Avanti Plumbing and Drain Experts

Michael S.

I regret hiring Avanti Plumbing and Drains due to misleading pricing, excessive overcharges, and strong-arm tactics during an emergency.

I initially called them to install a Waterdrop reverse osmosis (RO) system with a connection to my refrigerator. The technician confirmed this was possible but later changed the plan mid-job, saying it wasn't feasible without additional modifications. Instead, he only installed it under the sink, yet I was still charged $1,261--an amount that is 3x-4x higher than standard pricing for this type of work (market rate: $300-$500). He justified their pricing by claiming that competitors charge $2,000+, which I later found was completely false.

Worse, while performing the install, the plumber tightened and loosened my home's main water shutoff valve multiple times. When he turned the water back on, the valve suddenly started leaking, which had never happened before. He immediately told me it had to be replaced, and I had no choice but to approve the repair because my basement was actively leaking.

To make matters worse, I had to rush outside in a 6-inch snowstorm to clear access for the water company to shut off the main valve at the street, all while the plumber went ahead with the valve replacement without ever disclosing the cost. I was later shocked to see a $495 charge for a 10-minute repair--a job that typically costs $150-$250.

On top of all this, when it came time to pay, I was only shown a small screen to sign, and I was not allowed to review the full invoice before signing. I later found disclaimers stating that Avanti takes no responsibility for work done on customer-supplied equipment--something I was never made aware of beforehand.

I Tried to Resolve This, but They Refused to Work With Me

After realizing I was significantly overcharged, I reached out to the company to discuss a fair partial refund. The plumber himself was very professional, but when I asked Avanti Plumbing to honor their original agreement and complete the refrigerator connection, I was quoted an additional $500--on top of the $1,261 I had already paid. At that point, I realized this company was unwilling to compromise or stand by their work.

If Avanti Plumbing were willing to find a reasonable middle ground, I would be happy to adjust this review. However, after reading other reviews on Facebook also, I see that many customers have had similar issues with price gouging and misleading business practices. I wish I had done more research before hiring them.

Key Issues with This Company:

Massively overcharges for standard work - They charged 3x-4x the going rate for a simple install.
Changes the job scope mid-way - Promised a fridge connection, then didn't do it but still charged full price.
Uses high-pressure tactics - I was forced to approve a $495 valve replacement during an active water leak in my basement they created.
Does not disclose pricing upfront - I was never told the cost of the valve replacement before they did it during the ""emergency"".
Doesn't let you review the invoice before signing - I only found out about certain charges and disclaimers after payment was processed, and job details were later filled out AFTER they left with my signature.
Refuses to work with customers on reasonable solutions - I gave them a chance to fix the issue, and they refused unless I paid even more money.

This company takes advantage of customers in vulnerable situations and exploits emergencies to charge outrageous prices. If you're considering hiring Avanti Plumbing and Drains, I strongly urge you to get multiple quotes beforehand and avoid them unless you want to be overcharged and pressured into unnecessary expenses.

Linda M.

Dependable, courteous and knowledgeable technicians. They gave me advice on how to rectify a situation created by my builder.

Joe G.

Woke up to no water on 12/29/23. Called Pa Water and they confirmed I had water and needed to call a plumber to check the PRV or the flap to control the water. Already had the flap replaced about year prior by this same plumber. Plumber arrived on 12/29/23 and informed me it was my pressure and had to replace the PRV. I was quoted $824.00 less 10% discount for senior discount. When I asked why it was so expensive I was told the cost of the part. I had the work done but it still bothered me all day about the bill. Spoke to friends and family and they agreed also that the price was so high.
Later that night I went on to the US Supply website and found the part in question was only $144.33!!! I wrote to the plumber about my concerns and received the following reply: ""We do not want you upset, or feel you were overcharged. We do weekly research to ensure we give our customers the best pricing we can provide as a business"". Please be careful with this plumber!!

Brian M.

Had them out to my house a few times. They do great work! Definitely recommend. I tried going with a cheaper company. They ended up not being able to complete the work. I asked a friend at work. They recommended Avanti. Glad they did. Fair pricing, High quality work.

Alex R.

We had a clogged drain and called them to snake the line. They quoted us $180 on the phone for a normal snake job and $500-600 if it was a more complicated job. When they got here, they wanted to charge $450 for a standard snake job. I negotiated that down to $250 and he began the work. Honest bait and switch maneuvering on the price to start the job.

He ran a large Rigid snake down the line and ended up breaking clean through my PVC pipe at the T section of plumbing. He then quoted me $1,100 to fix the damage they caused.

I reached out to a family friend with a contractor who does plumbing to fix the broken pipe. He laughed at the work and said the snake was far too powerful for the PVC pipe. He ended up replacing the T section of pipe for $50 in materials. He charged me a couple hundred for his time. Pretty disgusting they wanted to charge me $1,100 for damage that was their fault. At least fix the issue at cost of materials and solve the problem. I understand things can go wrong but make them right.

Edit to owner comments:

You can see in the description of service there was no confrontation with the technician even after they broke my pipe due to using the wrong tool. You can also see the broken pipe was not improperly fitted or corroded, it was simply blown out by a snake that was too powerful. This company will lie to your face multiple times in one trip. They lied about the price, which was proven true by them agreeing to do the work for 250, even though they quoted me 450 hoping I would just be a sucker and say yes. They lied that I was rude and disrespectful to their workers. They tried to price gauge me on their repair for $1,150 when the pipe was fixed for $50 in materials plus 2 hours of labor.

I promise you, you will regret working with these scam artists and liars. The evidence speaks for itself. These people are as scummy as it gets.

Sarah F.

Avanti Plumbing and Heating is a fantastic, locally owned and operated company. They are efficient, fair, and extremely knowledgeable. My motto is, you get what you pay for. There are probably other plumbing businesses in the area that may offer a lower price, but I can guarantee you, you will not get the quality of service and quality of work from those businesses, as you will from Avanti. Do not hesitate to contact them for all your plumbing needs!

Pam C.

Would never recommend this business. Charged $500 to install a kitchen faucet that took less than 45 min. Asked for a decrease in price and they told us that's what you agreed on. Everyone we talk to even another plumber says this price is EXTREME!!!

David H.

We were having difficulty with a newer high efficiency gas heater, and was having difficulty locating someone to work on that particular brand. We called the manufactures rep, and got Avanti as a recommendation.

He came out, required I sign paperwork accepting his hourly rate and his probable charges to look over the entire unit and address the manufacturer's plan of action. he was there for 5 hours, got his check and left.

Less than a month later we encountered the same problem. The supplier company troubleshooter agreed to get involved again, and I called Avanti arrange. He declined to meet and refused to show up again. Needless to say I was appalled by that response and lack of follow-up. He is a poor business person.