Bradbury Brothers

Gerard S.

I Paid Bradbury Brothers Plumbing For a Lot More Work Than What I Wanted/Needed

We had a clogged kitchen sink drain. We then hired Bradbury Brothers (BB) to clear the drain clog. They ran a snake through the clog and then did a simple visual inspection (i.e. shining a flashlight and looking down the drain pipe) where he saw water was still left in drain pipe and said it was "Back Pitch", meaning the water still wasn't draining. He did not try running a little water to see if it would actually drain. His diagnosis instead was that it was a broken pipe because he could still see standing water. Actually, I came to learn later that such is absolutely normal because there was a P-trap.

I asked him to confirm with a camera, but his 'Large' camera could not get through the medium-sized sink drain pipes, and the company's 'Small' camera was broken. This was an issue from the beginning as the first service call from BB was supposed to include a visual inspection by camera that was to be included in the 'drain clean out and inspection' service call... Since they didn't have an operating camera, at the time the Service Manager offered a follow up camera inspection if necessary at no additional charge... After clearing the drain, and without visual confirmation from a camera, Bradbury estimated the additional repair at ~$1800 to 'repair the broken pipe'... Based on Bradbury's 'supposed' expertise, we decided to have them do the additional work; to repair the broken pipe.

Before the follow up appointment, we again discussed the repair to be done with the service manager, requesting that plumber would first confirm that the repair was indeed necessary with their Smaller camera, but learned that it, like the larger camera, it too was also broken. As I didn't want to delay the repair because I had no use of the kitchen sink, and after further discussing the issue with the plumber himself, after his assurance that based on his experience, he was certain there was a problem with a broken pipe, I allowed BB to perform the work. So, BB 'repaired' the 'broken pipe'. However, after cutting through the custom cabinetry and breaking the concrete foundation, they discovered there was actually P-trap and there was NO broken pipe, which they thought was broken because they saw standing water, which is what should indeed be seen with a P-trap as that is it's intended function. The plumber then tried to explain away his incorrect diagnosis going on about how P-traps are more commonly in the ground for showers and tubs, and in the North for kitchen islands. Further searching on Google, it doesn't appear to be all that uncommon for a P-trap to also be used for island kitchen sink P-traps as I very quickly (i.e. first page) found a diagram that shows an island with a below ground p-trap...

So, $1800 later ($1,775.40), my custom island cabinetry was cut into, my concrete foundation was broken up, and the P-Trap was unnecessarily replaced...

I feel quite certain that if BB had their Small camera in working order, they could have properly diagnosed the issue with there being no water standing once got through the P-trap.

After paying them in full, even though I was quite unsatisfied, but afraid they would put a lien on my home if I didn't, I contacted The Service Manager who initially claimed they had to replace the P-trap because it was not in Code... This was absurd because they would be claiming every 'drain' that they cleared had to be left in code... Subsequently their Master Plumber who carries their license, clarified that it it would be the 'Repairs', NOT DRAIN cleaning that has to be done according to code... Also, he agreed that if the plumber had simply run some water through the drain, they would have been able to tell that the drain was unclogged, without having to use a camera.

I consulted with an attorney to prepare a suit for small claims court but decided against further action for now because of the cost and effort to hire an expert witness (i.e. another certified Master Plumber) to testify on my behalf, which is not recoverable...

Hopefully me sharing my very bad experience may help you in the future make a more informed decisions than I did.


Update following response:

Jack,
Please note that I am unaware of any correction that you have referenced in your response, "the actual service invoice was corrected prior to you acknowledging and signing for the work performed". Please do message me separately to help me understand.

You are correct in that I did sign-off and pay in full as stated previously. In the future, I will do things differently with less trust of service companies. Furthermore, please be clear that the one other company that bid a repair was also quite wrong. Additionally, they too didn't have operable an camera to properly diagnose the problem, which at least in my case was a recurring theme. Two wrong diagnoses don't make your's right. To me
that is a poor excuse.

Brandon B.

Had a great experience with Bradbury Brothers. The furnace went out on our rented townhome as soon as the weather hit freezing. They were able to come out, get a quote to fix or replace the unit, and get a new furnace installed within 3 days. The lead installer was on time, very respectful of our property, got it done in a timely fashion and cleaned up on the way out. We were able to come and go as they installed it through our the day. Glad we have local pro's we can trust.

Sheila M.

After quoting a price for service , and service completed I made payment. They emailed a receipt which showed a monthly charge for a year of $9.95 .
We new nothing about this charge. Called them and they basically said we were lying about not knowing of this charge because the technician told my husband about it. Beware of their extra charges!

Barb B.

I asked Bradbury Brothers to replace the anode rod in our water heater. Very oddly, they recommended NOT changing the anode rod. The woman on the phone said she asked one of their plumbers and they only recommend changing the anode rod if the water is smelly. She also said the manufacturer does not recommend changing them (absolutely incorrect -- check your manual). She also said our water heater was too old to change it at 9 years. Bradbury Brothers tells the false story that water heaters in Houston typically only last 8 years. That's only true if you don't maintenance your water heater - flush annually and change the anode rod every 5 years or so. Either they are unqualified to service water heaters or just want to sell you a new one sooner. I wouldn't use them. I had the anode rod replaced by another company. Took the plumbers 15 minutes - a handy person could do it themselves.

Jada B.

We recently used this business for a leaky plumbing situation that was deemed too dire for a DIY moment. We called another local competitor and sadly, they were not able to come out till the following business day. We placed a second call to Bradbury and "lo and behold," our knight in shining armor to save the day! They came out the same day (KUDOS!), but charged a flat fee of $49 to come out and "just look" at the issue, which is DISAPPOINTING (but I wouldn't doubt that it is probably a standard industry practice, that said, I still don't like it).

The repair was a SUCCESS, but cost me nearly $250 for the repair. STICKER SHOCK! The Repair Person said I needed to replace a part (not sure if i truly believed him, but I was stuck and at his mercy) and he used this opportunity to inform me about their "priority member program," that if I joined, the part would be cheaper. I only got the highlights and then my eyes just glazed over as I was thinking to myself by how poor timing this sales pitch was...a membership program? Seriously? Not going to lie, this was a major turnoff.

Truthfully, as much as I wanted to pay less for the equipment and installation, I did not want to become a member and pay however much per month for membership services ($10?) that I do not routinely need every month. So, I paid full price and made a mental note.

Overall the service was not bad...it was GREAT! I was in a pinch and they answered my call.

But the cost for that service, and along with questionable equipment repairs leaves much to be pondered & desired. Pretty sure they will not be my first call next time (maybe second/third) when there are other competing business that offer the same services for more cost effective options. IMO.

Rob B.

They charged me twice the normal rate to replace condenser fan and installed it improperly. Would have ruined the condenser unit if another AC company didn't notice it while they were out for something else. Bradbury is the absolute worst. Over priced on everything and technicians are sub par. Use anyone but Bradbury

Renee' V.

Very disappointed. The customer service is good, but they lie!!! I had them come out for an air conditioning repair yesterday. They diagnosed it, but were not able to get the parts until the following day. They called today saying the parts are not available anywhere locally, the earliest they can service me is tomorrow. I've been without air conditioning for almost two days and I have young children. It was so bad, that even with 5 large fans running full blast it was still too hot and we stayed in a hotel for the night.

They wanted to get me to sign up for a $14.00 per month deal to become a priority member and get 20% off...so basically I'm not a priority until I pay this...

Called a different company to come out, and guess what... the parts are available locally from Carrier, and he will be here in a few minutes to install the parts that we need today because the parts are avaible and they are 500.00 cheaper than Bradbury Brothers . I don't appreciate being lied to and I do not recommend Bradbury Brothers.

Lyle E.

Bear in mind this a/c problem occurred on a Sunday. When I called the phone was answered immediately. We set an appt. for 3 hours hence. The office called to let me know the technician was on the way. Jeremy Davis arrived in a timely manner. He was polite, professional, and diagnosed the problem in about 15 mins. He went over exactly what the problem was and gave an accurate cost estimation. He finished the job in less than 1 hr. If you live in Texas you know how important air conditioning is. I am very impressed with this company and especially Jeremy Davis. I will only use this company in the future and will ask for Jeremy. Lyle Entrekin, The Woodlands

Jim N.

Charged $463 to repair a faucet.
After hours call (early evening)
30 minutes to repair.
Charge $315 for a part that sells for $46 at Home Depot.

I was a long time customer. Spent thousands on new A/C equipment a few years ago. Had monthly A/C service contracts on two houses.

After speaking to the plumbing manager and one of the owners
I am no longer a customer.

Clinton D.

If you want to get rich don't go through the trouble of becoming a doctor or lawyer, become a plumber! Bradbury Bros charged nearly $400 to replace two water intake valves (which I just priced at $14.99 each). They still charged the $49 visit fee despite the fact that I paid over $300 for work. It took them about 30 minutes to complete the work. I also asked to have another part priced and they quoted $160 for a gasket on a faucet that costed $65 new for the whole faucet (and another $100+ in labor). I know there is overhead for running a business, but charging as much as you can just because you can doesn't mean you should. I don't know how they charge these prices with a straight face.