Thunderbird Plumbing Company

Eric K.

Thunderbird is a first class plumber. They installed a flexible tubing gas line for our new gas cooktop as well as replacing a toilet. They even picked up the new toilet from the retailer. They were professional, knowledgeable, timely and less costly than some of the "high advertised plumbers"

Susan N.

Ted at Thunderbird Plumbing is absolutely fantastic.
I initially heard about Thunderbird Plumbing from a friend who had also had a great experience with them. We both have the same opinion: Thunderbird Plumbing is professional, very knowledgeable, and most of all, honest and fair. I've been dealing with my plumbing problems for a long time. I'd previously had 3 plumbers at my house saying that the plumbing work that needed to be done was extensive and would cost ALOT of money. Ted and his team came out; he thoroughly examined all of my plumbing, did some tests, and told me that the plumbing wasn't a major concern (if I fixed the foundation, it would be fine). I paid for the tests (very reasonable) and he left. Unlike the other plumbers who had quoted me thousandS (!) of dollars, Ted was honest and told me the truth. I'm not in sales and I usually don't recommend businesses to people. I would recommend Thunderbird Plumbing to anyone. Thanks Ted.

Erika N.

We have used Ted for our plumbing needs for years and wouldn't dream of using anyone else. He shows up quickly (even for non-emergencies), is super friendly, and always does a great job - and fast, too. If I could give him more than 5 stars, I would.

Helen T.

Called Ted to install a sink and finish upgrading my old valves in the guest and master bath. I was waiting on the granite installer so we scheduled the job a week later. He did a great job and finished up quickly and the price was exactly what I expected. A good plumber is hard to find which is why Thunderbird and Union Jack are booked solid based off Yelp reviews. I don't understand the negative reviews people are leaving for services they never even received. I heard for awhile they were so busy that they weren't able to do smaller service jobs but I'm glad that Ted took my call and came to do the job - even on a Saturday- and for that I'll remain a repeat customer.

Lee M.

If a contractor misses an appt. or does not return phone calls - then I refuse to do business with them.

This looks especially bad after two calls over 4 days.
It is a little thing folks used to call 'common courtesy'.....try it some time.

At least a quick call/message of "Hey Lee, this is Jim-bob. I'm really busy swamped over here (...did you see what I did there?) - so you might want to try to call someone else if this is an emergency. OK, Thanks. Good Bye."

It is a handly little thing folks call voicemail.....it works just that easy. No instructions necessary.

Rik R.

I think I've finally found a plumber! I live out of state but own rental property in Austin. Therefore, its important to me that I can utilize good reliable service people since I will usually not be there to supervise and review the quality of the work. Prompt service is also important and, as always, so is the final bill.
I was notified by a tenant that there was what sounded like a sewer line leak in the yard. Based on the good Yelp reviews and the fact that Thunderbird also works on Saturdays, I chose them. It was a Friday and I did not want to have to allow the leak to continue all weekend. I was hoping they would be able to fix it by Saturday. I called and left a message and Jeff got back to me within an hour or so. He indicated that he could go by the property within a couple of hours. He did exactly as he promised and called me with the estimate (which was very reasonable compared to previous similar work). I liked the estimate and when I was told he could fix it right then, I gave the go ahead. Since they take credit cards, payment was no problem and was handled over the phone. The next day he sent me a receipt via e-mail - again, just like he promised. The whole experience was positive and I will be a repeat customer.

Patrick S.

It's very sad.
You assume five stars plus 39 reviews equals a reputable plumbing company.
Companies obvious "game" the reviews, by asking their customers fill out five stars reviews.

Here is my experience, and if you live in West Austin, watch out for a HUGE zip code price mark up, if you live in any decent neighborhood.

On June 7, 2011
I called Thunderbird Plumbing from my hospital bed, as my wife told me that our hot water heater was out.

Not wanting my six year old and two year old to take a cold bath, I called Thunderbird after searching Yelp reviews.

Jeff was very pleasant, said he could get out same day after 4pm.
Running late, he sent his partner, Ted, who inspected and later called me at 6-6:30pm in the hospital to give me my options:

Option 1: pay $400 for a fix on our seven year old hot water heater.
No guarantee it could go out in a month or a few years.
Option 2): pay $1100 for a new hot water heater.

Ironically, I had to have a hot water heater replaced by a licensed plumber during the ice storm in February, 2011.

Every Austin plumber was booked repairing busted pipes!
I was over a barrel, as my tenant was going to move out after waiting 4 days.
I paid about $600-$650 for a complete hot water heater replacement including all new vents, valves, etc.

When I asked Ted to break down parts and labor, he admitted it was about $400 for a new hot water heater. He also admitted it would take two hours labor for a plumber and an assistant.

I questioned Ted about $700 in labor for only two hours of work. I got a little tap dance and hemming and hawing. I told Ted I'd have to think about it.

Thirty minutes later, Jeff called. He reiterated $1100 was the price. He then told me other companies charge $1500-$1600. So he was "cutting me a deal".

I then called two friends for their plumbers. Both agreed that $1100 was highway robbery.
I then made two calls, both plumbers said they'd do it for $650.

Lesson learned, call people you know for a plumber.

These guys should be ashamed trying to charge nearly double.

Unless they came and worked all night or on Christmas day!

If you live in West Austin, beware the zip code up charge these guys want to charge.
Call your realtor or someone who knows reputable plumbers unless you like getting gouged.

No way these guys can be rated 100% five stars!

Justin E.

Called at 5:00 Sunday evening, and Ted was at our door at 7:30 Monday morning, as promised. He is super friendly and professional; not what I expect out of a plumber. He did the admittedly nasty job uncomplainingly and quickly, and explained very clearly what we could do to prevent it in the future. These guys are totally amazing.

Dan H.

Fantastic service. I had a main line clog that was causing the sewage to back up into my showers and bathtubes. Couldn't even flush the toilets. Nasty!

I called Thunderbird Friday night and left a message, along with 3 other plumbers. Even though their voicemail indicated they had a full schedule all weekend, Ted called me back first thing on Sat. He said he could come out in the afternoon. Fortunately some time opened up and he quickly called me back and was at my door by 10:30. Had the clogged fixed in no time.

I have them coming back out to check the main line as I think there's more to fix. I'm very pleased with their response and service and will recommend them to anyone who asks.

dan r.

This is the 2nd time that we've used Thunderbird Plumbing, and we will definitely highly recommend them to everyone! Jeff came out today and moved the plumbing lines in our backyard, which was no small task - he was prompt, efficient and incredibly affordable! Our first service with Thunderbird was an emergency call for a burst pipe, which they were incredibly quick and reliable! It's no surprise that they have the stellar review record on Yelp!

Call them... NOW!