ABC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Charged me $459 to fix a shower handle catridge Buffalo Grove Illinois

I had a leak in my shower faucet handle. I called ABC Plumbing because I got their name from the "Done Right Directory" I had received in the mail.

The lady on phone scheduled the plumber to come to my home on New Years Eve (12/31/08). She told me that since my appointment was scheduled for the morning, I would not be charged the Holiday rate.

The plumber arrived at about 8:30 AM & took a quick look at the leaking shower faucet handle. I told him I believe the cartridge has failed. He then looks in a book & comes up with a figure of $459. I said "Isn't that kind of steep?" He showed me what he wrote down "Shut off water to shower valve, disasemble & remove cartridge, rebuild with new cartridge & retaining clip, turn on water & test, 30 day warrentee".

I was skeptical at the price but I needed to take showers and agreed to price; but as I thought about what he had done, I believe I was WAY overcharged. I called their home office & explained myself & the lady said she would knock off $59. The plumber was here less than an hour & I had to get my building maintainence man to turn off water to shower. I still believe for what was accomplished/fixed should NOT have cost $400.

James
Niles, Illinois
U.S.A.