D.A.M. Plumbing & Heating

Allan F.

This plumber originally responded to call placed to them by our building management because we had a leak from either the shower body or the standing floor drain. In the course of conversation during these repairs, it was decided that we may as well renovate the bathroom at this time.

They said they could install a new tub for $1,000.00. They were not specific about what type of tub they would install, but Jose stated that cast iron was really hard. We did not want a fiberglass tub, so we purchased a Kohler acrylic tub.

The demolition was done on 9/28 and the old tub was removed. On 9/29, D.A.M. showed up to install the new tub. During the installation we were out at work but came home to find the tub installed.

There was a chip in the tub's finish, and there was a very dull area on the ledge and outer apron that looked like the tub had been cleaned with an abrasive substance. (We found out later they had used hand soap they took from the kitchen and a scouring sponge to clean the tub after testing the drain for leaks.)

The bigger problem was that they used PVC pipe for the tub drain which is ILLEGAL in our building.

When I arrived home and saw this, I immediately called Jose Diaz. First, he swore to me that PVC is now legal, which is incorrect. He also said the chipped section I saw was not an issue because it would be behind the wall. OK, fine. He then said to me that the dull area I saw was the way the tub came out of the box.

What he said next was even more telling. He said, ""We did the best we could do."" He also said the bill was $1625.00.

The next day the contractor was back on site. He stated that he couldn't work with the installation the way it had been done, and the tub would have to be removed. This would also have to be done to reinstall the drain with the correct material anyway.

They removed the tub, and still demanded payment for the installation, as well as additional work they had done. We paid them - less the damaged tub, which had to be replaced.

Unfortunately, you can't sue a contractor - and win, unless you give them a chance to correct the issue, and we do not want them working in our place again - EVER. That is the only reason we paid.