From Randy B.
Plumber Tom
When I noticed warm tiles in my lower hallway, with cold ones around them (and I didn't have floor radiant heating), I KNEW it was a sign of a slab leak. I didn't want to have to have a plumber jackhammer the tile/slab to find the leak, as it would be a nightmare resulting in having to retile a large section of flooring (since I would not be able to find the exact same tile again). The water meter was turning slowly, with all faucets turned off, so I knew there was a leak. I called several plumbers for an assessment/estimate. I knew it wouldn't be inexpensive.
After interviewing 4 plumbers (recommended by Thumbtack.com), I took a chance, based on reviews and their assessment presentation to me and price quote) with Plumber Tom. I don't really know who "Tom" is, but the lead plumber who came out was named Mark. He gave me 3 options: repair the slab leak (I'd be on my own for re-tiling), re-route that particular line that was in the hallway through the walls to the lower bathroom, or re- pipe the entire house. Regarding slab leaks, Mark (and others) said the only real guarantee is that once one has a slab leak, there will be more in the future. Supposedly, they don't put plumbing through slabs much anymore in new residential construction, because it's so hard to get to plumbing leaks when they occur. I decided to re- pipe the entire 2-story house, using PEX (vs. copper tubing). Mark stated he re- piped his entire house with PEX, even though he could have chosen copper tubing. I researched PEX tubing, and while it comes with a guarantee of 30 years on the material, the industry says it can easily last 100 years, as long as it's not exposed to the elements. PEX is easier to install, less junctions (and therefore potential possibilities of leaks), more continuous line, flexible, expandable, etc, and less expensive to install.
I was quoted a price for materials and labor of about $7600, which was less than any of the other companies, and less than what I predicted it would be in the first place. The price included repairing drywall, stucco, as well as the materials and the plumbing labor...it did not include re-painting drywall, but, to my surprise, their drywall subcontractor offered to re-paint the drywall as well.
Except for one day when a drywaller didn't show up (I guess a conflict in scheduling came up), I called and they sent someone else out later that day to continue finishing the drywalling, stucco). Otherwise, all employees / subcontractors came out on time, worked diligently, and cleaned up at the end of each day. Mark was more than happy to explain all the details of the plumbing engineering he was installing. I was especially pleased that he only had to remove drywall and some stucco to re-route all the plumbing, so no floor or wall tile had to be removed. They tried to find the best cosmetic approach in terms of routing the plumbing, after checking with me to be sure I was happy with the planned routing, etc.
The plumbing took 2.5 days to complete. Then the drywalling/stucco/painting team came in to finish the job. There were many holes in ceiling, closets, garage, kitchen, side of house, but, if you were to come over now, you'd never know there was very messy demolition a week ago (drywall work sends dust flying everywhere, even when floors and furniture, etc are covered with plastic covers). The drywalling/stuccopainting took 3 days to finish (drying times, etc).
The drywall crew cleaned up as thoroughly as possible. Of course, after they left, I still had a massive dusting, cleaning project, because the dust went everywhere downstairs, but I expected this (having done so many remodel projects in the past which involved drywall).
All fixtures are working, no more warm spot in tile, water pressure is great, cannot hear water running through the PEX tubing in the walls. In fact, hot water to the 2nd story bathroom seems to arrive there faster than in the original copper tubing.
The crew, the head plumber, the Plumber Tom office...all of them were professional. They had excellent communication, and answered all my questions (I had several along the way). They answered their phones, responded to emails, texts very promptly. I did not feel pressured in any way, and there was no upselling.
I'd feel confident in using them again. They would definitely follow through if any problem arose with their re-pipe installation. For any future plumbing needs, I will contact Plumber Tom first for an estimate/assessment. They were less expensive, no hidden costs, not high pressure, very professional, and friendly. They answered all my questions, even making it educational (I'm a science teacher, so I always ask lots of questions and want to know how things work).
Again, I want to thank Mark, and Plumber Tom for their fantastic service, reasonable prices, and attention to detail. 5 stars from me!
