Fort Thomas Sewage Ejector Pump Installation

After reading the glowing reports about Jim the Plumber on Angie's list, I decided to give them a try.  We've periodically, but regularly, have experienced bad smells in our house almost since we moved in about 12 years ago.  I finally felt confident that these smells emanated from the sewage ejector pump in the basement.  The lid was not bolted down, nor was I able to do so.  Instead, I placed a heavy concrete block on top of the lid.  I felt that a new lid, gasket, and seals might solve our odor problem.  I think I talked to Jim on Wednesday, and an appointment was scheduled for Friday.  Jeremy came as scheduled, and we talked about my problem.  Jeremy told me a new lid with gasket would cost around $229.  We talked about the pump itself, and I inquired how long they usually last.  He told me that it depended on how much use they received.  I told him ours hadn't received much use since we have lived here, but I suspected the pump was as old as the house, which was built in 1989.  Jeremy thought I had gotten good use from the old pump.  I asked Jeremy how much a new pump would cost, and he checked his book and quoted me a price of $1062.91.  I asked Jeremy about the 10% off coupon for Angie's List members, but was told that was 10% off "standard" pricing.  I was receiving "value" pricing which was saving me much more than 10%.  A new lid and gasket would cost an additional $89.  I thought the cost seemed high, but after debating with myself, I decided to go ahead and have the new pump installed.  Jeremy is a pleasant young man and seemed competent and efficient.  When he returned with the pump, he installed it in an hour or so.  He gave me the bill, and I paid it.  Later, I noticed there was no information on the invoice regarding the brand name or model number of the pump, nor was that information on the cord tag.  I also didn't receive any printed materials for the pump.  I called Jim the next day to ask for model information.  He wanted to know why I wanted that, and I told him that I wanted to see if I could download a manual or maintenance instructions from the internet.  He called me back promptly with the requested information.  While online, I found the pump.  Many places sell the pump for $289.95, and even with shipping, the total cost came to less than $320.  I e-mailed Jim about this, and told him I thought his labor charges seemed way out of line.  To his credit, Jim replied to my e-mail promptly, and itemized his charges, which is something he says he normally does not do.  I would have preferred to have received an itemized bill at the time of the installation.  He also pointed out that "it is usually better to price shop before the equipment is installed."  I certainly agree with that, and had I known that I was going to replace the pump, rather than just get a new lid & gasket, I would have made several calls to inquire about the cost of replacing my pump.  Anyway, he stated that the cost of the pump was $431.18 with an added mark-up of about $61.  I don't understand why he couldn't have bought the pump wholesale, or at least for the $289.95 I saw widely advertised online.  His other charges seemed reasonable, except for a 2 inch check valve costing $102.17.  Unless there is a second check valve encased in the pump basin/crock, I did not receive this.  I still have the same check valve in the line that I had before Jeremy came.  Jim also told me his price was competitive with other plumbers in the area.  I think Jeremy probably did a fine job of installing the pump.  My main complaints are the lack of an itemized bill, the seemingly high price, no printed materials for the pump, and the mysterious charge for the second check valve.  I asked about the latter in another e-mail, but I did not receive a reply.

Two technicians arrived on time. My initial reason for the hire was to see about the pump noise but a bigger issue was discovered, a leak in a pipe seal allowing ground water into the system and causing the pump to work more than it should be. Not a simple repair since it involves tearing up concrete. They applied some sealant but were upfront that it may not be the long term solution. Additionally, they took the time to educate me on our plumbing system in general and offer suggestions. They were very helpful.

I recently had our sewage ejector pump go bad in our basement and knew that the hot water heater was about 10 years old and was exhibiting signs that it might be going bad. Since I have a service contract with another company who shall remain nameless but initials start with H and end with P I called them first and they came out to quote the work. While my service company does a good job and is always professional the quote seemed very high to me and I decided to search on Angie's List for a plumber to get another quote. Pete the Plumber had received high mark so I gave them a call. Without coming out, I told them what I wanted done and they actually provided a quote over the phone and emailed which turned out to be more than 1/2 the cost of the other company. Neil and his apprentice Nathan were great and had the ejector pump replaced in about 45 minutes and 1.5 on the water heater install. I bombarded them questions on maintenance had them quote a couple other things I need to eventually do around the house. They were happy to answer all my questions and provide me estimates on the work I asked about. The Install looks very professionally done and they made sure to clean up and were very respectful of my house. I will certainly be reaching out to them for future plumbing needs.

First, he came in a snowstorm to provide an estimate. And knowing if we had an ejector system then we must live down a hill off the street... He was smart enough to park at the top and walk down. Second, he came on CHRISTMAS EVE to complete the job and did it cleanly, professionally and with good cheer! Finally, we have had no issues since. Note: price does NOT include parts

The work done on the cleaning was great and the technician was knowledgeable and friendly.  The cost for replacing the pumps was 2x the other estimates that I received - so I went with another firm.

I was impressed at how quickly Mr. Crew responded to our call, as well as the effort he expended trying to work us in. Also, he was one of the few plumbers we called willing to work on a sewage ejector pump. The ''worst case scenario'' estimate he gave us over the phone was very reasonable. I will definitely call him for future plumbing needs.

They showed up on time. Got to work immediately and completed the job in a timely manor. Two man crew that were friendly and professional. Tested everything to make sure that it was working properly before they left.

Dan called me ahead of time as requested and provided me all the information I had asked for.  He was very efficient when he arrived and took care of business quickly.  He even left some fun promotional items as an unexpected bonus!  I will definitely use Flow-Rite again.

My sump pump failed during a bad rainstorm. I needed a replacement and I needed it very quickly. Despite being very busy, Mr. Rooter responded within about 4 hours. They had a replacement pump on the truck and completed the work very quickly. Dave was very professional and even took care to put covers on his shoes to keep dirt out of the house. The only thing that bothers me is the price. $600 is very expensive for a sump pump. But, I had to pay for a very quick response and they had a replacement pump stocked on their truck.

Sump pump not working. Of course they always break on Sunday! Called and left message. Called back within 45 minutes. After discussion, determined needed to replace. So, came out on Sunday, replaced pump and valve. Job included a quality sump pump, valve, labor and Sunday premium. Very prompt, professional and nice. Will definitely continue to use him for plumbing needs. Left us with info about battery back up for sump pump. New pump is working great!