Plumbing Scammers CAUGHT! | Real Plumber Reacts

[@larrycroft6819]

I do most of my own plumbing at my home, and no I am not a plumber. I had a home for 25 years that was on a septic tank, you will learn quick that when you have problems that you just can't afford to call someone all the time. I have L-cable 2 augers (one is old and dangerous), new one has forward and reverse that you step on a switch-this is the kind you recommend. Back to story, I asked a guy if he was bonded, he says yes. The card he showed me was out of date over a year! So, he was not bonded. I do what I can, and watch your program to gain knowledge. In my mid 70's now, but I still want to learn things. Thanks for your videos, and others willing to share their crafts .

[@RogerWakefield]

It sounds like you've learned a lot from your experiences - that's great!

[@rossbryan6102]

$5000.00 FOR AN WATER HEATER???? THAT IS STILL AN SCAM PRICE!!!

[@dabsindeeddabsindeed7205]

Roto rooter only pays commission not hourly. I worked there for 28 days and left . And I refused to buy a van 😂😂

[@patrickmarquez4619]

Ya most residential plumbing companies pay commission…

[@FukYouTube420]

I had a friend that got on with them about 2 yrs ago, in Oregon Told me what u said. I couldn't believe it. Said they'd have to drive over an hr, one way, sometimes. Unpaid, using own van, gas, etc? No thanks

[@GoatzombieBubba]

At 12:19 they used a image of a torch heating up a press fitting....

[@1212zorz]

Was just about to say the same.. brutal

[@nickthepark]

It might be a Yorkshire fitting.

[@OBXHeloMedic]

Wow. I have never heard of a Yorkshire fitting. That is so cool. ​@@nickthepark

[@Harloha]

I worked for Roto Rooter 3 different times at 3 different franchises in Mi. Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Livonia. Didn't last long at any, because all 3 were exactly the same. It's all commission, and they tell you if you want to make money, you have to up-sell, basically scam. Let's just say, I didn't make any money there, because I have to sleep at night. They are no better here in Oahu Hawaii.

[@jacobjohnston7945]

Go work for do it rite plumbing if you're a real plumber

[@crazydoglady5]

I think they are all like that.

[@spencer9978]

My dad was a plumber for 40 years. He said he always had to fix stuff after roto rooter messed with stuff

[@Bingus2000]

In Alberta it isn't a requirement for us to pull a permit if we're switching out water heaters that are same for same. Like a natural draft for a natural draft or a direct vent for a direct vent. Still has valid warranty and all... I wouldn't say that in itself is scummy but the blatant code infractions are terrible.

[@TzUuup]

Exactly. Tf we pullin permits for. Take pictures to make sure everything is the same

[@natrosenberg5165]

Hi Roger! A few years ago I was nearly scammed out of just over $10k by Roto Rooter. My sewer line had clogged due to my roommate flushing wipes (he told me he never did that but the proof was in the pudding, pun not intended). Roto rooter came out and said that the line had collapsed so badly they couldn't even get the camera into it and that I would need to pipe burst a new line. I was desperate and a new home owner on an older property so I said go ahead and do it. Signed all the paperwork and they came back the next day to run the line. When they started digging they hit ground water too bad to continue without bringing out an outside pump company and were forced to abandon the job for the day. That prompted to me to call a smaller local company for a second look. Sure enough he plunged the line at the street cleanout and unclogged it in about 15 minutes. I had him run a camera through it just to be extra careful. Total cost was about $800 and everything was good to go in less than an hour. Needless to say roto rooter was a complete scam that would have put me in debt for years!

[@ramsesramos9035]

In Houston TX same with all the big service call companies abacus,roto rooter,John Moore,ARS, they pay commission and have very expensive rates for simple repairs

[@Liverpool1616]

I know its not plumbing related but I replaced my Main shut off switch outside my house to the main breaker. Had to get hydro to come shut power off, switch the main switch and was able to submit a picture. We pulled permit and they allowed us to take a picture. It was great. I live in Ottawa Canada

[@RogerWakefield]

That's great! Do you think every job like that should be permitted and inspected?

[@Liverpool1616]

@@RogerWakefield Depends on alot of things. I do think with technology permits should be easier to pull and submit pictures approved quickly though. 5 years ago I did major renos on this commercial/residential mixed unit and they didnt have picture submitting and it was AN ABSOLUTE nightmare full of red tapes and hoops to jump through. oh god it sucked. lol anyways I thought the picture submitting was so cool when we recently did the Main shut off.

[@JB-by8zk]

From my experience as 25 years experience plumber, Mostly all companies with roto rooter names and big companies there apprentices all work on commission they over charge they do shady work they are inexperienced and not saying all but mostly all

[@bobshanery5152]

Its gotten a lot worse in recent years. All these taxes/government fees are probably encouraging this behavior... at least it does not help. I seeing AC/Plumbers/Roofers/Mechanics Etc do scams on the monthly. Never was this bad before.

[@JB-by8zk]

@ yeah maybe, but always new of plumbers to would take advantage of the situation making sound or look worse or taking advantage of older people, which is not right

[@crazydoglady5]

@@bobshanery5152 now drs and dentists are doing it.

[@35083bigbear]

Roger, I would love your opinion on the Nexstar system

[@jacobkindsvatter4055]

You know i like these topic's, i myself have built up a really good reputation by just taking pride and knowledge into this trade and there has been many many times people have tried to get "side work" out of me just from that reputation from word of mouth and i put down a bid of a rediculous amount so they would think a little further and call an actual insured company, but since then and over the last decade i just learned to say NO and not feel bad about that

[@RogerWakefield]

That's smart, sometimes you just gotta say no!

[@niyablake]

We have a local company called Bonney. I have no idea how they are still around. They have been fined by the AG

[@petersmart1999]

I see it all the time,I have been HVAC field tech for 30+ years and I see companies charging 20k for a furnace replacement! 25 to 35k for furnace and AC. People need to do exactly what you said,get a second opinion,do a little research! No you cant get wholesale pricing online,but you can get a baseline and do a little math! No company should charge 3k an hour! I have maybe done 400 installs in my career and I have a good idea on even the hard ones are one day jobs! Thank you

[@danielhong9971]

We had a plumber come out to fix a busted water pipe, the guy put a temporary fix and said it was good to go. We then had a restoration team come out and it busted while they were working around the pipe. They shut the water off for us and then we had their partnered plumber come out and stated that he wouldn’t have fixed it the way the other plumber did. Also he smelt a gas leak and replaced our 20 plus year old gas valve on the spot for only 180 dollars.

[@beenheredoneit.4381]

This is why I never been scammed. They pray on elderly that trust to much but that doesn’t justify anything. Oil change places have trained me to say no to anything extra. The most annoying thing is to sell me on things I didn’t ask for. No no and no again. I got so used to saying no every 5k miles on work truck for 300k miles that I have it stamped in my mind.

[@RogerWakefield]

It can be good to say no, but sometimes they could be helping you out and noticing things you may need to get replaced…they are giving you options, which is a good thing…but you’re right. No is always an answer 👍🏼

[@Cigarsmokin_woodworker]

Exactly why flat rate and paid on commission is a scam . This all happens more and more because if it

[@JesusPhase]

Roto rooter in California are lucky enough not to have to buy a van they are provided but still under commission I had a week where I made 200 from how slow it was I had to go

[@RogerWakefield]

That’s crazy…

[@joshdepuy191]

Yeah HomeAdvisor screening process is pay us $329 for the annual fee plus whatever you want to put towards your marketing budget to be listed higher up on the first page and they'll tell the customer you're the greatest licensed Tradesmen in the whole us🤣

[@samhigger467]

When it comes to roto rooter it depends on entirely who is running the branch I got in with a great one bought my van and thank god everyday I did. I had worked construction before that hated it but absolutely love plumbing and learned under guys that were very good at what they do

[@RogerWakefield]

Glad to hear you found a good crew to learn from!

[@Astrnauted]

my boy was talking about those twins selling the scam epoxy pea for the California licenses LOL

[@Sh1tzboutagodown]

Huh scam pea for license

[@RogerWakefield]

Yep!

[@donaldblank8873]

Heating and air conditioning companies in Oregon are installing water heaters on their own. And claiming they can't do so. Totally illegal. Only a licensed plumber can alter or modify or add 2 plumbing in Oregon. And it has to be an oregon license holder. But yet we got guys from California saying they are licensed and that's all the customer wants to hear.

[@gnic76]

5k for a water heater sounds criminal.

[@RogerWakefield]

That's kinda crazy...

[@mikevandenboom5958]

I have a 50gal condensing gas hot water tank. Supplier gave me a price of $5400 cdn. Of course the plumber told me the tank was $7000 . That's alot of mark up! So I'm just putting in tankless

[@mikevandenboom5958]

I'm in the electrical field. We do just take pictures and send it in for inspection.

[@michaelshepherd733]

$1200 labor for a simple 40gal electric water heater install is criminal.....I did it myself in 20 minutes

[@ddrogue474]

Water heaters that cost $5000 or more are not the same as the water heater you can buy at home Depot, Menards, Lowe's, etc. Very different quality. There is more that just the water heater that a plumber has to pay for.

[@shanethrelfall416]

I’m shocked most plumbers don’t get the water heater inspected after installation. Absolutely shocking

[@Trump985]

What do you want to do? Turn a simple water heater replacement into a multi day $5,000 project? It's a water heater not the space shuttle!

[@erikbrantner4295]

I do plumbing on the side for anyone who needs something done, I've seen and heard about a lot of negative things big plumbing companies do especially with they're commission and pricing. Many things I've seen very wrong with a few things I've seen that roto rooter or some other companies did that according to the customer has said I've had to correct.. I know quite a bit about this profession and have been doing it for many years but I question if these companies have many working for them know half A's much or less. One of the many things I've seen has been a galvanized fitting put directly into copper, A very common seen.. Many have told me a plumber had installed such a thing and I just wonder 🤔🤔

[@wuldntuliktonoptb6861]

Gotta go for an interview at my local pipefitter, and plumbers union to take tests for an interview for HVAC today, wish me luck!

[@RogerWakefield]

Good luck, you got this!

[@ItsTheCostanza]

There’s alot of hot shots on KZbin HVAC plumber guys who are salesman

[@ataxias8183]

looked like the roto guy had cpvc. around here the stuff was great when it went in but 7-10 years later you breath on that stuff the wrong way and it splits. ive had to do quite a few repairs on gramas houses that go from a 2 inch split because the crawl space heater went out and it froze to replacing a foot or more of it because it split further cutting it apart or had to bend the old stuff a little bit to get the new stuff in and then that breaks a day later(edit) not a plumber just trying to help grama XD

[@cpm324]

A fool and his money will soon be parted. People need to get a brain and use it.

[@eli_ace]

I work for Roto Rooter. Gotta be the worst way to get into a trade if your hopes are to learn and get a license, at least at ours. And we never pull permits on anything 😬

[@crazydoglady5]

thats terrible. will you stay working there?

[@RogerWakefield]

That’s a problem for sure, I hope you’re able to get out of there!

[@TzUuup]

I wish a reporter would show up on my property. He'll have a fun time

[@RogerWakefield]

Can I show up? Lol

[@kurtisstutzman7056]

Was a 24-karat water heater...?!?

[@donmarotz4518]

5,000 for a water heater that’s insane, 😂now you really need to charge them 20,000 for damages. If you have to take them to Curt and make them double that

[@mikevandenboom5958]

I have a question for you plumbers. A drain camera is just another tool. Since you bill by the hour anyway. Is it standard practice to charge extra for using a camera?

[@marcomontiel3915]

ARS roto rooter and rapid pluming all in the same boat.

[@Calebjones87]

I know tradesman don’t like helicopters customers but there reason is valid to make sure tradesman don’t break stuff to get a up sale or scam

[@EdwinSemidey]

I heard the guy say he broke the pipe. But he wouldn't let him speak

[@monteglover4133]

In a suburb of Chicago the scam of needing the main sewer between the house and the street the provided camera inspection required for a permit. I had a contractor try to scam me. When possible get a second opinion, don’t mention what the other contractor said or did.

[@ralphvasso7209]

Hey roger I wanted to get your opinion on guys that been to jail that are plumbers. Obviously that guy in the video was in jail because of scamming people. I’ve been a plumber for about 26 years and when I was younger I made some mistakes and spent some time in jail but when I got out I’ve stayed out of trouble and I’ve been working for a guy and running the show for the last 13 years. Obviously my opinion is I think as long as you’re good at your job and do what you’re paid to do it shouldn’t matter. But I’d like to know what you think. Thanks

[@RogerWakefield]

I’m the same way…we’ve all done crazy things in the past..if I were hiring someone I’d look at how long ago that occurred, and what jobs and responsibilities you’ve had since and if that would affect your job performance for what I’m hiring for…

[@fullsizechino6278]

Even 5k is overpriced

[@RogerWakefield]

It's outrageous

[@kr3wz89]

Im co owner of a small resi/com electrical service company and i tell every customer to avoid anyone that had tv commercials and billboards. In AZ we have Parker and Sons or George Brasil as the big turn and burn rip off companies that only pay commission. I wont even hire an electrician if they have worked for them

[@niyablake]

My father did pass inspection with pictures

[@weebnoob4973]

Everyone in this section saying a license doesn’t mean you’re a real plumber obviously doesn’t have a license. Just tell us you wanna be like us when you grow up..

[@tvojslauf]

There are some guys that got their license because someone lied about their hours or experience

[@weebnoob4973]

@@tvojslauf There will be bad apples in every single trade. There are guys that scam old people out of money in this trade and others. So long as you did yours the right way you have a reason to be proud of it. I’m damn proud of my license because they don’t give them away, if they did then everyone in this comment section trolling us licensed guys would have one as well and wouldn’t be trolling.

[@tvojslauf]

@@weebnoob4973maybe they’re talking about those bad apples 🤷🏻‍♂️ Also I know some licensed guys in every trade that are scammers and hacks who don’t take pride in their work. Point being license doesn’t necessarily equal good or professional etc.

[@tvojslauf]

The bad apples and guys that lied to get their licenses give the people in the comments room to criticize

[@weebnoob4973]

@@tvojslauf agreed but if a guy can lie and get his license whose only been around a year or two and a 30 year apprentice can’t get his license then the 30 year apprentice needs to reevaluate his life and or educate himself. Also it depends on the state you are in and what courses/company you go through, I’ve heard some that can go through a class in a year and be certified to take their jmans right after.

[@PandaMan02]

you need a permit to replace a water heater?

[@Drewdayz2419]

Five grand for a new water heater is crazy

[@rhock1979]

That’s why I feel all trade plumbing, electrical, gas etc, should have what gas have over here in uk 🇬🇧, which is to work on any gas appliances you need to hold a up to date gas safe certificate, if you don’t have it and you do gas work ie work on gas boiler you can be prosecuted for, which be huge fine, jail term or both.

[@deweyabbott5310]

I'm trying to wrap my head arnd even 5000 dollars for a dam water heater install

[@crazydoglady5]

exactly.. would never pay that. i would have to figure it out myself and do it.

[@00gyb00gy]

Direct Power vented 75 Gallon Water Heater is practically 3K in materials... 5K is a sweet price!

[@RogerWakefield]

California prices…🙄

[@Sh1tzboutagodown]

The man bills out $5,000.00 that’s his price. You can google another number and get another price. So there are cheap prices and expensive prices just like vehicles and food and paint and sneakers and mulch and furniture and pizzas and hair salons and everything else………….but folks want to complain about tradesmen😂 I love arguing w clients for real it’s like chess…….1) they look down on us and get mad when you make more $ than them…….I make them pay 1st also…….I’m a savage and taking no losses.

[@00gyb00gy]

@Sh1tzboutagodown Chess? You're playing checkers if you think "arguing with customers" is a win. You're not there to argue. You're not even there to sell. You should be there to consult. They're not expected to be plumbers. Explain to them in simple terms and give them options. Good, better, best. Consult with them. If you're such a savage, you're up to the challenge, right? Be a consultant. Try to figure out how to explain in as simple terms as possible and give them options. No arguing, they can make the choice between Good, Better, Best option. *Consult*

[@terpman]

I agree that I'd like to hear what the Roto Rooter plumber has to say. That was a pretty one-sided video. I've been in situations myself where, out of context, you'd think I was trying to scam someone, but there were legitimate things going on. I like that you don't openly disparage other companies (unless they're literally criminal). I have a pretty strict policy for all my employees, they aren't allowed to talk crap about other companies to clients. I don't need the libel lawsuits and bad blood coming my way.

[@arkas2099]

The roto rooter video is still upline and the comments give more context to the situation. It isn't what it seems to be.

[@RogerWakefield]

It’s important to be respectful, even when you disagree.

[@desertfish6821]

Never trust a plumber. They will charge 500 to install a toilet or a sink faucet set. Don't forget they get at least 85 just to show up, no way you can get a free estimate. Try to hire a good handy man for easy type install jobs like toilets, sinks or garbage disposals. Better yet watch a KZbin video and do it yourself. You might need a few tools but they aren't that expensive.

[@jessehickman668]

2:32 🤨

[@liquidalloy]

@1:34 👀😂

[@wuldntuliktonoptb6861]

The bank could have commented they did the right thing.

[@RogerWakefield]

They could've, I wonder why they didn't

[@stevejohnson6053]

"ex con" ??? thats like saying luigi is an ex murderer

[@JB-by8zk]

The ones that do try to scam customers or over charge they are on commission, there’s no need to dishonest there’s plenty of work out there!!! They the good plumbers look bad

[@Harloha]

Aloha Roger

[@RogerWakefield]

Aloha, good to see you again brother

[@ataxias8183]

I honestly didnt know you where needed to get a permit to replace a water heater XD grama owns rentals and dont think ive seen it inspected after

[@Spec360]

Permits can save your ass

[@semosancus5506]

Or not...there was a case around here where a new house had major problems. It was even admitted in court that the inspectors didn't even show up for most inspections, just passed them without "inspection". Guess what happened in court? Nothing. The court ruled the government is not liable or responsible. Shocker!

[@reguspatoff2000]

YADA, YADA, YADA . . . BYE

[@joeblow6199]

5gs is still a lot for a heater

[@boringpolitician]

Hmmm... See, I don't think this is isolated to one industry (mr. Wakefield never claimed it was, I'm just clarifying it, not trying to strawman or something). I think it's part of the times we live in. It wasn't like this in the 80's, early 90's. Selfishness has shot through the roof. And people don't even worry about destroying other people's property in order to make a quick buck off of their suffering, any more.

[@donaldblank8873]

100% of the problem Is customer ignorance. They opened their door wide open for criminal activity. I have never ever met one customer that new how to look up a plumbing company's license or a Building code division license. Or a business license. Or a journeyman plumbers license. All customers just assumed that you can do it and your league. This leaves the door wide open. For all of these comments. And false and misleading videos. Did you know in Oregon not only do you need a plumbing license to install a water heater you also need a limited electrical license at the same time and in order to acquire this that is 8 years of school and training in both trades. Nobody pulls a permit.

[@newblakestone]

React to more plumbing disasters

[@RogerWakefield]

Would love to! Just need to find some good ones!

[@PlumberOfAustin]

Always pull permits

[@donaldblank8873]

Since I started watching all these videos about everything years and years of it. I have noticed there has never ever been a change in the way things they are done because of people b******* about it. By videos or by radio. But yet people keep on b******* about it. Why not just play a little music.

[@luisdurazo8895]

So you’re saying you pull permits each time you do a water heater? Yeah right

[@RogerWakefield]

I do…I take pride in what I do

[@MarkOstrowski-p9o]

I was scam before

[@RogerWakefield]

What happened?

[@MarkOstrowski-p9o]

@RogerWakefield I had some plumbing jobs done and so on they did not do what they were supposed to do

[@rondoeyo]

The thing about reviews you dont look at them intell your screwed

[@Gemni65]

License plumbing means you passed a written test with open book so you can read and write but your plumbing work is questionable

[@mackhughson3722]

A lot of people fail it’s not easy. Too many questions to sit there and flip through the book. A lot of scummy people though who do unlicensed work and lie.

[@PlumberOfAustin]

Nope , Passed 4 Plumbing tests in Texas , no open book

[@Gemni65]

@ not if you know your book plus In my state you go take a pre test class and they go over the tests with you before hand then take the test

[@Gemni65]

@ and license plumbers are no better the contractors use the cheapest plumbers they can find so they get cheap work and the inspectors don’t want to get dirty

[@Gemni65]

@ they also give out drivers license to people that passed a test or two but they still wreck they passed test but doesn’t make them a good or great driver it means that they passed a test that is it they passed a test it doesn’t give them morals or anything else

[@vintagegamecrazy]

Wow first comment. Lol

[@RogerWakefield]

Winner!

[@nobadmojo70]

We are all winners when we watch your content! Thank you. ​@@RogerWakefield

[@RogerWakefield]

Y’all really are…I appreciate yall watching

[@Damn-Son]

If 12:30 was a black man no news agency would touch it oy vey

[@crazydoglady5]

are you racist? Geezz goodbye.

[@tedwilliams8766]

sage plumbing is soldering a press fitting? thanks to yt and my experience in construction for 30 yrs, theres nothing i need to call someone to fix for me. learn a skill, people and save yourselves ALOT of money.