For several years I've been dealing with a chronic leak from an upstairs tub/shower. I'm pretty handy, but at some point I also realize I've reached the limit of my knowledge. That's when you call in the pros. Nick at Bell Plumbing & Heating, along with trainee (name escapes me, so sue me, my memory ain't what it used to be) were both polite and professional. They wore booties over their shoes, and when they saw I was in an N95 mask, they asked me if I wanted them to be masked. I said yes, and they didn't hesitate to put theirs on. It was no big deal. I walked them through my leak issue, the things I tried, and they listened to all of it before suggesting how to proceed. Of course, there was the on-site visit cost (the scheduler was clear and up front about this). After hearing my detailed outline of the leak problem (when it occurs and when it does not), Nick outlined the costs up front. Assessment cost: ouch, a small twinge of pain. But look, when you call a plumbing company you can't expect them to work for free. When all is done, you might feel like it was expensive, but REMEMBER: you're paying for their expertise. I agreed to the cost and he got to work testing, observing, and within just a few minutes he outlined what he thought the problem was, and it MADE SENSE. He outlined the modification steps, the additional costs involved... Yes, the repair only involved adding some additional copper pipe to extend the stub-out and changing the tub spout (I had a new one on hand, which saved me a little bit of money) but again, here's where a pro like Nick shines -- his soldering work was a demonstration in artistry. I would've fouled all of it up, because I don't the experience. His joins were clean and simple and strong. We tested with full water pressure, letting the shower run for at least 5 minutes (more than enough time for the leak to show itself as in the past) and everything looked good. All told, the final cost came in a little shy of $400, which pinches my budget a little, but I have complete confidence the repair will LAST, which makes it money well spent. When I have another plumbing need, this will be the company I turn to first.
