Parrish Services

KC N.

Per the Yelp description, I'm giving Parrish service 2 stars because ""Meh. I've experienced better"" is the best description available. They're not terrible. They have, for five years, kept my HVAC system operational at reasonable prices. But they are far from great. I haven't had any major problems, but there have been numerous little problems and red flags.

Most recently, a tech was doing a routine checkup on my furnace. It turns out, that a small piece of insulation got knocked loose and sucked into the furnace fan. The tech, I fully believe, was aware of the problem. He said he thought the system was running loud and that it seemed to be having problems pulling in enough air. He checked a couple things external to the unit. But he didn't open it back up to check anything out. Ultimately he decided there was nothing to fix, that his work was done, and that the unit was in fine working order.

I don't know what they would have done to address this new problem had I raised it. I decided I was done dealing with them and I didn't want to let them back into my house.

Also, I recently received an email from ""the Service Manager"" re: my prior yelp review. The manager wanted ""to get additional information so that I can ensure that we correct any issues within the company to ensure that it doesn't happen again."" I thought this was an empty gesture. My review, I thought, was sufficiently descriptive for them to see, understand, and fix what was wrong. If they really don't understand what they need to do to fix their problems, then they need to have themselves replaced. Moreover, I found the message to be insulting. They darn sure charge customers for their time, but they offered me no compensation for my time.

Lastly, let me add a little data that I pulled up from Angie's list. For HVAC services, Parrish has 89 'A' reviews and 34 'F' reviews out of 176 total reviews. In comparison, John Nugent & Sons has 881 'A' reviews and 17 'F' reviews out of a total of 1007 reviews. I.e. nearly 10 times as many 'A' reviews and half as many 'F' reviews. If that doesn't scream ""YOU CAN DO BETTER,"" I don't know what does.

Catherine C.

We had a clogged toilet on the second floor. We tried to snake it ourselves with no luck. The suggested solution from Parrish was to go through the ceiling below and replace the pipe due to the way it was installed to the tune of $2,825. I foolishly accepted the proposal stating they would replace the damaged drain pipe; it was really to fix a clogged pipe. The work was to be done on another day. Not feeling right about the solution recommended, I contacted another plumber. We used Thrift Drain Cleaner which took care of the problem at a cost of about $300 for the Thrift, replacing the cracked flange and reinstalling the toilet.

When discussed with Parrish, they stated by email, ""We do not recommend anything over the counter ect as sometimes it doesn't work then it creates an extra trip for everyone and we look bad as a company in your case we are fixing damage. If you want to cancel this work, We do keep 15% of the total cost of the job."" The 15% was plainly stated in the proposal and I didn't catch it. In a followup email, they stated. ""To add more to my previous email the chemical you used may have temporarily fixed, but that doesn't mean there is not a issue, as professionals we are responsible for finding the route of the problem and making recommendations on how to fix that. We can do a second opinion if you like and if we find we were wrong we will reimburse otherwise those would be the charges."" The Parrish statements are direct quotes, and not my written words.

I was foolish for reacting so abruptly and not thinking things through, but feel like Parrish wasn't on the up and up with the way that fixing a clogged toilet was changed to fixing a damaged pipe. Live and learn.

Catherine L.

Called Parrish Services for a leaking hot water heater.. basically an emergency with water all over the basement floorI gave all required info and was told I'd get a call with an estimate. Never got a call or email..Nothing! Don't expect any referrals or positive words over this, Parrish, you left me stranded.

Jose W.

Paris services is definitely the best HVAC company in Northern Virginia this guy showed up on time and repaired my air conditioner and water pump in like an hour. Additionally these guys clean up after themselves so well that you would have no idea that anybody was in my basement or outside. The best part about this is that the guy they sent to my house with a journeyman so we don't have to worry about our house burning down.

Amy P.

I called this company to get a quote on a new furnace as mine had stopped working. The owner was our ""technician"" he looked at the furnace went out and grabbed his tools and 10 minutes later I had heat!!!

He then gave us multiple quotes for when were ready to get a new system. Explaining the benefits of each type of quote.

NoVa R.

We've been had an HVAC contract with Parrish Services for 13 years and a plumbing contract for 2-3 years. Over the past several years, respect for my time has declined and their appointment window has increased. Today, 15 minutes before my appointment window closed, I called dispatch and learned the tech was going to be an additional 2-3 hours late. Of course, the supervisor on the line indicated that she was just about to call us, but it took me initiating the call to learn this. Excuses are constantly made as to why the techs are late; the focus is always on the other customer and the other job that is delaying the tech, and no consideration is given to the inconvenience caused. I had to listen to the supervisor talk over me for 20 minutes about why these things happen and she refused to provide me a name with someone ""up the chain"" for customer service. I eventually had to hang up as she would not stop talking.

When we decided to initiate a maintenance contact with Parish, we were told our monthly fee was to provide us ""priority precedence"" in terms of service response, but this is clearly no longer the case. They take our money and we wait just like any other call-in customer. You would be better served to just call when you have a problem. Parish clearly has enough business that they no longer need my business. Alan, we hope you read this because your company no longer reflects the great standards with which you started. Clearly you can no longer provide the same level of service to your customers because you have so many, to the point that you can let your long-time customers walk away.

On a positive note, we contacted the Billing folks and advised them of the cancellation of the plumbing service plan, and we were promptly provided a refund of our payments for the current contract. At least the money folks know how to respond to customers quickly and decisively.

Nancy C.

Outrageously expensive!!! And, friendly electrician came within only 10 minutes remaining in the 2-hr window.

Pete A.

FORCED TO PUT 1 STAR! Only know of this scam of a company because my friend used to work there and I signed up for an annual HVAC contract to help him win a contest they were running for the holidays. Fast forward several years, friend doesn't work there any more and have had two service requests over the past 6 months. 1 for my rental property and 1 for my main residence. Was an AC service for my rental property and it took several visits to figure out what the issue was...maybe. I quickly realized that the technician didn't have a clue what/how to help me. His bright idea was to fix things and work through a process of elimination that would potentially be an endless costly unknown bottomless pit exercise that would have cost thousands best case. Had to call the office and request another technician and was told that he was ""the best one we have"" by their dispatcher/admin, but they still sent someone along with the tech the next time, interesting isn't it? After days and days of no response finally received quotes that were unbelievable and I just didn't respond and ate the diagnosis fee. Ended up having another service company fix it for literally fractions of pennies on the dollar compared to what Parrish proposed. Plus on the FIRST visit. (1st time shame on you right?) The 2nd piss poor experience was just this week at my main residence, had a minor gas leak under my stove with the appliance connector. Washington Gas tagged the area left the issue noted to fix, and said this is easy, should take 5-10 minutes and not be an issue. My dad who is a 40+ year retired HVAC/Plumbing contractor saw the issue and confirmed the ease of the fix. He would have fixed it but didn't have the tools with him as he was just visiting. I Reluctantly had to call Parrish again as I was heading out of town and needed to get my stove operating again for my family while I was gone. (2nd time shame on me) Concerned that price gouging may be attempted as the technician will see that it was my wife handling the visit. Technician arrives as I was waiting to board my flight and my wife informed me after simply reading the tag/memo left by the gas company, the technician immediately stated that it would cost over $400 and take several hours to fix. HAAAAA!!! While on the plane before takeoff I heard this sad attempt of price gouging and called the main offices and voiced my opinion of the obvious scam attempt, and was told again by I believe the same dispatcher/admin that this technician ""is the best we have"" and that what he says goes etc etc. my Flight took off, but informed my wife to call their office before my signal was shut off to try and figure out some resolution to this absurd attempt of taking advantage of my wife. I even bought the in flight wifi to text my wife to just pay the diagnosis fee and tell this idiot to get the hell out of our house because he may have 33+ years of experience (proclaimed several times by the technician in an obvious and embarrassing attempt to hold credibility), but it seems like he's been dedicating the last 33+ years of his life to performing his trade absolutely incorrectly, which is sad to say the least. Can you imagine doing that? I would be ashamed of myself doing anything for that long and not being any good at it. So sad, and sounds like any other decent plumbing tech has probably forgotten more than this guy knows about plumbing, even apprentices I bet. In an attempt to put this behind her and get the stove operating my wife asked the tech again to seek advice or help because this sounded absolutely ridiculous, the technician again claimed to have 33+ years of experience and that there was no one else to call and nothing else could be done and this was our only option. Well comes to find out, the technician didn't have the right tools and said that he had to remove the exhaust fan to be able to do the work and that this was final, BECAUSE he was ill prepared and saw the attempt to price gouge??? Wow! Home office wasn't budging and he was apparently keeping up his price gouging bluff. Made me sick even thinking I had left my wife and Children to deal with this BS. So after paying the $106 diagnosis fee, the 33+ year ""plumbing veteran"" leaves. My wife calls another service that comes immediately at no cost and fixes the issue for $75! So there's your answer about Parrish. if you want to expose yourself to this stupidity and reckless behavior go right ahead and give them a call... but just remember that their idea of the ""best resources"" is probably in comparison to a rock or an inanimate object like a paper weight or a pile of shit!
Just a sad sad approach, but understandable since they are based out of Manassas. So do yourself a favor and just don't consider Parrish for anything, you're probably better off trying to fix it yourself and breaking it even more and still end up paying less by calling another service.

Susan P.

I have been a customer with Parrish Services for 12 years. During that time I have always been pleased with their service and customer friendly techs. Yesterday I had two techs that went beyond the call of duty. I would like to acknowledge Clint (from electrical) and Brent (from HVAC) for their efforts and genuine care and concern for my safety. In these days, it is rare to find individuals with these extraordinary traits. Clint and Brent, you are my heroes. You made a difference in my life. Parrish Services, thank you for being so selective in your hiring process.

A Devoted Parrish Customer,
Susan

Irene D.

A/C on upper floor leaked thru ceiling, damaging drywall/ceiling and hardwood floors. The Trane unit was installed less than a year before by Parrish Services, total work costing more than $10,000 at that time. Called Parrish, they came out and they weren't certain what caused the leak, but would have to come out again w/a second person to lift the unit, examine the pan beneath the unit, etc.

They came out but not before we had to call the owner of the company twice (who has been very ill for quite some time) after the owner's wife was rude, very unpleasant, told me that she didn't want our business, that she had 50,000 customers, etc., and hung up! Basically, they didn't want to take responsibility for the defective work and the damage caused by their work less than a year earlier. The technician came w/a helper, lifted the unit, and found that the pan had not been level, causing it to spill out of the back, therefore not setting off the sensor in the pan which would have shut down the unit and have stopped the extensive water damage to the floor below. He replaced the pan, said the owner, Mr. Givens, agreed to do it w/o any charges because it was under warranty. However, I was forced to give a deposit on my Visa before they would even come out to perform the work. The deposit of $235 was supposed to be refunded per the tech and noted on the invoice. To date, Parrish will not return phone calls, e-mails, and basically blocked our phone number so no calls from our home or cell phone will go through to Parrish. Basically, they don't want to acknowledge the extensive damage caused by their defective workmanship in installing the pan last August, and it appears they want to keep the $235 deposit which we have under dispute w/Visa.

Let me be clear, the technician, Brian, was professional, appeared to be very knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with. Also, Mr. Givens had always been professional in working with us, but since he is incapacitated and not available much of the time, it appears his wife is running the show, more or less, and making some very poor decisions, and knows nil about ""customer service"" or professionalism.