Burkell Plumbing

Gregg A.

Some of their guys are unethical, others are great. I used them for years and was happy. I needed a simple toilet install and called them. The guy they sent out went into this big song and dance about the floor not being level, said they would have to pour a new floor or build a platform to the tune of thousands...it sounded crazy to me so I sent him on his way. They charged me $300 for his time. I called and left a message with the owner and got nowhere...I just paid it. I ended up paying a contractor working on another project $100 to install it...no problem, took him 30 minutes. That was two years ago. I'll never use them again

Ali F.

I'm disappointed with my experience with Burkell Plumbing. They were recommended to me by a friend. Initially, appreciated the receptionist and the timeliness of scheduling. However, i feel like the job was note done well and I was charged for the plumbers mistakes. I had a toilet issue where the handle would get stuck down. Rather than fixing the direct problem, the Plummer felt it would be most efficient to replace all of the inside parts-which i was charged for. The toilet is in a guest room so used very infrequently. A few weeks later, i noticed the same problem was happening. I called Burkell, and they sent the plumber right away. I thought i would not be charged for this visit, but i subsequently was. He still couldn't figure out the problem so then replaced the handle (since everything else inside had been replaced the prior time). Ultimately, it was just the flush lever that was rubbing on the side of the toilet and needed to be bent a little toward the inside of the tank. After all this, i was charged for all parts and both times the plumber came to my house, despite him not fixing the problem in the first place, and the parts not having an issue.

In addition, the second part of his job was to disconnect and re connect the kitchen sink/disposal around a countertop installation. All the parts (pipes, disposal/dishwasher) were new. It is 1 month later, and i just checked under the sink and there is a leak. I am so frustrated. I called to speak to the manager, and was connected to the owner. I left a message and haven't heard back. I've paid this company close to $800, and am extremely disappointed in their work.

Alan P.

This is the second time I've commented on Yelp about Burkell Plumbing. They are fantastic. I should know because I have had several occasions in the past two years to reach out to them. They have installed a new furnace and air conditioning, new toilet and a new water heater. They have repaired leaky pipes and lastly did a clean out of a blocked drain. With an older home things wear out. Every time we call they make the effort to get out ASAP. Chris is their service manager. He is great. Easy to work with and appreciates our business. So far no call backs on any installation. Prices are very fair considering Marin County. Burkell is a family business and while I wish I didn't have to call them so often, "" I feel part of the family"". You won't find better plumbers in Marin then Burkell.

Robert D.

I have used Burkell 3 times this year. All jobs were handled satisfactorily and the first 2 were priced reasonably, not so the third. I did not nor did they offer a cost estimate. This proved to be a mistake. The job was to replace a water pressure regulator, a simple task I have performed myseif before my years caught up with me. The plumber they sent expanded the job to include a second regulator which was working fine. He did not test the second one before replacing it. Repeated requests for a bill were ignored. They charged my visa card for $650. I wrote to Burkell on June 7, expressing my complaint and again requesting a bill. I received no response until nearly a month later when the owner, Jacob Newman delivered a bill for one regulator plus a valve which was not part of the installation of the faulty regulator. When asked what I wanted him to do I told Mr. Newman I wanted it cut his bill in half, to cover one regulator. $325 is a reasonable charge for a half hour of work and a $100 device, based on their earlier billings. At that point he stalked out without a word. I have not heard from him since.

Larry C.

My father has used this business in the past, was pleased, so called them again. Before anyone even came out they required a CC over the phone to even schedule an appointment. He had a leak where the water comes into the house and with water issues in the area he called for repair. Part was replaced and he was charged a reasonable amount for that visit. Two days later he had a leak inside the house caused when old pressure gauge went out.Somehow plumber didn't stop and think this could happen. Admittedly the gauge must have needed replacing but that is not my complaint. Gauge was replaced and ""other"" work was done that was NOT consulted on nor approved of. To this day he does not know what if anything else was done. When he got his CC bill he found that they had charged him $650 for that second visit. My Dad called requesting an invoice to see what he was being charged for and OWNER said ""We don't do business that way, NO INVOICES"". Owner kept saying he needed to speak with the worker to find out what work he had done. My father told him he needed to know what he was being charged for and over the course of weeks and many phone calls back and forth there was no resolution. After 30 days you cannot get help from your CC company or stop a payment so I feel certain this was purposely being drawn out. Owner showed up at my father's door with his worker who could not even look up, remained silent and never said a word.Owner barked "" What is it going to take to make this go away?"" My dad is 93 YEARS OLD, ALONE AND IN A WHEELCHAIR and was treated so poorly it broke my heart.I am 500 miles away or I would have jumped at the chance to take over in this fight. My Dad said he would pay 1/2 the bill only which was still twice what the charge should have been. Again he ask to know what work was done and again OWNER yelled ""We don't do business that way."" With that OWNER got up, stomped out of the house without a word and left.
If I could have left a review with less than one star I would have. Shameful way to treat the elderly and run a business.

ellen r.

they provide quality, reliable work with capable, pleasant staff. our first choice for plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs.

Cindy G.

I requested an estimator visit to review the significant plumbing repair I need and provide a loose estimate for the work. He came, he looked, then he told me at the last moment he needed $74 for the visit, which I paid. Weeks later I still had heard nothing back from the company re: an estimate. I tried contacting the estimator, front office and the company owner multiple times and received no response. Several voice mails and email were ignored. Never even got a ""thanks but no thanks"". I am now filing a Contractor's License Board complaint. RIP OFF ARTISTS. Do not give them any money in advance. I am a professional interior architect and deal with contractors all the time on all sizes of jobs. These people are not to be trusted.

dave m.

Plus - quick response and polite, knowledgeable technicians. Minus - charge you by the hour even if they don't resolve the problem. If you're lucky enough to have something small that can be resolved in one visit probably ok. Also probably okay if you have a major repair that requires a lot of expertise. - but my experience was writing checks for multiple visits and then ultimately fixing the issue myself after ordering a part from the manufacturer (for about half the price I was quoted from Burkell) for my radiant heat system and following a YouTube video to fix it myself.

Emma B.

Water Heater failure. From the first call I was impressed! I was given a slot same day - they immediately called me back and gave me an earlier appointment. Jacob turned up and was both professional and honest. Within 30 minutes we were given several options and went with a replacement 3 hrs later installed and we have a new water heater, warranty on the work and on the heater itself. Fantastic price and incredible service. I will be recommending Burkell Plumbing to friends.

John R.

We used Burkell Plumbing for two different jobs - a water heater replacement and consultation about a gas line connection for a clothes dryer. The water heater replacement process was essentially a turn key process - they visited our home that afternoon, provided an estimate, and suggested a smaller, less expensive replacement based upon our utilization and needs. When asked about upgrades such as a tankless water heater or hybrid, they clearly explained the pros and cons along with their recommendations for us. They could have easily presented a sales case for more a more expensive water heater but instead gave an honest appraisal of the options. The installation was very professional, reflected care for our home, and they cleaned the area above and beyond my expectations.

The second consultation was for a gas line supplying a clothes dryer. I was uncertain about the code requirements and was considering a relocation of the supply line. I asked the technician about his recommendations after suggesting a significant modification of the line location. He said that the relocation was not necessary and he saved me money.

These two examples show that Burkell Plumbing is honorable.

About me - I generally do not leave negative reviews for small businesses - I contact them directly about any concerns. I do leave positive reviews when there is outstanding service.