Best Water Heater Installation in Honolulu HI

Not very happy with the service of this company.  They were assigned to us through American Home Shield (AHS) for a job on July 3rd.  We were not able to get an appointment until July 9th.  The individual that showed up stated that we needed to change the shower valve and trim.  When he tried to disconnect the stem faucet it broke off (due to a lot of rust, wear and tear).  He saw that it was galvanized older plumbing, and stated he couldn't do anything today, looks more than just a stem replacement.  He FaceTime'd with someone and discussed the situation.  The closed out that service request and on July 10th, a new Service request number was assigned.  Four days later on July 14th, we received an e-mail from Little Big Plumbing (LBP) with an estimate for $1,105.96 to do a Two handle shower valve replacement; the estimate did not include tile replacement.; We responded with waiting to hear from AHS and our warranty work.  Note, LBP, by contract are not supposed to contact the client with a bill until after the appraisal is reviewed and approved (which had not been completed yet).  To us it looked crooked and they were just trying to get some side money.  On July 16th - Called LPB again and this time talked to owner Mike about the invoice/job; he stated he was waiting on AHS, stated he would get back to me on Friday  July 17th, nothing heard.  July 20th rolls around and LBP (Mike) called with no update, blamed AHS
On July 21st - Messaged LBP that we have not heard back from them; he responded that we would not hear back from him and that AHS should be our next call.  He stated he e-mailed their rep at AHS on Thu July 16th; AHS rep contacted them on Fri July 17th and that they would have the authorization supervisor contact us about our service.  On July 22nd - Contacted AHS on the status of our work orders;  the rep stated they authorized the work on July 14th to change out the shower valve and trim.  However, on July 22nd LBP Transferred Work Order stated they would not do the job and send someone else.  We have tried to call LBP and they will not return our calls.  Their contract just left the job site with a broken shower faucet...not totally unusable (before it was just leaking).  I would not do business with this company again, a bunch of crooks and unprofessional.

Update 7/26...looks like the owner Michael W wrote a response to my above post.  Here is a rebuttal to his comments, some of which are a FLAT OUT LIE.

Some of these errors are with AHS on the status of the claim not changing on their site, no phone or e-mail updates, nothing at all. So information initially came from LBP.  However, when we called AHS, we received a different side of the story.  We don't have a dog in this fight, we just have different info from LBP vs AHS.

AHS may not consider further authorization because LBP broke the tub spout and it obviously was wear and tear if it was rusted and just broke off.  However, the way LBP reported it back to AHS made it sound that it wasn't wear and tear (thus not covered by AHS).  It is strange that LBP states that the repair was not authorized as of 7/12, as AHS told us that it WAS authorized on 7/14. It is a complete lie that we requested an estimate/bid, LBP sent an estimate to us unsolicited, which is against the contract/policy between LBP and AHS (we are told).  LBP is just trying pull a slick one on us behind AHS's back with a $1000+ estimate.  

As for insults and harassment calls/text messages from Gina to LBP...she is a Special Education teacher of 29 years and has the patience of a Saint.  Here is her text verbatim: #1 We have not heard back from you. You said you would get back to us by Friday. (it was 5 days later when he finally replied). Text #2: You received the authorization from AHS, I am on the phone now with AHS doing your job (no response). Text #3: This is to change out the valve and trim (no response).  Text #4: This is what your guy left (picture of cracked valve he broke).  Text #5: We are also told that your tech broke the valve. I guess it was rusted. Hmm, I think that goes under wear and tear. You owe us a new valve. These text message are not threatening in any way, nor were the phone calls. Mike would like you to believe otherwise to discredit us with pernicious comments about us.  In two phone conversations, we expressed our frustration of the communication and execution of this work and that we'd be writing a one star review.

Update July 30th.  AHS reassigned our claim to D.Barretto's, they called us the next day to set up an appointment.  Jason came to the house, diagnosed the problem and fixed our issue in less than an hour.  He did it on the spot.  No extra fees out of our pocket and everything works.  Not sure why these different plumbers see the same problem differently.  I can only assume they are out to make it worse than it is to get more money.  What a difference in the correspondence, professionalism, and actions!

Pipe Masters was great they were responsive and they came in a timely manner. Explain the process of detecting a leak and were very professional. Luckily we didn't have any leak but I would use them again

We had a kitchen faucet plumbing issue that was inconvenient, but not an emergency.  We called at noon - no problem, they would be there by 4 PM. Shaka Plumbing appeared on time and the faucet was replaced in short order.  They were polite, knowledgeable and cleaned up after themselves. They are now our go to plumbing service for everything.  Highly recommend Shaka Plumbing!

Called these guys for job and they came in quick and easy will recommend to anybody call them at anytime for your plumbing needs

I first found JBC on the Best of list of the Honolulu star advertiser. Then I googled them and all their reviews were excellent. I like that their website stated their license # and BBB accreditation. I called them with 2 problems. They came the next day and arrived 1/2 hr early. They diagnosed both problems quickly by just looking at the problems. They quickly went to work and did a great job and finished in under an hour. The technicians were Ryan Sr and Ryan Jr. I had a leak under my kitchen sink and they left it looking clean and new. I would call JBC again.

Shayne was very fast to respond to my request. He came out on a Friday evening and helped snake a clogged drain. Affordable prices and quick to respond! Thanks Shayne!!

First Class Plumbing delivers first class service.  I had a tremendously great experience with this fine company in the replacement of my leaky water heater.  Ana provided me with a quick and respectably priced quote for the parts and labor.  The very next day Whit came over to perform the installation and haul away the old water heater.  In practically no time my hot water was back up and running.

Thank you Ana and Whit!  First Class Plumbing is awesome!

The guy that came out was actually from Shaka Plumbing. He fixed a leak and didn't charge me an arm and a leg. Would recommend.

Our hot water heater was pouring water from the emergency valve and I had to turn the main water valve off, leaving no water in the house. After calling, Rick came by at the end of his day for what would have been an emergency call. When he got there, he tested the system and it appeared to be working fine. He provided potential explanations for the leak and said he wasn't going to charge us anything since no real work was needed, which was a pleasant surprise to me! Unfortunately, the leak reoccurred so I called him back. He sent two technicians out the next morning. They introduced themselves and explained the work they were going to do. They were polite and efficient. We were thankful we called a good company!

I called for an appointment yesterday and the plumber Josh, along with his assistant Mike came out to my house to replace the wax ring for my leaking toilet today.

I appreciated the fact that the scheduler and two plumbers responded right away and I did not have to wait for an appointment.

Both plumbers, Josh and Mike arrived 15 minutes late.
I would have appreciated a courtesy call telling me they were running late, but they did not call me to let me know they were arriving late.

They successfully replaced the old leaking wax ring, the flapper valve, and the toilet flusher, but now my vinyl tiles have a lot of water under the tiles.

JBC Plumbing are reasonably priced and affordable, though I was charged for a new toilet handle, which was broken by the plumber during the actual toilet repair.

Overall, a pretty good company, though I have some reservations after the job was done and considering the entire experience from beginning to end.

I believe the purpose of doing a fair and honest review for a company is to point out not only the good aspects, but things that can be improved upon as well, thus this mixed, but honest review and rating.

I live in a building almost as old as me. Like me, parts of my unit are wearing out and malfunctioning. That was the story with the tub faucet. The original equipment was about 60 years old and the hot water went from a drip to a constant stream, with the heat creating stains and mold.

I asked the office who did a lot of work at our complex and the said Pono at MG Plumbing. It didn't take too long to get an appointment. The shower head was a mess too, so I asked Pono about a new shower head with a hose, which would make it easier for me. He said I could buy one, or he would. I asked him to get one for me. I have a mobility disability, so it's hard for me to shop in person. I looked at many options online, but ultimately I figured he would know best how to proceed.

He was on time and selected a moderately priced Kohler shower head. It attaches via a magnet, making it easier for me to detach and reattach. That's helpful for me not just because of the disability but also because I'm so short.

He finished the work quickly and even put up the new plastic liner and just-washed fabric curtain. Just taking down the nasty dirty moldy plastic liner and the fabric curtain which desperately needing washing was quite a struggle for me, so I was very grateful when he did the work for me when I asked.

He also prepared me for what would eventually come after this, once this fix wore out. (Let's just say I'd better start saving lots of money.)

Once the hot water stream was fixed, I was able to scrub the tub and bleach the mold away in bits and pieces over a couple of weeks, as my body allowed. Now the tub looks pretty darned good. Hopefully I look that good, too, as we both continue to age.

I know everyone hates having a plumbing emergency.  I have bad experiences with plumbing companies doing sub-par work and charging expensive fees for call out (Steven's Plumbing, Allens Plumbing,  and A-1 Plumbing).

Joe and Ben at Virtues Plumbing are spectacular. Quick response, reasonable prices, and they are professional and friendly. They have basic projects such as: replace vaule, leak detection,  toilet internal replacement, and more.

Virtues Plumbing has also done some larger scale projects: sewer line extension, trenching, new water lines, bathroom addition rough in,  and finish plumbing. I am always very happy with their work. Whenever I have a plumbing issue, I know who to call, Virtues Plumbing.

At first, Dan was responsive and attentive to what I was asking. But unfortunately Dan was unable to assist me and my clients with what we needed and seemed to be basic plumbing. I applaud his replies in a timely manner but I can't recommend this company for any plumbing needs when they are unable to actually perform in a timely manner.

-If you look at Dan's reply to me, it is very unprofessional. As YELP encourages us to give honest and accurate reviews. I do not feel that this is a Plumbing Company who can perform the work needed in a timely manner. If you have a FULL schedule, maybe you should consider hiring more staff so you can accommodate? It is a very valid reason for knocking a couple stars off of a review in my honest opinion, and again YELP is here for us to give our honest opinions about our interactions with a service provider about the service they are providing. It is not personal, it is just to let others know 1) you reply in a timely manner, AMAZING! 2) you have too full of a schedule to do a couple basic plumbing needs in a timely manner.

Fast reliable service. Any plumbing needs give them a ring! I've used this company over 10 times over the years.

I don't trust anyone else.  If Johnny is busy, I wait.  He doesn't cut corners; uses the materials he says he will; is always honest and straightforward; and does excellent work.

Tony is my go to plumber. Gets the job done, very efficient and professional!!! recommended 100% We have a big home. Upkeep is key. He's changed out toilets, fixed leaks in my ceiling, and changed out shower fixtures for us! Great prices!!

I was fortunate to find 535 Plumbing while searching through Yelp looking for a capable and reasonably priced contractor.  I spoke to Shane and he only needed photos of my bathroom to give me an estimate.  That alone showed me that he was a well experienced plumber in thus business.  I described the situation to him and he knew what caused the problem.  He sent two technicians to my house before the scheduled time, but that was better for me especially on a Sunday.  His workers knew exactly what the problem was and went to work immediately.  They were very professional and hard working.  While workings on my shower stall, they took the time to explain things to me as well as point out things during the repair procedures.  The final billing was reasonable for the amount of time spent on the fix.  I would not hesitate at all to use them again in the future!!

I just needed a simple rewiring of a 220v outlet to 120v. Well, not quite so simple, considering the washer/dryer in front of the outlet had to be moved out of the closet first.

Alex looked at the outlet (behind the washer) and gave me a quote within minutes. Since his company did work in the building before, I didn't have to go through the hassle of submitting the license and insurance required by building management. Alex and his team completed the work within an hour the same week, at a reasonable price (neither the highest or the lowest).

I'm happy to discontinue using an extension cord for the washer/dryer unit.

Got a decent quote from Jay.  Said he could be out between 7:30-8:00pm.  Great!  Asked for pics of my pipes, which I sent, then never heard from him again.  No, I can't make it tonight.  No Can I reschedule?  Just silence.  I even tried calling and he wouldn't answer the phone.  I could've spent that time finding a more reliable plumber.