Bratschi Plumbing

Michael K.

Huge shout out to the Bratschi Plumbing team. Thanks to Carrie, Betsy and Al for coming to our immediate rescue following a sewage ejector pit failure in our basement. Special thanks for plumber John for the quick same day response and efficient replacement of our pump. Bravo Zulu Bratschi Team.

Anders W.

This place is absolutely first rate. Stopped in today to ask about a sump pump drain that was lined up wrong, and got some great advice and free PVC to fix it. Asked them about outdoor faucets/sillcocks to replace some shoddy leaking plastic ones in my new house and they sold me the best piece of brass hardware you could imagine - looked at Lowes this evening and they don't sell anything remotely comparable. Can't recommend these people enough.

Eric W.

This review is in regards to my experience with Bratschi Plumbing of Winnetka and inspection of a RPZ valve (required for sprinkler systems). After Bratschi inspected our RPZ valve, it was determined that it was not working properly and an estimate of $512 was given for the repair and inspection. As this seemed high, I researched repair kits for the make/model RPZ valve we had and found them online for $36. As there was no guarantee that a repair would still pass the test, I researched a new RPZ valve and found/bought the exact model for $216 delivered and ready to install (vs. $530 to repair old model). I wrote Bratschi and inquired about the difference between repairing and replacing, and after a 2 week wait received a letter that informed me that Illinois law requires this inspection and their prices were their prices, and their price included the cost of submitting the inspection report. Suffice it to say we found another plumber to inspect the valve for $130 (including reporting it to the city), so we had a new valve for $200 less than a repaired valve. In spite of not fixing the valve we still received a bill for $196 from Bratschi for the 10 minute evaluation.

I have no issues with businesses charging what they want to charge for services/materials, but I want to forewarn people that businesses are willing to take advantage of unknowing customers with this city required service on a fairly simple device.

Per their response I will repeat that we were charged $196 for someone to turn on the valve, tell us it doesn't work, and needs to be fixed for $512. After finding a new part on my own for less than half the cost, we then had someone inspect it for $130, you tell me were the problem lies.

Tom P.

$147 for an estimate, and we are neighbors, 3 minutes, 1 mile away. Then, an estimate of an additional

$1, 640.00 to repair a shower faucet, which Bratschi misidentified to boot. I got the same work done by a union plumber for a $20 visit, $859 for the repair.

Chris L.

STAY AWAY!!! - As a Winnetka resident, it pains me to write this review about a ""local"" business. Bratschi is dishonest and charged me for work they didn't do.

My direct experience with Bratschi:
Recently my primary and backup sump pump failed for a short period overnight causing some minor basement flooding. Bratschi's was too busy to come out that day, so I went elsewhere for help. That plumber identified that both sump pumps had failed, but that I needed to call Bratschi because the sump was exclusively distributed through them and he could therefore not get parts.

I then called Bratschi to ask if they could fix this particular pump brand. They insisted on sending someone out only to tell me that they no longer service this brand after a 5-minute long service call. They could have told me over the phone, in which case I would have simply replaced the pump myself.

I live 3-4 blocks from Bratschi, so a service call doesn't cost much. They sent a nice, clean-cut, and polite guy to my house, which I appreciated. He left me a quote for 2 new sump pumps (not installed) at a healthy markup to the local ace-hardware price ($100 - 200 extra per pump, install is another additional charge).

Much to my surprise they mailed a bill... $141 for 45 minutes of his time. They bill plumbers out at ~$190 per hour, even when giving quotes... Recall, this visit only lasted 5 minutes and I did not want a quote for any replacement hardware, I already had one and I told the guy I didn't need a quote. This is blatant dishonesty in sending someone out to my house so they could bill me, after the woman in the office should have been able to tell me they no longer service the brand that they had installed originally.

I called them to contest the bill and he offered to ""split"" the bill with me. I was offended that he considered this a favor... I'm still livid they sent someone out knowing they couldn't service my request, just to send me a bill.

Ultimately I paid the bill rather than have Mr. Bratschi send me to collections (see other reviews about Bratschi's collections practices), but I will not call them in the future for anything.

Rockey F.

We've been using Bratschi since moving to Winnetka in '93. And our business, Loving Care Pet Services, has used them exclusively since 2005. Always on time and very professional. Easy firm to work with, for projects big and small.

Courtney C.

Bratschi Plumbing is an excellent business in every sense of the word. They dispatch great plumbers quickly, their prices are fair, and their service is unparalleled. Their plumbers come on time and explain what needs to be done clearly and respectfully. The people who work in the main office are highly competent. My mother lived in Winnetka for 50 years, and I cannot recommend Bratschi highly enough, based on the loyal service they provided her.

Ed L.

STAY AWAY!! Hired them to rod drains and ended up costing twice what I expected. Gave me a bid for $1400 to repair what they couldn't fix which ended up taking me an hour and $15 of parts to fix. Worst part is I call to discuss the bill and no one would call me back. then they sent the bill to collection. I deal with a lot of contractors and these guys give them all a bad name.

Ryan W.

I've used Bratschi a couple of times. Easy to reach and schedule. One time for a sewage line clog and the other to replace a part in my basement. Reasonable pricing and very nice workers. Completed the work and kept the space clean. I have not had an issue with either jobs since their completion. Will use their services again if needed. It's always nice to find a trustworthy local company (although that is getting difficult these days).

Mary A.

One of the best in the business! Is a plumbing problem always an ""easy fix""? No, but, Bratschi's people know their business and always do their best to remedy the problem the first time out. They communicate what service is expected as a fix, the amount of time it will take and any other options available to you.

Not inexpensive but you get what you pay for...and with Bratschi that includes courteous, professional and competent employees; from the operators who answer the phone (even at night and on the weekend) to the workmen who arrive at your door. This is a reliable company with a proven track record.