I think I am being stood up by the plumber

**leighcat** · 05-10-2010, 11:48 AM

He was supposed to be here between 10 and 12. It will be 12 in 10 minutes...

**Contrary Housewife** · 05-10-2010, 11:56 AM

Good luck. I have the worst time getting contractors and repair people to show up, let alone on time. And forget it if there's a problem after the job, I'll never get them back to fix it. I know they're not all like that, just the ones I call.

**leighcat** · 05-10-2010, 12:00 PM

Well, I gave in and called them. They are running behind. I could have gone and gotten my address changed on my license if I had known that. He could have called and told me he was running late.

The operator thought I would just sit around all day and wait or have him come over after I get the kids this afternoon. No, I don't think so.

I am betting it will be more work for him to fix this drip than they thought.

**Grainlady** · 05-10-2010, 12:30 PM

I always try to schedule the first appointment in the morning with trades people. If you don't get the first appointment on their work schedule you stand the chance of problems if they get stuck longer than they thought at an appointment scheduled before you, or get called out with an "emergency".

I understand if they can't make an appointment on the dot, due to extenuating circumstances having to do with a job, but I find it BAD BUSINESS not to call me if they can't make the appointment on time.

Something new I've put into practice with trades people with the advent of cell phones - I'll ask trades people to turn their phones off while working for ME. If I'm going to pay them by the hour, I'm not going to pay for them to talk on the phone and have the phone interrupt their work every few minutes.

When we first moved here I needed the thermostat moved 6-inches so I had enough space to accommodate my book shelves on that wall. I thought the company should move the thermostat without charging us anything since it was a new-built home, but that wasn't the case.... So while the technician was supposed to be working, he was on the phone and I did most of the work, cut the hole and channel for the electric cord, moved the wire, and he charged me $100 for a service call, most of the time he spent on the phone!!! I called the business owner (who I also happen to know), and gave him a very large piece of my mind and said they just lost our business. I'd be using "XYZ" Company for our bi-annual service of our furnace and a/c - NOT them.

**Darlene** · 05-10-2010, 12:48 PM

I like the way you roll Grainlady, you are what I call a smart cookie.

I too appreciate that phone call to say they are running late but understand Grainlady wanting that phone turned off.
When we had our washing machine delivered recently they called at 7:30 am to say they would be here in 20 min....nice early & first of the day. Then they got a flat tire and were in a no cell coverage area. Then they got into a cell area, called and said they were on their way. Then they were pulled over to have their truck inspected. Finally got here about 9:30,lol.
Waiting is no fun, hope they come soon and the bill is do-able.

**leighcat** · 05-10-2010, 01:03 PM

Well I have good news! He fixed it

It was the HOT water side, not the cold. I kept telling the other guy, and my bf to change both sides but they both thought it was the cold side.

He only charged me $105.00 instead of $170.00 so that is good.

Now I don't have to fall asleep to dripping anymore lol. Not to mention the savings in water. This company charges a flat rate, not hourly, which is why I chose them.