Overcharged by our plumber

[rtalbert10]

We recently contacted a plumber and had him come to roto router our main line in our house. When I spoke with him on the phone he stated that his rates were $100 for the first hour and $65 for every hour after that, no other fees, and that if we wanted a camera ran through it would be another $200. All we had him do was roto router the main line which took about 2 hours, so our bill should have been $165 but it was $200. We do not have a contract with him and did not sign anything. What are our options? Should we just pay him the $165 and nothing else? I have contacted the plumber and am waiting for him to return my call.

 

[army judge]

We recently contacted a plumber and had him come to roto router our main line in our house. When I spoke with him on the phone he stated that his rates were $100 for the first hour and $65 for every hour after that, no other fees, and that if we wanted a camera ran through it would be another $200. All we had him do was roto router the main line which took about 2 hours, so our bill should have been $165 but it was $200. We do not have a contract with him and did not sign anything. What are our options? Should we just pay him the $165 and nothing else? I have contacted the plumber and am waiting for him to return my call.

You can inquire (as you have) and seek an explanation of the charges.

But, he could place a contractor's/mechanic's lien against your home if you fail to pay.

If the difference was substantial, say $3,500 versus $35, it would be worth fighting it.

But, for $35, who needs the hassle?

In the future, get it in writing before having anything done.

If someone won't memorialize it in writing, don't do business with him or her.

In your state, this agency handles complaints against plumbers.

http://www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/PlumbingComplaints.asp