Acqua Plumbing

Mark W.

Unprofessional, Late, Dishonorable, Rude, and a Fraudster. I contacted Fred at Acqua for a very specific job- I knew that I had some roots in sewer line that needed to be ground out. I was unable to replace the line until after my refinance was complete so I needed this temporary fix until my loan was complete. After that, I was going to replace the line. So he was contacted specifically for a drain grinding, and a scoping to ensure a clean drain. I told him that I'd only use him if he were able to meet those requirements including removing the toilet to access the line. He agreed to the requirements and I specifically reiterated my needs so we both were clear. He agreed to the specifics and he quoted a price.

He arrived very late, with no communication and no call backs. Throughout every interaction from then on, Fred was an excuse-maker. He lied and said we didn't talk about the specific requirements of the job, that he wouldn't agree to the work as he said, that I needed to pay him $1,800 to install an outside cleanout before he'd even do anything. I finally re-negotiated everything back to what we originally talked about. I left him with the tenant to handle the job because he ate up a couple hours due to his tardiness. I took half a day off work and he wasted that by his belligerence so I had to get back to work.

The job ends and the tenant is frustrated by Fred's character and unprofessionalism. I get the bill and not only has he not scoped the line, he's charged for it, and charged more than the original quote.

I called and demanded that he come back out to scope the line and I'd take another half day off work to be there to review the footage since he was making excuses about not being able to video the line as expected. We determined that he would come out the next day and wrap it up. The next day he had predictably not shown up at the time we agreed. When I called to ask where he was, he said he'd get there. I asked him for some specifics so I could plan my day and know whether it'd be five minutes or two hours later, he told me some expletives and hung up. Never heard from him again and he disappeared with my money. Two weeks later, the line backed up again. Apparently he didn't even complete the grinding of the line as he said. Later, I learned that he had asked my tenant certain questions to gauge whether he could get away with tacking on some extra charges. And I also later learned that the Better Business Bureau has revoked the A+ rating that's pictured on the Acqua's advertising.

Donnie V.

Do NOT attempt to deal with Fred (owner), VERY unreliable. Said he would be there two different days, never called to say that he isn't going to show up at all, then tells us that our job is too small. We rehab homes and would need septic service 5-10 times a year, but that is ""too small"" for Fred? Doesn't communicate at all.

Hector S.

After the bad reviews, I had to check to make sure this was the same company I've used twice now. I think they're terrific, actually. Last year, I had them install about 50 feet of new sewer line on my property. I hired them after reviewing three contractors. They were friendly, fast and professional. They took care of the permit with the city and the inspection. This past weekend, I had a backup in a section of sewer that I hadn't replaced. I didn't hesitate to call them again.
Fred came out the next morning, a Sunday, even calling to let me know they were running late. He and Anthony were able to clear out the line within minutes. Both times I've deal with Fred or his son, I have had zero problems reaching them and I found them very responsive by email, text or phone call. I will definitely be hiring them again.
I might add just two things - You have to cut contractors some slack because they're juggling multiple jobs, they do run late, and I get that. I'm not one to get super frustrated if a contractor is running late or has to reschedule, as long as they work with me and let me know. And Fred always has. Also, contractors aren't free or cheap. I do a lot of the work around my home myself because contractors are expensive but there are some jobs I know I can't do and when they occur, I am not one to complain about the expense. I know that going in and contractors deserve to be paid fairly for their work, not to mention the high cost of the equipment they bring to the job.
All in all, I would say this is a good, honest plumbing company and I would recommend them to anyone.

Laine V.

The work seems fine but they tried to rip me off by charging a ""5% credit card fee"" which I think is illegal and tried to add tax on tax. They showed up a day late and when they did, It was 3 1/2 hours late. I would not recommend this company

Kit V.

Most unprofessional plumbing company I have EVER dealt with. As a professional realtor I count on pros to do what they advertise. Avoid at all cost... Oh wait don't worry they don't show up or return calls so you are probably ok.

My clients made an appointment for a sewer scope- Acqua no showed, I called, they had no record of our appointment. They then said we have a guy but it will be an hour bc we are far away. Cool no problem- 1.5 hours later a guy showed with no sense of urgency, no apology, dragged butt and smoked non stop- proceeded to scope the sewer with not enough cable. Couldn't get out to the main- even though they were told what to expect. I confirmed we were at least videoing.. He says ""we don't do that"". I said oh, that's the whole reason you're here. And btw your web site says you do. He says, I'm a professional and my written report is all you need. I call the main office. Judy is super apologetic says they do video and she is going to send someone out ASAP as we are on a time line per our contract. Assures me they don't operate like this. Being in the business they know that we need a video for proof for the sellers. She calls the guy on site, he gets pissed and leaves with his equipment without a word. She says she is going to fire he guy for being so combative and lying- I tell her.. That's none of my business I just need it done. 4 hours later-She promises Monday. I call and text all weekend and all Monday to confirm- they blow me to vm on all their cell phones and their business line.

Still no call backs. Now I'm in a jam. But don't worry I'll make time to address this with the BBB like you suggested to the other disgruntled customers on yelp. Thanks for the headaches. I'll let everyone know how busy you are.

Candice F.

What started out as a 400 job to flush the piped ended up in thousands because the plumber was flushing the system for over 2 hours and busted the pipe. They started the job on Monday and now it's Thursday and they are still here. Have been all day. They sit down there and look to be doing very little. They said that they wouldn't charge for the 400 job but that we were responsible for the job due to them busting the pipe. It has really been the ABSOLUTE WORST PLUMBING EVER.

Kathryn C.

Wow. Given my recent experience with Fred and his team, I can't imagine it being the same company the other users dealt with. Fred came very highly recommended to me in the middle of a sewer job that was being badly botched by another company. His expertise and generosity are amazing. He came right over with his son and another plumber and they helped me to understand what was happening and what my options were. These guys were so quickly and honestly on my team that it gave me enormous peace of mind and a ton of leverage to work with the other company to get the job back on track. I feel so grateful to them and am very happy to know they are there if I ever need help in the future. Big fan.

Renato P.

I don't understand why people are using this site for personal vendettas. I've been using this guys a few times in the past, and also recommend them to a couple of my friends and never had a problem. Last time we had to reschedule the appointment from Friday to Saturday and they came out and did the job without even charging extra for the weekend. I think they are one of the best plumbers in the Seattle area.

John P.

Have a listen to a voicemail left by Fred, the owner in this Youtube video:

WARNING NSFW
http://youtu.be/t7uwCDg8tNY

After listening to Fred you'll be able to see his trite YELP response for what it is, a bald faced lie.

There are plenty of great pluming companies out there. Acqua Pluming isn't one of them.

Huan G.

Responding to Fred's (owner) comment:
The job I scheduled was sewer inspection and we agreed on a $150 fee, not some sort of Free estimation. If you do not even show up to do the job, I see no possibility of I being a paying customer. Also your description is different here than the description you put on BBB.