Ritz Plumbing

Jerry M.

DON""T USE THEM...THEY ARE RIP OFF ARTISTS

I had a leaking potable water expansion tank above my water heater in the garage.

On Friday, May 10th, 2013, I called a few plumbers to see who could come out the quickest. Ritz Plumbing responded that they could send someone out that day. I told them what was needed as I took a picture of the leaking expansion tank and emailed it to the receptionist. I told her to have the plumber bring one out so as they could replace it while they were here.

I wasn't home when they arrived but my 22 year old son, my wife and my 98 year old mother-in-law were there when two gentlemen showed up. They told my mother-in-law that they estimated the work that needed to be done would cost $3,450, but they would give her a senior citizens discount of $600, bringing the cost down to $2,850.

My wife called me at work and I said the estimate was ""crazy, nuts, absurd, ridiculous, etc"". She then put the the service technician (Thomas) on the phone. I asked him how he came up with the estimate and how could he justify that high of a cost. His answer was as follows;
1. Parts and labor for the potable water expansion 2.5 gallon tank
2. He said I needed a new water heater circulation pump as the existing one was not working.
3. He said I also need a gas shut-off valve to the water heater.
4. And I would need to replace two 3/4"" water supply lines to the water heater..

In addition, he stated he could do the repairs right now. I told him his price was ""highway robbery"" and he said he could do just the expansion tank for $1,000. I told him that he was ridiculously expensive as I had gone online and saw that Home Depot had the exact same tank for sale at a cost of $40.92. He then said something about Ritz having to purchase and make a profit on the parts and the labor. He then asked me how much I was willing to pay for the work...I told him $250-$300. He said no he couldn't do it for that price and left.

One of the other plumbers I had called earlier (I had left a message on his voice mail) called me back and said he could come out tomorrow (Saturday) and he said the cost of replacing the tank would be under $250.00

He came out the next day (Saturday) with a helper and told me I did not need a new water heater circulation pump as mine was working fine. He asked me how quickly the hot water came on in the morning and I said instantly...he said that confirms the circulation pump was working properly as my shower is upstairs and at the farthest distance to the water heater

As to the gas shut-off valve that was needed, he showed me the gas shut-off valve that was there in plain view and working properly.

Regarding the two 3/4' water supply lines,this plumber said he saw nothing wrong with them.

He (along with his helper) replaced the expansion tank and charged me $215.00...explaining that there was a $30.00 extra charge included for coming out on a Saturday. Had he come out during the week the job would have run $185.00.

As a side note: Home depot had all the other parts that the Ritz technician said was needed:
A. Two Sharkbite 18' stainless steel flex line at $15.00 each.
B. One Homeworks gas shut-off valve at $11.46.
C. One Watts hot water re-circulating pump with timer at $199.00

In conclusion, I also asked a licensed home inspection company to come out and verify what Ritz Plumbing had written on their estimate as to what we required. A gentleman from the home inspection company came out and concluded ""These repairs were unnecessary"" and also ""The prices on your estimate were quite excessive, in our opinion"". I have his letter and the photographs that he had taken when he came out.

Use Ritz Plumbing at your own risk...you have been warned. People have asked me if I am afraid of a lawsuit from Ritz for writing this...everything I stated is the truth and I have their written estimate and pictures from the home inspection company to prove it. That's why I can sign my name. ""The internet is a wonderful thing"".

Sincerely,

Jerry Madison
Los Angeles

Traci K.

Awesome find! We have had toilet issues at our commercial building for a few days now and of course we dreaded calling a plumber!
I found Ritz on yelp and made the call. They had someone here in about 40 minutes! They ran a snake, and insisted that there was a problem, but not sure what. They took the time that was needed and decided one last idea, they took the toilet out, use a hose amd pliers amd Walah! A black piece of our bucket that jas been missing! Awesome! Very reasonably priced and they were nice, great gentleman! Their names were Ruben and Kyle! Thanks guys A+++!!!

Erica H.

Ever since they have changed owners and ousted all the experienced plumbers, it is the worst in the world.

Two years ago they changed a water heater, it took them multiple visits, tried to over-charge me, and the guy assigned to the job told me to LEAVE MY HOUSE UNLOCKED so he could come and go when it was convenient for him.

Here we are two years later, the person they sent does not know how to fix a leaky faucet, after 2 visits and four+ hours and two trips back and for to the shop, he still does not know what to do and they are sending someone else.

This is their last chance to get it right. Sorry to yelp but customers/clients beware, Ritz Plumbing is now Rip Off Plumbing, and they are buying up other small plumbing companies to rip off more people, charging top dollar to pocket their profits while paying low wages to inexperienced and unqualified workers.

Bob Z.

This company is a den of thieves that is waiting for the naive and trusting to fall under their spider web of lies and deceit. They over-charged big time for fixing a leaky faucet and then made up a completely non-existent problem regarding the water heater to try and rob me a second time. Their techs work on commission which can only bring out the worst even in the honest ones. There is not a scant of difference between what Ritz Plumbing does and a lowlife pickpocket.

The previous owners were great but the new owners are pleased to rob you blind. Stay away!

Joseph K.

One of those companies that will give you a 3 hour time-slot for their arrival.... and show up an hour late.

Just like that Seinfeld episode.

Jimmy A.

One of the only plumbing companies I called that would come out and do a gas pressure test for me. They dropped a $100 off the quoted price because I was a new customer.

Gustavo even offered to replace my out-of-code copper gas line and shut-off valve on my water heater for no extra labor costs.

Jane G.

We had a very good experience with Eric of Ritz Plumbing. He researched new toilets, gave us ideas, choices and estimates, came when he said he would and did a very efficient job.

Roy T.

I had a leaking water heater and called whomever I thought could come out quickest. They came and turned it off, but said they'd have to replace the water heater. Charged $100 for the visit, which was supposed to be applied to the actual job. They were supposed to follow up with me, but whoever answers the phones there is completely incompetent. They had no note of the appointment we'd scheduled and they maybe returned one of my phone calls. I had to keep calling them.

Then there's the job. The guys were really nice and friendly, but they showed up with a water heater that was way too big for the space. They showed no regard to the cleanliness of the walls (it's a complete mess now). They even had to cut the wall in order to fit the thing in the there. My walls are bruised and damaged, requiring hundreds to fix.

Two weeks later, I get a call saying they had no record for charging for the job. I was at work, but the woman handling the billing practically insisted I drop everything and fax her a copy of my credit card bill. I told her now was not a good time and to call back tomorrow while I'm off. She called back 30 minutes later insisting she had to take care of this immediately. I reiterated that I had no access to my bill at the precise moment she wanted and reminded her to call back at any time the next day. That same day, I guess they'd found my credit card info and charged me $100 over what was the agreed upon rate. They'd not given me credit for the $100 visit charge that was supposed to be applied from the consultation visit.

I would never, ever, use this company again. Not even to deliver me a plunger.

Leslie B.

They certainly are not the company they used to be. All new management, and all new plumbers that set their own prices. DO NOT USE THEM!

Bryan B.

Please beware. Ritz plumbing really does price gouge and will also cut and remove pipes that are clear and working properly.Great fast service if you have money to burn and don't really need any repairs to plumbing that you didn't call about in the first place.