American Drain Plumbing

Jun 2021

My specific problem with the representative from American Drain was not that he was either delayed or late or unwilling to take the job; it was that he claimed my entire water heater needed to be replaced and, furthermore, that he could get a heater cheaper than Lowes or anyplace else. While I admittedly agreed to his bid because I hadn't had hot water for three days, and THEN looked up Lowes prices to compare, I was shocked to discover that Lowes price for a 40 gallon gas powered heater with 6 year warranty was only $450. His claim that the one he got at West End Hardware was cheaper was hardly encouraging, seeing as the total for the job was $1,050. When I asked why the balance of the job was $600, he claimed that this covered labor, gas to get to and from my home, insurance, and parts. When I asked which parts were needed, he said he used as many from the old system as he could. I wrote him a check, for the full amount, and then noted after he'd left that the invoice he provided was NOT itemized. My request for an itemized invoice awaits his reply. In the end, I felt that his telling me I was free to compare pricing but that I wouldn't FIND a better price for the work was pure manipulation. My friend had Lowes do the install for her Lowes heater, and her total was only $715. If you hire the guy currently working for American Drain (6/2021), demand an itemized breakdown of all costs plus labor before you agree to let him replace your water heater. I think this man lied to me, and pocketed an extra $350.