Reliable Plumbing & Heating

"Did not show up or call for two set appointments."

"Reliable does not go by its name. Last month I had a major plumbing issue that required pulling the main pipe. Their estimate was higher than the other estimate I received but they (the owner James) agreed to match their estimate with promise to complete the task in two days (as opposed to other professional company that couldn't come before the week after). Reliable started the work right away and made some progress that day (Thursday). They asked for deposit amount that I paid (although lower than what they asked for, I paid more than 50% amount as deposit). The guy (Steve) came next day (Friday) to continue work for couple of days only to tell me later that they couldn't find the equipment to pull the pipe and they have to do it after the weekend on Monday. I didn't like it but had no option to agree to it since they had already started the work. On Monday, I tried to reach Steve and he asked to call the owner James. After several calls, I got hold of James and he promised that someone will be there by 1PM that day (Monday). No one showed up until 6PM and I started calling repeatedly both guys and they didn't answer my 30+ calls. I checked my bank account and found that they had already cleared the deposit check. So I started sending SMS/text messages to ask my deposit back since they didn’t do the work. I started doing some research about the company and found that their address in BBB was old business location in Derwood that they vacated abruptly and was occupied by someone else. Using their phone numbers and other online references, I found their home addresses. When I indicated about that in my text messages, finally the owner responded on Wednesday morning that he will give the deposit back after he is done with another job by 2PM. Again after many phone calls and text messages, he finally showed up at 10:30pm to return the deposit amount. He reasoned that he was out of town and could get everything done as planned. However, I am not sure how anyone can justify not picking up phone or returning more than 50 phone calls for more than 2 days to a customer even though they committed the work to be done in two days and also received deposit money. I will not recommend this company for any work."

"Reliable came to my home to replace a 25' gas line from the meter into the house. The job would have taken a couple of hours for an experienced plumber. These guys showed up at the house without materials, the proper tools, or a permit. Two guys sat on the porch while the third guy drove all over town shopping for materials and tools. I asked if I was paying for this, and they said no, but then at the end of the day I was charged for the full day. They started working about noon and it became clear they didn't have a clue what they were doing. When they finished they demanded payment on the spot. I said I would pay them when they gave me an invoice and after it passed inspection. They would not leave without payment, so I paid them just to get rid of them. They never got the permit of course, and I've had to call them repeatedly for the past two weeks to get some action, with no result. Today I am finally going to file a complaint with the Department of Licensing and Permitting Services. And I still have to fill the gaping hole they left in the side of the house. This is the worst experience I have ever had with a contractor. I paid almost $1000 and got nothing but aggravation."