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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want my bloody money back?

104 replies

HeyThereDelilah1 · 27/03/2019 18:21

Horrible, violent leak from a burst pipe and a broken stop clock meant that I had to call out an emergency plumber to my home in the middle of the night. My husband was abroad and I was at home with a baby and a toddler with water filling up the bathroom at a rapid rate and pouring into the kitchen below. When I called the agency (head under a sink being covered in hot water) trying to soak as much up as I could, they said they’d be an £85 call out charge and the plumbers fee would apply thereafter - turns out it was £385 an hour and I could kick myself for not asking - but at that moment in time I just wanted the bloody thing stopped. When I spoke to the agent to complain about the £800 bill for an hours work (added loads of tax and other ridiculous charges - it also turns out they aren’t vat registered) he was quite menacing and said the plumber would stay in my house until I paid - it was midnight at this point and I couldn’t see any other option. I’ve since asked for their published rates and they’ve refused saying they can charge any amount per hour, they’ve refused a vat reg number and apparently don’t know the name or address of the contractor who came to my house, they just hold phone numbers which seems incredibly neglectful considering they send their contractors to peoples homes in the middle of the night. Who should I report this agency too? Trading standards seems a dead end thus far! Any advice appreciated as they are top in google for ‘emergency plumber’ and I want to avoid other people being conned if possible...

OP posts:
pinkpantherpink · 30/03/2019 13:54

Please apply to your card issuer for a chargeback. And report to HMRC & ActionFraud

AmanyRashwan · 31/05/2019 16:33

Hi there

Have you managed to do anything with this company? I have just had the exact same experience today when they charged me for 478 pounds for 90 minute work and the guys would not leave the house before I paid and I was alone and terrified in the house...!!!

If you filed a complain anywhere I would also do the same so that someone realises they are scammers and no one have to go through this again..!!! I am left in a very difficult cash flow situation due to this and I am also quite upset and feel threatened..!! I tried to call them to complain but they must have blocked my number. As soon as I started talking the lady on the phone put me on hold and when I hung up and tried to call back they never answered..!!!

Hadalifeonce · 31/05/2019 16:49

I think if I felt threatened in my own home by someone demanding money with menaces, I would call the police.

Justaboy · 31/05/2019 17:34

Bit late now but its always a good idea to know where the main stop tap is, thats the one that shuts off the water supply coming into the house or flat.

Once you have done that open all the taps, might loose good hot water but it will give you a bit of breathing space to find a more reasonably priced plumber!

And always ask them for an estimate first!

Those prices are totally unreasonale rip off grade ones its simpley bloody extortinonate.

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