A-1 American Plumbing Price-gouging. Replaced a shower valve. Charged $175 to gain access through dry wall, $260 for valve; and $940 for labor (1 hour). Absolutely criminal! Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Bottom line:  This company over charges for their services.  DO NOT USE THEM.  I had them replace a shower valve and they charged $175 to gain access through dry wall (I did it myself in 5 minutes), $260 for the valve (I purchased a high quality one at HD for $130), and $940.50 for labor (it took exactly one hour).  Total: $1375 !!!  You have got to be kidding.  I subsequently checked with 4 other plumbers in the area (never mentioning the outrageous pricing from A-1 American) and they were mostly in the ballpark of $500-$575, which included the cost of the valve and gaining access through the dry wall.

So A-1 American charges almost $1000 more than its competitors to replace a shower valve.  Consumers beware and spread the word!!!  This is criminal.