Business ProfileforU.S. Allied Plumbing & HVAC LLC

2/15/22: I googled Free estimate plumbing near *********, **. A pop up window appeared asking me to input my info for a free estimate. I completed the form & received a call from US Allied Plumbing. I spoke to ***** and explained the issue: a ticking noise from inside the wall behind the toilet. I scheduled an appointment and confirmed w/ ***** that it would be a free estimate. She confirmed this would be a free estimate. 2/18/22: ****, plumber, arrived at approximately 10 am. He checked the bathroom, the pipes downstairs, and the crawlspace, which took about 15 minutes total. **** informed me there was no plumbing issue, and the pipes were expanding due to changing outdoor temperatures and causing the noise. He then asked for a payment of $135. I explained that I confirmed with ***** that this appt was for a free estimate only. **** then asked for $90. He stated that he needed to charge me because he had to look around to see what the problem was and this was the reason for a charge. I was startled and unprepared; I replied a diagnostic estimate is normally $75. At this point, **** called ***** confirmed $75 was acceptable. He handed the phone to me. I told her this was scheduled AND confirmed as a free estimate. She stated that if nothing is found wrong, then we charge for the time. I replied, You did not say that before & confirmed this would be a free estimate. She responded, I understand what youre saying, but this is what we do. I told her I would be writing a complaint and she responded I was free to do so. **** was still standing there and demanding payment, not leaving the premises. I felt he would not leave unless he was paid. As I was facing an unwanted confrontation, I paid $75 under duress in order to have him leave.This complaint is not about his work, but on the bait and switch tactic used by the business.The plumbing portion of their website has free estimate repeatedly & no disclaimer except if we find nothing fixable, then we charge."