S & T Plumbing

I recently used S & T Plumbing for some bathroom remodel work. They were recommended to me by a neighbor, on the basis that they did good work AND their rates were priced just below those of the big box home improvement stores-now, there are plenty of good plumbing services out there, so cost is a determining factor- clearly they price at that point for a reason. I was told that they charged by the hour, and was informed of their hourly rate, so I have no problem with that. They did perform the work I requested, also, so I am satisfied with that. My issue is with their calculation of billable hours.
I don't deal with many contractors that charge by the hour, so when I scheduled this job, I planned on keeping an eye on things, since I had to be home all day, anyway.

To begin with, I received a knock on my door(from the plumber) at 0835, which I assumed to be the starting point of the CLOCK. The plumber came in and assessed the job, went back to his truck for a bit and returned to begin the job. Fast forward to 1130, and work ceases for a lunch break. Work resumes at 1215 and is completed at 1310. At this point, the plumber informs me that he will go out to his truck, write up an invoice and be back shortly. At 1345 (35 minutes later), the plumber(Jack) returns with my invoice. The bill includes the $55 service call, charges for materials and 5 hours of labor............... if your doing the simple math here, like me, you are calculating approximately 3 hours for the AM (0835-1130), and 1 hour for the remainder (1215-1310).  That equals 4 to me. When I questioned the plumber, he stated that he started at 0815 (not 0835 when I opened my front door), and he finished at 1345 (not 1310 when he said he was finished and heading out to write up an invoice).  He may have been in front of my house at 0815, but I did not see him arrive at my front door until 0835- I don't think it's reasonable that be padded the bill for that. Also, when the job is finished, it doesn't seem reasonable that I am billed for an additional 35 minutes (at $90/hr) while he figures out HOW MUCH TO BILL ME.

This may all be standard practice in the plumbing industry, and I may just be naïve... but I hope not, and believe there are plenty of reputable businesses out there. Take this for what it's worth, but in the end, S & T really charges  $112.50/hr, not $90, based on this creative billing. Based on that, they might not be in the running for a job when you consider they are no longer priced just below the plumbing contractors used by the big-box home improvement centers...

In closing, if you do use them(or any other plumbing service), you might want to make sure your clocks are synched with their watches when they arrive at your house,  do clarify, in advance, EXACTLY what falls under the realm of billable services and have it specified when the job begins and terminates... just so there's no confusion at invoice time.

Unethical & Shady Billing! Please do not use this company! Trust me this is a real experience!!!!!

They over billed the actual hours, raised the hourly rate from what was quoted on the phone, wasted time on the job to increase billable hours, added 2 new (undisclosed) charges to the 3rd revised invoice (probably to compensate for the lower invoice amount after I provided time - date stamped photos and texts) and actually bully you into paying with threats of a lien (how's that for respecting the customer).

They tell you one thing on the phone and the invoice completely contradicts what they say. I deal with many plumbers with our business and this is the first one who has not kept their word and tried to over charge (and charge for time they wasted). They even try to charge you for going and getting parts because they don't have them on the truck.

The owner Trey actually told me he thinks other plumbers can't be trusted and are incompetent (WOW!). Only his company has intelligent & trust worthy plumbers... so even though I had 3 other guys tell me (and I told 3 of his guys) what was needed and where it needed to be done they chose to waste 2 hours doing a line detection which was not needed since a new line had already been laid and the main line was dug up and exposed at the house.  
I highly recommend contacting the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to get assistance in dealing with them.
They were recommended and we had high hopes that this could be our new go plumber for our company but unfortunately in my opinion they are beyond horrible and cannot be trusted.
Please, please call a different plumber!

I have a rent house and my tenants sink was backed up, I calked S&T Plumbing  and they did a great job. They came that day fixed everything and their cost was very reasonable.
I highly recommend!!

Came to our house today as a referral from our contractor that is building a patio for us.  One of his workers ruined the bib outside and had to be replaced.  Cause the contractor referred the plumber we asked plumber to fix a toilet and a leaky faucet In the tub area.  A handyman could have done this work without much effort.  Cost 407.00.  Serivice call 55.  90.OO an hour labor. 202.50. Supples came to 95.88. Plumber went to Home Depot to get parts.  Charges 45.00 to go get the parts.  I thought Plumbers were to have parts in their truck.  Whole process was a rip off.  Get an estimate before plumber from this company starts work.