Tampa plumbing complaint

COMPLAINT: Michael Barnett, Tampa, Fla.

"I hired Schleman Plumbing Service Inc. to clean my drains. I didn’t test the drains immediately after the work, and they were still running slow the next day.

"I called Schleman back and they said we’d need to replace drain pipes, and they didn’t have cameras operational to check the pipes. I paid another plumber to clear the line, and he found roots and a clog not cleared by Schleman.

"He says they probably only ran the cleaning once, when they should have done so twice to clear obstructions. The drain worked fine after the second plumber’s work."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I would like a $168.80 refund."

STATUS: Resolved

Editor’s note: Schleman refunded the member’s money.

Spring Hill flooring complaint

COMPLAINT: Sharon Saccocci, Spring Hill, Fla.

"I hired Bob’s Carpet Mart to install carpeting in my home. They did a great job, and I liked what I saw. But now the carpet is wearing quickly and looks terrible.

"Even seven months after installation, I was still filling bags with carpet fibers every time I vacuumed the floor. Not one stain will come out of the carpet. At the entrance to the kitchen, staples are coming through the carpet.

"I talked to a manager at the store who told me the carpet I purchased was mainly used for flipping houses and quick jobs for show. He said it was the second-worst carpet they sell and will probably wear within two years.

"The original salesman never told me any of this. The manager gave me a bottle of spot cleaner and promised to send someone to assess the problems. Someone did come to the house and took care of the staples, but I didn’t hear back from the manager about the assessment.

"After weeks of calling the store, the manager finally came over and said the carpet is wearing the way it should based on the carpet I chose. There’s nothing he can do."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I would like my money refunded or the carpet and pad replaced with a better grade of carpet."

RESPONSE: Richard Smith, director of sales and operations, Bob’s Carpet Mart

"In speaking with the salesperson, he recalled the customer had requested an advertised item, which they were shown. The retail price was $1.99 per square foot, with installation.

"During the sales process, the customer insisted on a lower price, and it was eventually reduced to $1.78 per square foot. The customer received a good price for the product selected.

"Regarding the carpet fibers, this is what is considered a “staple yarn” and as such will shed to some degree. This is to be expected. The carpet is a Stainmaster fiber and should be resistant to staining.

"We would be happy to commission the skills of an independent flooring inspection service to evaluate the carpet for quality and wear. At this time, the request for a refund will not be considered.

"We will reserve the decision for replacement until we have the opportunity to examine these results."

STATUS: Stalemate

Editor’s note: Saccocci declined the company’s offer since she says an inspector had already examined the carpet.