescending treatment and was finally advised they would escalate my issue and I would receive a call back. I have been going back and forth with the company to get an explanation of the charges and dispute the amount since the total was never fully communicated to me.

  

  Business response

  07/22/2024

  Hi *********,
  
  Thank you for sharing your concerns. It seems there was a misunderstanding regarding the cost of the service. Our pricing reflects the quality of service we provide, including weekend availability and fair compensation for our employees, which consists of 50 field professionals and 20 office staff. We strive to assist customers promptly, even on weekends, which sometimes necessitates rescheduling due to the unpredictability of job durations.
  
  As a large company with over 30 years of experience, we stand behind all of our work. We understand the importance of having plumbing services available on weekends and fairly compensate our technicians to ensure they are available to help you when needed.
  
  Our technician provided an estimate before starting the work, which you signed off on. He also fixed your shower head as a complimentary service.
  
  Our pricing is transparent, and the amount you paid is consistent with what anyone would be charged for the same service, regardless of the time spent on the job.
  
  Thank you for your understanding.

  Customer response

  07/23/2024

   
  Complaint: 22014981
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I was not made aware of the total price quote before the plumber completed the work. The plumber never spoke the total cost aloud, instead he spoke numbers without specific denominations. When giving me the quote, he said with the forty-nine you put down, that will JUST be another five twenty something. He never spoke that it was an additional five hundred something dollars, he simply said five something, which I understood to be $5 and some change. He then zoomed into the spot on his phone where I sign, not displaying any total to me either, so I signed with the assumption the cost was around $55 and some change. After he completed the work and went over total numbers, the plumber did the same thing again, never speaking a whole total number with denominations, instead reiterating after my forty nine down, it would be the additional five twenty something and zoomed into the signature box, never showing me a written total either.
  

  I legitimately understood the price as an additional five dollars and some change after my $49 deposit. The average cost to replace a bathtub spout is not $570, that is an exorbitant amount that I did not agree to. I feel as though the plumber took advantage of me as a woman who lives in an apartment. 
  

  In addition, they refused to give me an invoice with a breakdown of the charges. They mentioned in their BBB response that their price reflects weekend availability and the amounts they pay their plumbers, but none of that is broken down in the invoice along with the cost of parts. Without an invoice that breaks down the charges, I am even more convinced this is a price they made up as a way to take advantage of me as a consumer. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  

  Business response

  07/24/2024

  Hi *********,
  I want to clarify that our pricing is not determined by our technicians; it is based on standardized rates that consider various factors associated with the cost of doing business. Each task has a set code with a fixed price that our technicians cannot alter. Our pricing structure is consistent for all customers, regardless of gender, and is based on the specific job being performed.
  As a large plumbing company with over three decades of experience, we maintain a high standard of service, and our rates reflect this. Even a handyman typically wouldn't charge $55 for a similar service. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to providing fair and transparent pricing to all our customers.

  Customer response

  07/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 22014981
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the bottom line is that the plumber was NOT transparent about the pricing as your website ensures. He NEVER said a total cost out loud that included the specific denomination that this job would be over $500. Because he simply said an additional five something on top of the $49 I put down, my mind couldnt even fathom spending over $500 on a quick/easy job like this, so I assumed he meant $5 and some change. If he spoke clearly and would have said the actual total out loud being $570.38, I would have never agreed to the pricing. 
  
  Also, as seen in the attached screenshot from Forbes breaking down the average plumbing cost to replace a bath tub spout, it shows $50 on the low end and $250 as average. With > $400 pricing reserved for complicated jobs, which this was not, since he completed it in less than 15 minutes. 
  

  Ultimately, since I did not receive a transparent quote, I am requesting a partial refund for this. I will even settle for the average cost being $250, which would mean I over payed by $320, which I would like refunded to me in order to settle this dispute. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I reach out for a quote and they visited and game me one. After the visit I had another plumber give me a quote but they were not able to come out for another week and J blanton could do right away so I offered them the chance to match the quote. The sales person while friendly was very pushy and quite frankly flat out lied several times. He said that hybrid water heater don't work, and that any other water heater except their own was inferior. I gave up and went with the tankless option they provided. I did get a decent price but had to haggle for way too long and the sales person demanded I show him the other companies quote, which I thought was rude and unprofessional. The biggest issue was to get my quote I had to sign up for the no drip club. Even though my sales person said several times I could cancel at anytime, this was simply not true. I found out afterwards this is a year long contract. So point blank he lied and they lied to sign up for their service. Additionally the sales person said I could have a couple of months free, but he never took care of this or talked to his company about it. His only goal was to complete the sale. And to top all of that when they finally did come to provide the first service of the drip club, they preformed the wrong service. Instead of preforming a water analysis and whole home inspection they flush my water heater. The water heater I installed 1 month ago. In trying to talk and communicate with them about these issues I have had to continually call and email. I am lucky to get a response and am still awaiting back from their manager. Just appalling customer service. I am not debating the price I paid for the water heater installation. I am however complaining and rejecting the $29.99 per month membership they have already charged me twice and their refusal to cancel the contract I never even signed. Installation of the water heater was May 29th. I was charged for **** and july membership fees.

  

  Business response

  07/24/2024

  Hi *******,
  Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We understand your frustration and appreciate your honesty. We strive to provide transparent and professional service, and we regret that your recent experience did not meet those standards.
  Regarding the quote matching process, we typically ask to see the competitor's quote to ensure accuracy and transparency, as we've encountered situations with non-existent quotes in the past. However, we acknowledge that this request may have come across as intrusive, and we apologize for any discomfort it caused.
  We sincerely apologize for any misleading information you received about the ************ (NDC) membership. Our intention was to provide a clear understanding of the 12-month commitment and the offer of two free months. I have confirmed with our membership coordinator that you have not been charged for July, and your membership has been canceled. The charges for the two months you paid have been refunded to your account. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.
  As for the service provided, we regret the mix-up with the water heater flush instead of the intended water analysis and whole home inspection. This oversight is not reflective of the quality of service we aim to deliver, and we will address this internally to prevent future occurrences.
  We also acknowledge the discount you received and appreciate your feedback on the pricing and the sales process. Our goal is to provide value and clarity in all our interactions, and we will use your experience to improve our services.
  Please feel free to reach out if there are any further concerns or if there's anything more we can do to assist you. We genuinely value your feedback and are committed to making things right.
  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  J. Blanton has sent me an invoice via phone and email for services they have not performed. The service address indicated on the invoice is purposely wrong. An investigation needs to be done. They called me on the phone and requested me to pay them $250. I explained to them twice you have not done any service for me. I did call the company to inquire about plumbing services (nothing more). They are now asking me for $ ( harassing me like that have provided service to me) ??

  

  Business response

  04/30/2024

  Hi ****, 

  You called J Blanton Plumbing and once we arrived to your house you did not answer the door. The invoice you received is for $0. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  - on April 4 J.Blanton came out to clear a clog in our bathtub, they were unsuccessful - on April 5 J.Blanton came out with another technician to try to clean the drain. It was unsuccessful. They told us we would need to tear out the bathtub in order to access the clog. Our job would be treated like an emergency since we only had one bathroom. - we received a text confirmation from **Blanton on Sunday April 7 reminding us of our appointment on Monday, when they promised to start work - We got a call on Monday April 8 to schedule the start of work. We told them we thought they were on their way. We were told sorry this happens all the time, they need to schedule it for the next day - over the several days they removed the tub, cleared a clog and then put back a new tub incorrectly so it is not functional to tile around. We found this out on April 16 from our tile person that they did it incorrectly - On Tuesday April 16 in the morning we called to get the bathtub moved to the correct location we were told no one was available to schedule the service and they would call us back right away. Three hours later we called back and they told us they couldn't come out until Thursday.- Thursday a technician arrived 3 hours after the scheduled time and said he could not complete the job because he didn't have enough hands.- We asked to have it scheduled, we were told we had to wait 4 more days. We expressed our frustration since it's not being treated as an emergency and not being scheudled accurately. The person on the phone offered a refund and we accepted this. They said a manager would call us in the morning to authorize it. - We had to call as they did not call us like they said they would. After 2 attempts to call back we finally were able to talk to a manager who then refused to offer the refund.

  

  Business response

  04/30/2024

  Hi *****, 

  At that point there was no refund to be given as all work was completed. The bathtub being installed 1 inch too far back back well under warranty. The agents over the phone cannot guarantee a refund, which is something I explained over the phone. This work has now been completed, and I do apologize for the delay in getting the job done. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was a member of their no-drip club and used J. Blanton to do a repair on an issue my tenant had. They did follow the contract at all which you can see in my email where they failed to show up twice.Secondly, when they did show up they said it was a drain repair at $1400. I needed to pay $700 up front. I paid and they showed up a few days later to do the repair.After a small amount of demo the plumber called and told me it was not a drain repair but that I needed to simply caulk around the tub. I hired someone to do this.2 days later my tenant called and said the leak was worse. I ended up hiring a different plumber who then fixed the problem.I contacted J Blanton about a new invoice expecting a refund. They took the old invoice and changed it to a $700 inspection. It's a complete fraud.Also, in the documentation I was supposed to receive special discounted pricing. This certainly is special.I am requesting 787 to account for credit card interest.

  

  Business response

  04/30/2024

  Hi ********, 

  We've emailed back in forth several times and I told you I'd issue a refund after we received a plumber's report from the other company and determined the work that we did not incorrect. 

  Thank you

• Initial Complaint

  04/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Business continues to auto withdraw money for services already paid for in full.

  

  Business response

  04/12/2024

  Hi *****, 

  The $14.97 that was withdrawn from your account to pay the monthly membership has been refunded and now that we received the check to pay off the membership for the remaining of the year, your card will not be charged. 

  Customer response

  04/17/2024

   
  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

  04/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  A plumber came to do routine maintenance and they were selling the no-drip monthly service. The plumber stated that the service could be cancelled at anytime, then the company stated that it was a year contract, which is fraud.

  

  Business response

  04/12/2024

  Hi *****, 

  It is a 1 year commitment but your membership has been canceled. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 3/20 I had a service call with J Blanton plumbing and they determined I needed a new garbage disposal. The technician recommended a stronger one than we currently had and they installed it for $1,230. We later figured out this is not compatible with regular home electrical outlets. They did come back and install a lower powered disposal but are refusing to refund us the difference in cost, which is approx $400.

  

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  We properly installed the garbage disposal system at a fair price. The electrical system within the home is not compatible with the disposal system we installed. It needs to be upgraded and we are not an electric company. Electrical upgrades would be performed at an additional cost by an electric company. Not a plumbing company. There is no price modification because the work we performed was up to state and city code.

  Customer response

  04/09/2024

   
  Complaint: 21536392
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The professional from this company looked at our electrical system and recommended the product they sold us, even though it was not compatible with standard household outlets.  They then installed a product that is over $400 less expensive and are refusing to refund us the difference in price.  We currently possess a product valued over $400 less than we paid and would like to be refunded the difference in cost. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  

  Business response

  04/30/2024

  Hi *******, 

  You got two jobs done for the price of 1. You also initiated a chargeback on your credit card for more than the difference between the two jobs. There is no refund to be given. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was given one price to complete a toilet issue and when they finally finished doing 1/3 of the repair, I was charged $6800. The technician in the beginning said to do hydrojet and it was the best option, well that was a lie because according to him it didn't work. This company is unfair and unprofessional with their end results. The date this transaction occurred was on January 5-8, 2024. The technician told the landlord that what he was doing would work for the entire strip mall and it did not. My landlord had to call another plumber to fix the remaining two businesses plumbing issues and now I am stuck with an excessive bill due to their incompetence.

  

  Business response

  02/16/2024

  We initially quoted ******** $2630.23 to hydro-jet from the roof to try and regain flow to her toilets. This was unsuccessful so ************** suggested an additional job for $3400 which would be to install a 4" clean out to be able to properly rod and hydro-jet. This 4 clean out install was required to clear out clogs and prevent rodding from different toilets to try and restore flow. The landlord called another company prior to us beginning work. We did not do a rodding as it was a temporary fix and the day care was closed. 

  
  

  Customer response

  02/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 21164503
  
  I am rejecting this response because: this an out right lie!!! I have used this company before and never had this happen. Also, I was told they would rod out the system and they did not. The landlord called another company because the technician gave empty promises. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  

  Business response

  03/01/2024

  ******** sent me a screen-shot of the Zelle payment made to the other company and it was done before we began work. Ultimately, ******** is not the owner, it is her landlord's responsibility to reimburse her for the expenses.  

• Initial Complaint

  12/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company overcharged me for service (over $1000) and I have been waiting for a refund of $200. I have called on a weekly basis since October and no response.

  

  Business response

  01/04/2024

  ***** reached out to us on 11/06/23. I processed a refund via check on the 7th of November, however, it was sent back to us. I sent out another on the 11th of December (the owner was in and out of the office) and she has received it. I do apologize for the delay in receiving the refund. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩