01/13/2026
Long post ahead, but we believe it’s worth the read. We don’t have a vlog or blog or whatever it’s called, so we feel like this is the best platform to articulate what our, and many other plumbing companies are experiencing as of late.
A Note on Pricing, Estimates and the Reality of Today’s Trades
We want to take a moment to address something we’ve been dealing with more frequently over the last few months. Pricing concerns and one star Google reviews for “price gouging” based solely on estimates, even when no work was performed.
Over the past 15 years, our company has grown to employ 10 hardworking people across two locations. We’ve built our reputation on quality work, honest communication and standing behind what we do. That has not changed and never will.
What has changed is the cost of doing business in the trades.
Here’s a real example from today:
Three years ago, we repaired an RPZ back-flow assembly for a total of $470, including labor and the OEM repair kit.
Today, that same OEM repair kit alone now costs us over $500 plus tax—and that’s our cost before any labor, truck expense, insurance, licensing, training or overhead is factored in.
This is the reality we face daily:
* Substantial manufacturer price increases
(150% in many cases)
* Rising insurance, vehicle and labor costs
* Higher compliance and licensing expenses
When we adjust our flat-rate pricing by 15–20%, it is not price gouging. We are actually absorbing a substantial amount of the increased costs. The small increase we’ve implemented allows us to:
* Pay our employees a fair, livable wage
* Keep skilled plumbers on staff
* Stand behind our work with warranties
* Remain available for emergencies
* Stay in business long term
We understand that estimates can sometimes be higher than expected, and customers are always free to get other opinions. But leaving a one-star review for an estimate, especially without any work being performed, does not reflect the quality or integrity of our service, nor the realities of today’s market.
We deeply appreciate our long-time customers who continue to trust us, refer us and understand that we are navigating the same economic pressures as everyone else.
Our commitment remains the same:
Honest pricing. Quality work. Professional service.
Thank you for taking the time to read and for supporting your local trades.
Damon Young- Owner
