Description
The Simple Plumber name is about keeping it Simple for for you! Plumbing can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Here at Simple Plumber our Team tries to keep it simple, so YOU the owner can understand YOUR plumbing system with its on going maintenance and repair needs. We welcome ride alongs, you can tell us at day end if the plumbing we do is simple. The Simple difference is as easy as 1 2 3.. 1. We carefully listen to YOU our clients so we can understand the problem to be solved. 2. We look at Your total plumbing system, so we can understand the problem (or) things that have caused the problem. 3. We come up with a solution that solves all the problems, a solution for a lasting repair. Believe it or not, every house is different even though the plumbing should be somewhat the same. People pay a great deal of money for property here in the Seattle area. Doing so, YOU would think you bought the best money can buy. Unfortunately over the years many Trades-People, Handy-People and Home Owners have made so - so, make do repairs that seem fine until the perfect storm happens and they fail. We specialize in Customer Service, Residential Plumbing Repair, Drain Cleaning, Sewer Drain Line Video Inspections and Locating. Call Simple Plumber to help with your plumbing repair & drain cleaning needs. Our Simple Team will value your trust and confidence and we will sincerely appreciate your loyalty to our business. Sallie & Joe Schafer Owners
HISTORY
Established in 2007.
Sallie & Joe Schafer opened their former company TSCO Plumbing back in 2007. In 2013 we rebranded our company as Simple Plumber and came up with the Simple Plumber business model. Joe started his plumbing career in 1984 doing new construction plumbing and commercial tenant improvements. Sallie Schafer our President & Simple Service Manager, came on board from the Starbucks corporate offices in Seattle, where she served as a Senior Executive Legal Assistant for over 14 years. Today Sallie answers our phones schedules your service calls and oversees all company operations.
ABOUT BUSINESS OWNER
Joe has been in the plumbing feild since 1984 and a Licensed Master Seattle Plumber Since 1995
Washington State (PHCC) Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association, Member Since 2014
International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials, Member Since 2016
Joe graduated with B.S. in Education from the University of Wyoming 1989
Delta Tau Delta, International Fraternity Member
Started Plumbing Career out of Trades school in 1984
Served in the United States Navy & Naval Reserve, Seabee's, Heavy Equipment Operator
Enjoy Family, Friends, Seahawks, Kayaking, Camping, Cycling, Hiking, Geocaching, and everything the Great North West has to offer.
SERVICES
Pipe Repair, Faucet Installation, Sink Repair, Sewer Services , Drain Installation, Garbage Disposal Repair, Pipe Installation, Sink Installation, Water Filter Services, Drain Cleaning, Faucet Repair, Bathtub & Shower Repair , Toilet Installation , Garbage Disposal Installation, Sump Pump Repair, Leak Detection, Toilet Repair, , ,
Reviews
Joe is a fantastic plumber. He came to my house and fixed all my problems with my disposal, dishwasher and air gap. Everything worked perfectly after he was finished. It was easy to make an appointment with his wife Sally, he arrived on time, knew exactly what to do and got it done quickly and at a great price. I couldn't be happier with the work he did. Several months later I had a major water leak after the a big box store dishwasher install and I couldn't use my kitchen sink. The store couldn't get anyone out for four days! I called Joe, sent him some pictures of the leak, he diagnosed it over the phone, explained what was going on and got it fixed for me within hours. What he did was way above and beyond any of my expectations and I was so grateful. So not only is Joe a great plumber, he is a wonderful human being and will always be my go-to plumber!
I am SO so happy we found Joe and Sallie! When I called, Sallie was very kind and helpful, and managed to get us an appointment next day, which I greatly appreciated! A miracle, really. We have had an ongoing issue with our basement shower clogging. Over the years we have had different plumbers come and take care of the clogs, but the clogs just kept on happening.
When Joe arrived (perfectly on time, too) and I showed him the shower filled with standing water, he immediately noticed the smell of laundry. I couldn't smell it, but he did. I think he is the plumbing whisperer! None of the other plumbers had noticed this as a source of ongoing clogs.
Also, Joe had done his homework ahead of time and had looked up water pipes for our street to see where the water was likely coming and going... I had never seen anyone do that before either. Very professional.
When Joe was finished, I went downstairs and he talked with me and my husband about ways to avoid future clogs... all very doable. And to my astonishment, everything was nice and tidy and clean. The shower was clear and there was no sign at all that any snaking had occured (this has not been the case with other plumbers). I asked my husband (who was working at his desk down there at the time) how Joe had done all that work and not left any mess. He said he was working so he hadn't really noticed. I was stunned. And so very grateful.
Joe is personable and friendly, and most importanly, he knows his stuff. And he did a nice job explaining everything to me and my hubby in a way that we could understand it. I believe that his rates are more than fair; he is an expert and has a great depth of knowledge of water/plumbing issues, and when you call his company simple plumber for a plumbing issue, you know that Joe is the one that is going to show up and take care of the problem. Worth every penny, and then some. I am happy and relieved to say that WE HAVE A NEW PLUMBER!!! Thank you Sallie and Joe!
Joe is just wonderful, end of story. He has helped us a few times with any and every plumbing issue we've had, most of which have been thankfully minor, to troubleshooting with us (for free) over the phone! He always replies promptly, rates are reasonable, and he has also saved us a lot of money on costly plumber visits by offering us some very useful tips on general maintenance and upkeep of drains and so on. Joe is so pleasant and kind to have in the house, and his wife is also so helpful and kind as office manager. They embody that old-fashioned, small town vibe of helpful professionals that are always there and willing to help a neighbor out! I wouldn't call any other plumber.
Andrew E.
01/10/2023 12:00:00 SA
My experience with Simple Plumber was great. Scheduling was easy and clear, and Joe showed up right on time. I was dealing with floor drain that was backing up, and Joe was able to solve this issue. I especially appreciated that he communicated clearly with me about what the problem was and how I might avoid it in the future. Simple Plumber's pricing was clear and reasonable. I would definitely use Simple Plumber again.
David A.
11/06/2022 12:00:00 SA
Simple Plumber responded to my low-urgency issue the same day, and gave me advice that let me fix my leaky under-sink valves myself. Save me a lot of trouble. Thanks!
Gary W.
02/06/2019 12:00:00 SA
I called Joe based on multiple recommendations from another plumber and residents in Shorewood on the Sound in Burien. He was prompt in returning my call and was upfront on his rates and we communicated a few times on the problem to center in on what was needed.
I ultimately to save time and find the issue cut open the dry wall in 2 places so that he was able to immediately carry out repairs and I could assess the severity of the problem. Basically, 50 years of use corroded the pipes causing leaks.
Joe was prompt ringing the doorbell at the exact moment he said he would arrive. He is good in communications, provided options on the repair and looked for other things that should be addressed when the drywall is removed so you get a 100% repair.
For correction of leaks, clogs and basic plumbing maintenance I'd recommend Joe and Simple Plumber. If needed again I'll definitely call him again.
Car R.
03/10/2021 12:00:00 SA
I'm grateful that I have Joe's number so the next time I have an issue, I know I've got the dream team just a dial away.
Clear communication from the whole team, appreciated the upfront pricing discussion and prompt scheduling.
Prompt, effective, friendly, and cost about what I expected--$214 to unclog our bathroom sink. Did a great job clearing the clog, which was many feet down in the pipes in the wall past 3 tricky bends. Able to come out within an hour of when I called, and were done within a little over an hour. Both wore masks the whole time due to COVID-19, which we appreciated.
Wow! I cannot say enough good things about Joe and Sallie! They each went above and beyond for me, and saved me from a giant emergency. Joe kindly came out and fixed a major leak - and I know this extended his day, but he never complained or mentioned it. After the work was done, he emailed me a full description of what he did and sent me helpful links that educated me on water saving tactics. I will recommend him to everyone and am so thankful that I found him! He was a referral, and I can see why!
I've relied on Joe (and his wife Sallie!) numerous times over the years. First in 2017 when we needed a new garbage disposal. Later that year, Joe installed 3 low-flow toilets for us. In 2018, Joe helped unclog our sewer line. Most recently, Joe installed our new dishwasher and kitchen sink. Joe and Sallie are both superb communicators and are both detail-oriented which makes for a great customer service experience. Joe is also very resourceful and was able to handle unforeseen problems he encountered on our jobs such as enlarging the opening for our dishwasher and enlarging the cut-out for our new sink. Most importantly, Joe's workmanship is top notch and I'm sure it will last as long as our home is standing.
Mike C.
12/09/2018 12:00:00 SA
Gave them a call. They didn't do the work I was looking to have done, a gas line, but they still got back to me promptly with a few options they recommended.
It's hard at times to get people to even call you back for work so I thought this was great they did this even when they could not take the job. Wouldn't hesitate to call again in the future. A+ customer service in my opinion.
When our water heater broke down and flooded our small, unfinished basement, other plumbers I contacted said, We can't help you until you get the water out. Joe was more proactive -- he called my neighborhood hardware store and found a pump that I could pick up to get the job done. That bit of extra effort on his part was just what I needed to get started fixing the problem.
The basement was dry (enough) the next day, and he and Coby showed up and installed a new heater. Joe explained everything I needed to know in layman's terms and patiently answered my questions. To top things off, when they couldn't get the old, massive heater out of the basement, Coby sawed it in two to make it fit. (Seeing the inside of the heater was a trip. It definitely was ready for the scrap heap.)
My understanding is that these guys are a two-man operation, so they may not be ideal for really big projects, but they did a great job meeting my needs.
Second time calling Joe, I thought I had a big leak in our pipes that would require lots of work, turns out to be a toilet leak only. Turned out simple and Joe changed out a pipe that was about to leak as well. And we had a great conversations as well.
I called Simple Plumber because of their great yelp reviews and I'm glad I did. I had a small job -- a clogged bathroom sink drain that needed to be cleared -- and Joe came out and took care of it quickly and efficiently this afternoon. He made sure everything was working properly, answered all my questions and made suggestions about how to make maintenance easier, and he cleaned up everything before he left. I'm really impressed with both Joe and Sallie; both of them go the extra mile to do a good job (I had actually called them about another job a year ago while they were on vacation, and Sallie was kind enough to return my call anyway and refer me elsewhere), and are organized, professional, and just really nice people. Their rates are reasonable and seem to me to be about average for independent plumbers. Highly recommended.
Joe & Sally is a team to beat. Joe is preferably the most reliable person, albeit a plumber, I have met so far. I sent them a video of my faucet/knob problem then Sally gave me a quote right away. I set for a Wednesday schedule but was able get a day earlier. Job - excellent. Price - reasonable. I have always been scared of calling in the professionals for a task due to the dreadful high cost it entails but what Sally & Joe did made me feel good shelling out my hard-earned cash, in a positive way. Thanks Joe & Sally!
We've hired Simple Plumber a few times now, and each time, I am so impressed with Joe's professionalism, thoroughness and good work. He identifies the root cause of the problem and then fixes it, advising on preventative care to stave off future problems. Both Joe and the scheduler at Simple Plumber are excellent communicators - via text, email and phone. Even the invoices have an impressive amount of detail documenting the problem and the work done.
On this particular job, our basement had flooded and we'd called another plumber who committed to come but then fell through. Joe saved the day by coming first thing in the morning and working for most of the day to fix not one but two plumbing problems that had cropped up. We really appreciate the great work and highly recommend Joe/Simple Plumber.
Lisa B.
03/06/2017 12:00:00 SA
Simple Plumbing came to my rescue! Originally, I called Joe and Sally late Friday afternoon to see if they could help us replumb our new sink which was oversized for our system. Sally called me right back to let me know they were on site all day, but if we did not find anyone they could come out on Monday. I told them we were going to try and do the work ourselves. On Sunday afternoon, Joe called me to see how we did and if we had any questions. I was so impressed we had never even worked with them, and he was offering to help us and wanted to make sure we did not have any problems. When he called, we were on track with our repairs (although it did take us all weekend to figure it out!) but I was grateful for the call.
However, late Sunday night, we ruined our old copper pipes and created a huge mess with water spraying everywhere, and we had to turn off all our water. We called Joe at 8 pm on Sunday (they answered!) and said he would be at our house at nine the next morning. What a relief after being without water almost all weekend.
Joe worked very fast, cleaned up years of bad plumbing and created a beautiful pipe configuration so we could finish the job. He knew we were on a budget so he let me know what part of the project we could do to save money. He also looked at our whole system and offered suggestions on what we could fix and what we could leave or disassemble.
The pricing was very fair, and Joe was so efficient, creative and professional. I loved that he put down blankets on my kitchen floor and left no mess and was very considerate of our new remodeled kitchen floors and counters.
I seldom write reviews, but Simple Plumbing was exceptional.
Simple Plumber was out to our house only a couple hours after calling for help. His wife was very responsive at setting up the visit, and Joe and Kolby were on time, professional and very customer service oriented. I was extremely happy with the service and would strongly recommend them friends and family.
Great services, friendly people, well documented invoice. I had two projects that I needed immediate help on and Sallie and Joe were able to fit me right away. One was for a leaking sink in a condo I rent out. I learned that the faucet that pulls out was getting loose and will ultimately need to be replaced but that it was not urgent. He showed my tenant how to maintain it and keep it from loosening up, great service. He also saved me a huge heartache and money when a handyman suggested to the renters that he could install a disposal for $100, instead Joe pointed out that you'd have to go through a back wall, and that this would be costly and also that garbage disposals can be an energy and money suck.
At my home I needed to get an outdoor faucet fixed, but Joe had to get into a wall to fix it. This was done with no mess and he left thoughtful instructions to put a panel over it instead of sealing it up. (Unfortunately my contractor was asleep and covered it anyways, but I'll write up his review separately. :)
I like that they ask for pictures of the projects so they know what they're getting themselves into also, very thoughtful. Lastly, Sallie is easy to work with on billing, they take CC #s so that's also great.
While I certainly hope I don't have any more plumbing issues come up, I would gladly work with Simple Plumber and refer them easily.
Jane H.
09/01/2018 12:00:00 SA
I had a clogged sink that had been plaguing our house a couple times a year since we moved in 3 yrs ago. All the other plumbers snaked it and left. Simple plumber found the actual problem - a big piece of metal stuck past the U-trap, cup shaped and almost the entire diameter of our pipe. No idea how our sink could work at all the last few years. Thank goodness Simple Plumber came and fixed our problem. It took more time but in the end it will save us money and so much time and hassle and gross clogged drain backflow.
Jim G.
05/06/2015 12:00:00 SA
My kitchen sink was reduced to a trickle, and that really is unbearable. Called Simple Plumber, and was lucky to have Joe be available the next morning. He was prompt, clean, and ready to go to work. Sussed the problem quickly (loose impediments due to a water heater exchange a few months earlier), cleared the issue and flushed the hoses. Things couldn't be better.
Certainly will look to use Joe again, as I need a few more small jobs done in the near future.
David P.
05/07/2019 12:00:00 SA
We had an issue with our dishwasher not draining. We called Joe and he was able to reroute the plumbing to fix the problem. The dishwasher works great. Thanks Joe!
Joe came to our house to repair a couple of toilets that kept running. I know this would be an easy fix for many people, but we aren't inclined to going to the hardware store, locating the right stuff and doing the repairs ourselves. Full disclosure!
Simple Plumber scheduled us relatively quickly, and Joe was extremely professional. The parts he used were of better quality than the ones I saw at Home Depot, and he even tightened all the toilet seats in the house before he left.
I'd use him again in a heartbeat.
Joe Schafer is a great plumber. I'm giving him 4 stars instead of 5 because he doesn't do evening appointments and for first timers, I think it's a lot to let a complete stranger into your home while you're at work.
Here's what he did that I loved: he's responsive via phone and via email. He came right after I called him and he recommended what garbage disposal I should buy and told me how much it would cost. The prices he charges are reasonable. He asked me if we had cats. He did a great job. One other thing: I left my diamond ring right next to the kitchen sink the day he came and spent most of the day at work wondering if it was going to be there when I got home. It was. I will definitely use him again.
I've tried calling several times 2 days in a row, left a voicemail and nobody ever picked up the phone or called me back.
Megan A.
03/08/2016 12:00:00 SA
Last night I accidentally dropped an object in the toilet mid flush. Today my toilet wasn't flushing properly. This being the only bathroom in the house I got right on calling every plumber in the area. After 9 of my calls to other places went unanswered simple plumber picked up and could have someone to my house in 30 minutes. That wait time was amazing. When I got home he was already here. Joe was my plumber and he went above and beyond. There were a few times I felt like he might give up but he just kept trying everything until it eventually came out. He cleaned up well and was very pleasant to be around. Simple Plumbers will always be my first call for plumbing needs now.
Mari M.
03/03/2015 12:00:00 SA
My experience with Simple Plumber couldn't have been easier or more pleasant. My garbage disposal had stopped working, and my sink wouldn't drain. Joe talked me through the symptoms over the phone, recommended an inexpensive tool, and told me how to use it. I set up an appointment just in case, but I ended up not needing it because I'd so easily fixed it myself! Huge feeling of triumph, and I saved the cost of having him come out--though the next time I do need a plumber, I'll absolutely call Joe because he has totally won my trust. Thank you for empowering me and making it so easy to reclaim my sink!
Sam N.
04/11/2015 12:00:00 SA
Lovely husband and wife team, I am impressed with their honesty. I just purchased a house and had bad sewer smell when I moved in. I called to set an appointment. Instead of charging me a fee for coming out, Joe asked me to do few steps that may help eliminate the odor. The steps worked, I could have easily spent the money for a person to come in and check. But they were super honest and helped resolve my situation via phone
James W.
02/04/2013 12:00:00 SA
I have known Joe for some time and in all of our dealings he has been a stand-up guy. He focuses on doing the right thing; he provides great customer service; he has developed raving fans out of his past customers (as is evidenced the reviews here and the filtered ones that have been removed).
Joe is a great guy and plumber and worth hiring!
Jeff K.
02/12/2016 12:00:00 SA
I called today for for help on a leaky tub faucet. Within an hour Joe was on the job and done in an hour, could not have been easier.
Michael P.
05/09/2016 12:00:00 SA
didn't use them, but after calling, learned their hourly rates are $180 (more for the first hour) and this is for a weekday, non emergency, clean bit of work (replace a bathroom faucet). Perhaps that's the market rate, but struck me as a bit steep. Am sure there work is great as the reviews are super.
Joe came over the same morning I called (I got lucky regarding his schedule) to clean out a main drain clog. He had a monster machine that he used in two separate passes to clean out some debris and roots that had invaded the pipe. All done in just under two hours and all at a fair price. What a relief to find good, professional service at a good value!
We've used Joe for many plumbing jobs over the past couple years and have been very happy with his work. He is extremely professional and thorough and always finds the answer to our problem quickly. His services are very affordable, especially considering he always solves the problem and gets things right the first time. I trust him without reservation and highly recommend him.
We've used Joe on a couple different occasions and couldn't be happier. The first time was leaking shower faucets, the second time was leaking laundry faucets. On the second repair, we also had him plumb and install faucets for a laundry sink while he was in there. We were very pleased with the looks and functionality of the end product; it was a vast improvement over what we had.
Both times, he was very clear about what he was doing and how he was going to go about it. I get the impression that he enjoys educating home-owners if they're interested. Very calm, matter-of-fact, straightforward. He doesn't try to sell you on anything. Excellent quality. Highly recommended.
Joe's done a couple jobs for me and did great work. He's prompt, courteous and I've had no problems with his repairs. I highly recommend him
First off let me just say Joe does a whole lot more than Simple Plumbing. We had water coming up our basement , and after locating where it was coming from( the wall had an old capped pipe inside, go figure!), my husband decided to snake both this pipe and our clean out pipe ( outside) . We thought problem fixed.. Not so! it started leaking again. We knew we needed a scope and some professional help. I contacted three plumbers all with great reviews, two I left messages for ( and I have yet to hear from them) and Sallie( Joes wife). Simple plumbing was the only one that picked up the phone. Joe was also able to get to it the same day..
He was very diagnostic in his approach and after multiple scopes( to both the inside pipe and clean out pipe) and the use of a high pressure gadget to hopefully clear the clog( it did not budge) , Joe was able to determine with a beacon where the clog was. So although after numerous attempts the inevitable solution was to dig and cut the pipe out, it was extremely helpful to have the location pinpointed ahead of time. Joe offered us a colleague who does this(digging, cutting and re-piping) but we decided to save the cost and dig ourselves.
Sure enough , there was a Y jointed pipe that was impending the object .. right were Joe had located it.
Joe went above and beyond the scope of any plumber that I have every run across. He emailed me the city sewer line, he also followed up the next day and offered to do a scope on the cut pipe. free of charge.
After the pipe was cut and a large glob of white fat was taken out he suggested that we put the hose in and flush anything else that might stuck. Sure glad we did that as there was additional fat that came out..
Joe is the consummate professional, he takes pride in his business but honestly cares about your problem and wants to find a solution... even off the clock.. He is not the cheapest, but he is the most efficient and has the right tools to do it.
I would highly recommend him.
I have used Joe several times and he is a plumber I am happy to recommend. He recently helped me with a leaky kitchen faucet on short notice. It's nice to have someone honest and professional who isn't trying to up- sell you plumbing products or services you don't need. I will continue to use Joe with Simple Plumbing.
deb r.
03/03/2016 12:00:00 SA
Joe is awesome and Sallie gives wonderful customer service. I live in a rental built in the 50s. NOTHING has been updated (can we say pink and gray ceramic tile in the bath?) and galvanized pipes. Guess you could say my landlord does not want to spend any money. Anyway, Joe came out and repaired my toilet. Without Joe's 30+ years of plumbing experience the toilet would have been replaced and the landlord, who was not available to make that decision, would have been unhappy and I would have been using a bucket, YUK! Thanks Simple Plumber!
Simple Plumber is just that ... Simple. I needed a Kitchen Faucet and shut off valves replaced . I needed it done sooner than later and Sally and Joe were able to squeeze me in the next day ( they actually could have done same day, but I had not purchased the faucet yet ) I couldn't believe it. Also, they were very friendly and not condescending as I have experienced with other companies before . Joe explained everything really well and also made some great suggestions which I am definitely going to do ! Could I have replaced the faucet my self ? Yea maybe, but plumbing is a can of worms that I don't like to mess with ! I am a hammer and nails type of guy. So I leave plumbing to the pro's and Joe is definitely very professional, without being snarky about it . Super nice down to earth guy. He has been texting me with the follow up since I had to go to work . I really appreciated working with this company and I will definitely hire him when I repipe my old house !
I called Joe and Sallie to assist in investigating issues with my toilet after my landlord notified me that out utilities bill had tripled. I was able to be scheduled the day I called and Sallie called me back within 10 minutes. Joe was professional, detailed and was able to do the repairs needed in both of my toilets within an hour. I really appreciated how detailed he was and that he was able to send me an invoice as well as a video of the issue that I simply forwarded to my landlord to get reimbursed. It was the easiest plumbing experience I've had and I would definitely call them again for any further issues!
Simple Plumber is top notch, dependable and is invested working within their specialty. I had them come fix some delicate plastic parts for my drain and he even ordered a new cartridge for my shower head. He really got things running smoothly again! Highly, highly recommended.
Sejin S.
03/06/2016 12:00:00 SA
We called Joe when our sewer ejector pump stopped working. The short story is, the relay got fried when a bunch of baby wipes got flushed down the toilet (courtesy of my 4-year-old) and basically clogged the impeller. We needed a new pump. Joe arrived on time, helped us troubleshoot the problem (it took some time), helped us source a new one (even calling the manufacturer and finding out that it's under warranty), and then basically let my dad watch him so my dad could reinstall the new pump when it arrived. This whole situation took 3 days and many stressful hours (because we could not initially figure out why the pump was not working). Throughout it all, Joe sent me texts and voice messages as he called the manufacturer, a local pump supplier, and conferred with his colleagues to try to find the solution to our problem. He even came back to my house, at no charge, when my dad ended up not installing the new pump properly. It was a simple fix (my dad forgot to drill a small air vent hole in he uptake pipe). He just wanted to make sure it was done right and we had a working pump again. I felt like Joe was a really knowledgeable and helpful neighbor. Plus, being a teacher by trade, he patiently answered my questions and seemed genuinely interested in helping me understand how the plumbing works in my house so I can troubleshoot it better in the future myself. I will say that Joe's rates are not the cheapest. However, they are fair and you get high quality in return. I will definitely be using him again.
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