Affordable Water Heaters & Plumbing, Inc. price gouging overcharge the water heater installation fee and even the city permit under the name of "code-upgrades" Santa Clarita California

Do not deal with this ripoff company and go to a plumbing company recommended by Better Business Bereau.

On January 24, 2009, we called this company to service our leaking water heater. A plumber was sent out and replaced the water heater. Before he started, we were told by his supervisor on the phone about the price, $939 for the water heater and installation, and $856 for the "code upgrades." We thought the price was very high but the plumber assured us that other companies would charge the same price. We authorized the job reluctantly since we need the hot water.

Later on we found out the average price for the whole thing is around $1000. The water heater itself costs only $386.83 after tax (info from Bradford White water heater supplier in Union City, 510-471-5757 ) so they charged us over $1400 on the labor and "code." All the listed prices for "code" parts are 3-4 times higher than store retail prices. We believe they charged labor fees under installation and under "code upgrades" as well. They have to connect the pipes to the gas and water anyway and we already had a raised place for the water heater. If they charged these work under "code," what did they do under "installation?" Besides, they charged us $80 for the city permit while it is only $50.

We suspected they double charged us on the installation and wrote them four memos on the over charge issues. They refused to give us the unit price of the water heater, refused to answer any specific price inquiries and refused any refund. The company has had a price gouging practice in the name of "code upgrades" for years.

We believe the company double or triple charged us on the installation of a 40-gallon gas water heater with a 6-year warranty, which is more than three times of the price of the water heater itself.

Julie
Santa Clara, California
U.S.A.