Rene's Plumbing Repair

Michael K.

Rude and unscrupulous are the best words I can use to describe my recent experience with Rene's Plumbing. I hired them based on a referral from a neighbor to run a plumbing extension. Unfortunately, based on the referral, I was not as diligent in vetting the firm (I should have checked on Yelp first) nor in getting a complete, detailed estimate. Rene came out and we discussed what I wanted, he gave me a verbal quote and he said certain items will be included in the work including a ball valve for a separate sprinkler system. I asked him to follow up with a written quote the following day. He did but the quote was incomplete and not detailed. I agreed to the work hoping that he was a man of his word. On the scheduled work day, another worker came out to complete the work - not Rene. This worker was rude to the point that I was about to send him packing. I showed him what Rene and I agreed to and his response was: ""I cannot run the pipe that far, I only brought 60 feet of pipe"" Hey Guy - GO BUY MORE PIPE!!!! And a separate issue concerning the valve for sprinkler: ""It's not on the quote, you have to pay extra"" $75 extra for a $15 valve and tee?!

I paid the additional amount but later that day I called the office to talk with Rene but only got the receptionist. I told them the situation concerning the $75 added cost that was supposed to be included in the original agreement. Rene never responded but the receptionist called later that day and said there is nothing they can do it wasn't on the quote.

So, as far as I am concerned, they will never get any more of my business nor any referrals. There are thousands of good plumbers out there so stay clear of Rene's Plumbing. They are not interested in customer satisfaction - only in seeing opportunities to charge you more.

Nan A.

This is the first time I've experienced Rene's rudeness. I will never use or recommend this business again. Rene came over to service our plumbing problem. Not only did he do that but he made rude comments about the interior of our home and left a mess in the room where he serviced our plumbing. I didn't know this man was an interior decorator as well. The sad part is that we have used him before and had no problems. Mainly Art would come over and help us out. Art, if you read this I hope you know how Rene labels you behind your back. It's not PC let's say.
I don't understand why people who run a business decide to be rude to their customers. Lost another customer and I hope you do not gain another.

Edward P.

Rene's Plumbing Repair was recommended by my regular plumber. After meeting Rene and his team, I see why even competitors will send you to the best the Inland Valley has to offer. What I appreciate the most is their willingness to give you various options, in re to the work that needs to be done. We've used Rene's several times now. I have learned quite a bit about our plumbing problems and what we can do to prevent and/or repair them ourselves.

- J.

Rene is absolutely 100% trustworthy and in my book that stands for a lot . perfectly prompt service I would recommend renes plumbing

Brian V.

I had an urgent plumbing repair at an apartment. I called Rene's Plumbing since I had used them at this property in the past for large jobs. Told them of the water leak I was having and asked for the soonest available appointment. They were able to schedule me for the next day.

The next day, about an hour before the appointment, they called me informing me that they will not come out and work on this property. The reason they gave me was that I did not hire them to do a repipe of the building, which they quoted me the last time they worked on the property. So because I didn't spend $25k+ with them they would not work on my property. She then hung up.

I was shocked since I had used them on large jobs for several years. I wish they would have told me that when I first called so that I could have called another plumber.

John Z.

What is going on at Rene's Plumbing?? After being a long-time customer (20+ years) of occasional plumbing issues and excellent service I was shocked by the horrible customer service today.

A month ago, one of Rene's guys, Art, came out to fix a water heater that they had installed. It was still under warranty, and the fix was simple, maybe 20min. Art is a great plumber and a nice guy. When I bitched a little about the bill when he was done, he explained it like this; they say I have to charge a minimum of two hours for this job@$90/h, you may be able to get the $70 in parts back when the warranty paperwork goes through. Cool.

So I write on my calendar to remind myself to call them in a month about the warranty refund. Today I called, spoke with dispatch, politely tried to explain the reason for my call, and was told that they don't manufacture water heaters so they couldn't give me a refund. But they are a factory authorized dealer and it is what Art told me to ease the pain of a very expensive quick fix ($250).

This is all fine so far. I'm already letting go of that $70. When I calmly asked why Art would tell me there was a possibility of a refund, dispatch flips out, tells me I'm being an ""ass, f*** you!"", then hangs up on me.

Rene is a very nice man. His guys show up on time and work hard. But the voice on the other end of the phone is very important too. It is the face of the company. Even if I were being rude, which I wasn't, the person dealing with customers over the phone needs to be able to handle that professionally.

High prices + being yelled at = lost customer

Albert S.

I called Rene's on 3 different occasions and have been very happy with their work. The plumber they sent on all three occasions, Art, has always been prompt and courteous. He has quoted excellent prices for the projects that I needed done. I am very satisfied with his work on all three occasions and his easy going professionalism. I will use them the next time I need a plumber.

Emily B.

I called and was surprised to have a next day appointment available to replace some external faucets that were leaking. Art showed up early for the appointment and quickly replaced the leaky faucets and was also able to fix some issues with my sink. Everything is working fine. I will definitely be using them again in the future.

Dorothy G.

What a relief to find a company that is capable and honest!! This is the 2nd time we have used Rene's and both times they have been professional, on time and finished the job in a timely manner. The cost was reasonable. I highly recommend this company and will use them again if needed.

Dorothy G.

Rob B.

I had this contractor scheduled on Oct 2 to snake three drains at a rental property. I had given the dispatcher my tenant's phone number at her request. I was standing right next to my tenant a bit later when contractor called to confirm next day appointment.

I got a text from my tenant 5:30 pm next day, contractor didn't show or call.

I called contractor, spoke with dispatch - Cathy - who told me they couldn't make contact with tenant except by text, hence they directed contractor to ""move on"". I asked her to clarify what she meant by ""move on"", and she repeated her statement.

I asked her why she didn't call me, since I was paying the bill. She repeated her statement again about moving on.

I told her that it was obvious she didn't need my business, and consequently, I didn't need theirs, bid her good day and hung up.

A minute or so later, here comes a text, presumably from the contractor: ""I will let Rene know. And shred info.""

My reply: ""And I will leave a note on Yelp with regards to your customer service. Thank you"".

Notice how I didn't say bad or good customer service?

The reply came a minute later: ""And I have your info. So I guess you will be seeing someone when you do. Thanks anywho. Boring.""

My reply: ""Are you threatening me? Maybe I need to show this conversation to the Claremont PD.""

Ok, so who is stupid enough to threaten physical harm via text? Now, what business owner would be stupid enough to do that? Or better yet, respond like they had a candy raged 10 year old handle customer service?

I guess now that I've posted this, I should expect a visit from Rene, or Cathy, or whomever. I will only say that if I disappear, just look on Yelp and you'll see who could have done it.

Meantime, use Rene's Plumbing at your own risk, you have been warned.

Boring! Anywho.....

I wound up called Big John's Plumbing and they did a superb job, were friendly, on time and competitively priced.