Wildwood Specialty Plumbing

Ron L.

I'm writing this evaluation because I do not want this experience to happen to another retiree like myself. What started out as a repair to a toilet leak in our powder room turned into a major home expense. I chose this plumber because of the overall high ratings that he had on Angie's List. I learned later that these ratings do not accurately describe the operation of this business.

When I phoned him requesting help with the leak, Richard asked if I had considered replacing the toilet instead of fixing the leak. He sent me an email with a link to Home Depot showing three low-flush toilets that he recommended. He assured me that he would get better pricing from another source. All 3 qualified for rebates. I asked about the labor, and he said he charges $110 an hour, and when I asked about the length of time to replace a toilet he mentioned an hour or more because each job is different.

Before I gave Richard my final decision, I checked the Home Depot web site for these toilets, verified the listed pricing, and I read the reviews of each. The one I finally chose (the cheapest one) had unanimous 5-star evaluations for ""Ease Of Installment."" All of this information was factored in to my choice to replace the toilet instead of fixing the leak.
I called Richard back and requested that he go ahead with the toilet replacement. He ordered it, and after a week he came by to install it. When I asked him to enter through the garage, instead he came in my front door with his boots still on and went to the downstairs bathroom. After a brief examination of the toilet to be replaced he started to work. I told him that if he needed anything that I would be in the next room.

I asked Richard to salvage the old toilet seat because I had just purchased it and I wanted to use it in the upstairs bathroom.

After about an hour's work, Richard poked his head through the doorway and showed me a bag full of roots that he said was growing through our concrete slab and into the toilet base (causing the leak). He then pointed out two washing machine valves that he noticed in the laundry room and said that he could replace those while he was here (for an additional 1/2 hour's work with a nominal charge for the valves.) I agreed.

Richard spent 4 hours working on this ""project."" When he was done, Richard gave me the old toilet seat that he removed, which he had placed in the box of the new toilet seat that he had just installed. The next day when I opened that box I discovered that the seat had been badly scratched on both the lid and the seat.

During the installation, Richard did not stop to mention that it was going to take him longer to complete it, so I had no warning when he was done when I asked him, ""About how much will this be?' I was astonished when he answered $700, and told him so. He replied by telling me that he would not charge me for the time he spent picking up the toilet.

He said he would email me the invoice when he got home. When I asked if he could be kind on the invoice, he replied that his price was his price, but he added that he would charge me his cost for the toilet. Then he instructed me to leave the check under the front door mat, and that he didn't like to have to come back if it wasn't there tomorrow.

That evening I received an email with the invoice totaling $739.24. The total labor came to $396 (and that's after the 10% Angies's List membership and Senior discounts were deducted). On the invoice he itemized every replacement part and material needed for the job, including virtually every single nut, bolt, washer, screw, plumbers putty, plumbers tape. etc... He charged me for each and every one of them. In all of my life I'd never seen anything like it.

When I took a closer look at the invoice I discovered that Richard charged me the full price for the toilet that was listed on the Home Depot web site.

My experience with Richard indicated that he was not so dedicated to giving good customer service and fair pricing, as he was to living up to his last name.

Megan S.

We contacted Richard late on Monday night during the week of Christmas, and he responded quickly and came out the next day. His work is great, and he is polite and professional. He connected the drain for our new bathtub for a very reasonable price. We would definitely contact him in the future for any other plumbing needs!

Thanks, Richard!

Kay M.

Since our initial meeting with Richard in 2012, we've had him out to service a variety of items including installing a new kitchen faucet, garbage disposal and unclogging a toilet. Time and time again Richard continues to provide great service. He's reliable, conscientious and just plain honest. Richard is the only person we'll ever call for our plumbing needs.

Jim R.

Residential plumbing upgrade for a house that had 30+ year old fixtures. Richard repaired and replaced plumbing hardware and valves in two bathrooms includes tubs, showers and sinks. Would use him again.

Dennis S.

Richard has done lots of work for myself and my mother over the years. We have always been more than happy with everything.

Stephanie T.

Richard is fantastic! I have had him take care of 3 jobs to date, and have more in store for him. He is honest, reliable and extremely knowledgeable. What I like about him also is that he wants safety for his customers, so he tells you what needs to be done. He goes above and beyond. I seriously couldn't give him a higher recommendation! Thank you Richard.

Scot M.

Showed up the same day I called about a leaking hot water heater. Arrived the following day to replace it...in my garage under less than ideal conditions (a socal heat wave). Richard is a professional at what he does, and replaced the gas/water connections to meet modern standards. Super nice guy...friendly and courteous. I was extremely satisfied, and would highly recommend him for any plumbing job in Thousand Oaks or the Conejo valley.

Rose Mary S.

Left a message for Richard at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the emergency. He returned my call by 9, and arranged his schedule to arrive before noon. New water heater installed that afternoon. Excellent job, great workmanship, and a very fair price.

I had called Richard two years prior for a main-line sewer problem. As he was not doing this type of work, he recommended another plumber, but also gave advice on how I might avoid the problem altogether. I followed his advice, and for two years have had on further main-line problems. When I called Jan. 3, he had a complete record of our conversation two hears earlier. I was so impressed by him, I did not request a quote before having him install the new water heater. The cost was a pleasant surprise.

Would I use Richard again? If it's work he does, absolutely.

Robert Swanstrom

Rebecca Z.

Professional, thorough, honest, knowledgeable are just a few words to describe Richard. When I called him about installing a bathroom vanity, he came over to take a look and made some excellent suggestions that benefited the overall bathroom renovation. I trusted his expertise and am so happy with the results. Everything looks and functions great! Richard is as good as it gets. Highly recommended!

Jen L.

Left a message and he gave a call back and chatted a while on phone trying to figure out how urgent the situation was. Richard dropped in day of call a few hours later.
He checked on our RO water system that wasn't working. He took two minutes to check it out and basically snapped his fingers and it worked. He didn't even want to charge for the house call because he felt he didn't ""do anything"". We have a tip for his trouble. Will do business again. Honest, prompt, and effective service!