Brownies Septic and Plumbing

Arlene S.

Please don't use Brownie's Septic and Plumbing!! Truly the worst experience of my life!! I had met someone from Brownie there to point out our septic problem. They proceeded to send someone else who had not spoken to the man I met with. I have two Septic tank and they rebuilt the wrong tank! Knowing what they had done, and knowing it was their mistake, they did not take responsibility, charging me for the work on the second tank. The work on the second tank was not complete in a timely manner as promised. I would have taken them to court but was in the middle of refinancing so I paid them as they had taken a lien on my property. All the while having insufficient bathroom accommodations.

Lidia W.

For any out there thinking of replacing their septic drain field system. All seemed fine until it was time to close the drain field. A Brownie's employee showed up in the middle of a heavy thunder storm to cover the hole. He was in a rush, and ended up filling the hole with old drain field materials, including old pipes, rocks, large tree roots and grass, etc. We weren't able to come out to stop him because of the heavy rain and lightning. We watched through our cameras highly concerned over the safety of the newly installed drain field system. We called the Brownies' office. The Brownie's manager said what her guy did was """"fine,"""" but they would go ahead and replace the dirt with new sand. She then proceeded to assure us that this is how they do business every single day and that someone would come back to our residence the following day to do some clean up. However, the damage was already done. We wrote Brownie's a letter stating our concerns and included some pictures. They dismissed our concerns saying basically """"all was ok, not to worry about it."""" So, we contacted the Tallahassee Department of Health for assurance, which is a suggested course of action listed by Brownie's in their own paperwork if there are any concerns. The TDH told us to stop Brownie's from further work and to get the Orange County Department of Health involved. We called Brownie's and spoke to the manager again. This time she was very rude. She questioned who we talked to from the OCDH and demanded a name. She also emphatically stated that they don't know what they are talking about. She stated the old waste that was put back in the drain field was good and it didn't need removal. We told her about the research we had done, but she just told us the internet in not a reliable source of information. We mentioned some of their bad reviews and she said people write bad reviews because they don't want to pay. She got very defensive, saying she would call the Orange County Health Department immediately, and she abruptly hung up. This manager not only misled us by telling us these were proper procedures. She also misled the OCDH. She told them that they had removed the old pipes and hauled away in a pickup truck. Fortunately, we had pictures that showed otherwise. The Orange County Department of Health sent two inspectors to dig up the hole and collect evidence while the Brownie's people were on-site. They informed us that the old drain field material definitely should not have been put back in the hole. The old waste would eventually block and/or break the chambers. Also, one side of our newly replaced drain field was not cleaned properly and the wall was not compacted with clean sand. The Orange County Department of Health ordered Brownies to redo our drain field. When the second job was completed, Brownie's left us with a ton of cleanup work, more damage to a larger area of good grass, large amounts of rocks scattered about the property, and a bunch of sand on the street. It had been over a month and we were still fighting them to remove a false charge for a septic tank lid that was never replaced. We wrote a letter to the owner of Brownie's septic, and received a response stating that if we pay in full, he would credit us the septic tank lid that was never replaced in the first place. He just bragged about the """"350 jobs he does a year,"""" and that he's """"been in business for 70 years"""" Completing 350 jobs a year isn't a valid reason for treating us the way they did, plus the work they do is buried out of sight. So, we clearly wouldn't recommend Brownie's septic. However, if you're contracting any septic company, please watch the whole process if you can. Even if they are just emptying your septic tank, if you are not watching, it may not get emptied properly. Also, make sure to read the Health Department guidelines. We all want our systems to last, and most importantly to protect our drinking water, our health, and our environment.

S.e. S.

I had used Brownies a couple years ago to fix the septic tank for a rental property I own and was satisfied. So when the septic tank buzzer went off at my home, I called them. I regret it and will never use them again. We had no idea what was wrong that made the buzzer went off. It turned out the float needed fixing. The tanks did not need to be pumped but my wife was worried we'd have sewage everywhere so I agreed on the call to Brownies because they told me that must be the problem. They estimated to get the tanks pumped for around $600. (I have 2 systems). But they charged my credit card $725 because they made me pay with credit card ahead. Then when they found out it was the float it cost another nearly $395 which they charged on my card but gave me nothing in writing. Nor did they ever confirm the work was done. And when I called the office and asked for someone in management to call me to if the float was even fixed, no one called me back. I wanted to also complain they left 2 big holes, one so bad that a house guest walking across yard almost fell in the hole. If I knew it was such a big job--more than $1,100--I would have gotten other bids and gotten estimates in writing and wouldn't have given them my credit card ahead of time. I will never use them again and will tell anyone who needs a septic tank to never use them.

Kim G.

We had our drain field replaced ($5000). Our nightmare with this company started when the sales person told us that it would take 2-3 weeks for the permit and then they would start working on the project. I paid the $2500 to get things started. At the end of 3 weeks I called in to get an estimated date of when work would start. This is when we were told that it can actually take up to 6 weeks. This would have been fine with us but he needed to lie to get the sale apparently. At the end of 6 weeks I called again. This time I would told that they have had the permit for 10 days but lost their employees and would not be able to begin work for at least another month. So if I had not called in, I would not have known. They never once bothered to contact us with an update. They took our money and left us to rot. All this time we have been living with extremely limited water usage with the fear of a back up. I spoke with a manager who agreed to give us some tank pumpings while we wait for the work to start so that we would not have a back up while waiting for them to get some employees. (later they acted like they were doing us a big favor) The work finally began after 9 + weeks of waiting and as soon as they started digging, they cut our cable lines. The workers said that they did not flag our yard correctly. When I called in to discuss this, they said """"it happens"""". It was no shock that they would not take any responsibility for this since they don't really care about anything other than taking your money. Fast forward to project completion. The equipment they used completely destroyed the sidewalk in front of our house and they cut deep groves all over our driveway. Huge mess! I tried to contact the company owner Marc Barhonovich multiple times and he would dodge me every time. So I started emailing him which he would forward to the equally worthless drain field manager. He forward my email with pictures to her saying quote """"That's not damage. All they did was scrap the mildew off of the driveway"""". We do not have mildew and you can put a ruler into the groves to see how deep they are. When I told him this, he finally replied and said the deep groves all over the driveway were """"inconsequential"""" and there were some cracks in the driveway before that look worse. We have some cracks in the driveway, no more than anyone else and it certainly doesn't This demonstrates the level care they have for their customers property. Also, he said that the contract clearly states in bold, Brownies is not responsible for any damage to any driveways or sidewalks. This is their free ticket to destroy your property and walk away. They then realized they do not have a signed contract from me so I received a waiver saying that if I want the sidewalk repaired, and only the sidewalk, I must release them from any responsibility from all of the other damage. Well, the sidewalk does not belong to me so I have reported this to the county. And apparently, he thinks I am just a stupid woman who will sign anything.

Emily B.

I am so impressed with the service of Brownies. I had an emergency situation and when all other companies in my area couldn't help me until Monday morning l Brownies came to our rescue on the weekend. Thank you to Marcus for the prompt and friendly service and Angela for being so nice, knowledgeable and helpful! This was a 5 star experience and I'm happy to recommend this great company!

Michael S.

I have had them out twice to service our grey water tank and pump. They've been awesome both times. The first time they told us our pump probably had some life left in it and we should give it a shot and save some money. It finally crapped out 3 weeks later and Carlos was amazing. He replaced the pump for us and unclogged a hidden second trap we didn't know was on the side of the house. Our kitchen line finally drained the right way. They're punctual and respectful. Highly recommend!

Hailee H.

I'm disappointed in the level of customer service and lack of professionalism. It was a waste of money. I will not be using this company in the future and do not recommend them for anyone else.

Anna H.

Great group of people, I really appreciate that Boogie took the time to teach me about the proper way to take care of my tank to avoid expenses in the future, definitely above and beyond

Carlson408 ..

Very disrespectful of your time. I called for an appointment and was given 8-1 and spent the morning waiting as I wanted watch what they were doing. No show and no call until 3:00 in the afternoon which was the time I told the receptionist that I had to leave, interesting. They were not apologetic and kept telling me he could do it without me being there. It is not prudent to have someone on your property without you being there.

Stephanie A.

I was informed by Brian a week ago before scheduling my appointment that the cost of cleaning the septic tank is based on the size of the tank. My appointment was scheduled between 8am-12pm. The technician skipped my appointment because I didn't answer my phone when he called. I was informed by the receptionist that I would need to be home between the time scheduled so payment can be made at the time of service. After waiting for the driver to arrive at 11:30am . I received a call from Misty informing me that their will be an additional charge of $200 for cleaning the tank. After going back and forth with Misty about the additional cost that Brian or the receptionist did not informed me of, I went outside to speak to the technician that wasn't pleasant, he told me that the call was canceled per his manager since I was not prepared to pay the additional $200 for the services. I called Misty back and requested a manager. She said the manager went to lunch and will call me back once he return. As of today I have not received a call back from anyone. My first experience with this company was really disappointing. Half of my day was held up by services that I never received and the communication was really poor. I plan to call and schedule an appointment with someone else.