BDub W.
04/08/2020 12:00:00 SA
Woke up today with no hot water, not a good situation with the current coronavirus lockdown and the need to wash my hands frequently... So at 8:30AM I figured it was time to consider replacing my 17 year old Kenmore water heater that I loved. Vince wasn't picking up so I called another company that I won't even dignify by posting their name. They came quickly and quoted me $4000 for a new basic water heater, including installation that accounted for all these new code requirements. They also said my water pressure was 140 psi, so I needed a new pressure regulator as well, for additional cost. REALLY?? The pressure regulator is only 2 years old! I thanked them and sent them on their way. Called Vince back, he picked up (turned out he was at a doctor's appointment, please stay healthy Vince!) He was at my house within 10 minutes (he lives a block from me, I always see his truck around). He and his highly-skilled assistant checked the thermocouple (which would have been a cheap fix, but the parts would have taken days if not weeks to arrive, since they are not universal). I asked what it would be to replace the whole unit, since I figured old Trusty Kenmore was on her last legs, and probably not very efficient anyway. Vince quoted me a price that was extremely fair (less than half of what the other company quoted). His bid also accounted for all the new code regulations. He called his supplier, drove to pick it up, was back within an hour and an hour later we had a new water heater! The installation was beautiful (ok I may be a nerd, but I appreciate a nice, clean, symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing installation). To summarize, within 3 hours of the problem occurring, we had a new water heater at a fair price! Oh, and the pressure regulator (which Vince installed a couple years ago) was absolutely fine, it was still set at 75psi, which is normal and safe, so the other company was trying to rip me off (I never would have done business with them anyway, after the $4000 quote). I am so glad Vince is in Burbank. He is honest, fair, reliable, quick and a great guy!