Shady business practices. We called to get pricing, and they explained their hourly rates included labor and materials. We booked them. Then after the job was done, zero invoices were ever given, just an end price, and the owner called DEMANDING a check be brought to them immediately, and if it weren't, they would continue charging me. (Side note: this is an investment property, and no one lives here). I explained that it was 6:30 in the evening and I was making dinner, and I couldn't stop what I was doing to drive them a check to their office or the property. He told me the technician wouldn't be leaving until they got paid, and I told them I would be calling the police to remove him from the property. They then left. Then the next day, I went to the property, and they didn't even clean up or fix the woodwork they took off. The property was much messier than I ever expected. I thought they would clean up and fix what they took off. Nope, they throw it to the side like it isn't their problem. Also, we had them look at the powder room sink, and they stated they knew exactly what the problem was- they could fix it. They did all this stuff to it, and it's still leaking. I explained I shouldn't have to pay for something they tried to fix but didn't work. Then they had the nerve to ask if I wanted them to come back tomorrow to fix it. We also asked them to install the bathtub, and they didn't even put the walls on. We had the base completely installed and in place. They just needed to do the plumbing and put the walls on- they couldn't even do that!!! Next, the billing. When we called to book, we were told the pricing was hourly, and they don't come out to do estimates. Pricing included labor and materials. Come to find out, pricing was only labor. Different than what we were told. Then after talking with the technician, they seemed very confident that everything could be done that day. Then we got a call later that evening stating they couldn't get it all done, so they would need a few hours the next day- okay, fine. We understand things sometimes don't go as planned. Then the next day, we got a call at 6:00 pm stating they had just finished! What in gods name were they doing all day?! So, my assistant went over there to lock up, and the technician was very nice; his name was Lee. But Lee stated he stopped the clock on us because he felt bad about continuing to charge us the way the owner had told him to do. (Lovely Owner) Then the owner told me on the phone that they weren't leaving until he got paid. I get that times are tough, but maybe make your expectations known ahead of time if you plan to demand payment be rendered immediately and aggressively. Next, if you choose to use this "business" for any projects, I highly recommend you stay there to babysit, guaranteeing that all work is done properly. Lastly, use this company with caution. I would seriously consider these reviews before even calling Merrell Plumbing. This was a great lesson for me, and I would hate for anyone to make the same mistake I did. read more

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We had Merrill Plumbing put in a new tile shower for us. They came when they said they would. The workers were courteous and professional. The pricing was reasonable. After they were done someone had to come back once to tighten the faucet handle and put in a little bit more caulking in one area. They came back based on our schedule, not theirs. The job was done quickly and we were not charged any extra. Over all we were pleased with the whole experience. read more

Poor workmanship on a water heater install. Had to call them out 3 separate times. Even though the water heater is still under warranty they do not feel it's their problem to check out why a house inspector is saying " the water heater vent is not properly drafting...This is a safety issue." read more

I scheduled an appointment nearly one week in advance for an estimate on a substantial reconfiguration of the bathrooms in our house. The office person stated that we would be the first appointment and that the person would contact me before going. I explained that it would take me about 30 minutes to get to the property. This morning I received a call around 8:30 from the guy saying that he was on his way and would arrive in 15 minutes. I rushed to get to the house and waited only to get a call from the office person stating that the technician would not be there this morning but would be there around 1PM! I explained that I drove all of the way there to meet him at the time that he specified and that he can keep driving since this incompetent company cannot even get scheduling commitments correct! Too bad that this mismanagement of schedules and lack of customer service awareness cost them a job that we had a budget of $30K! I am sure that I am not the first or last that will have this problem. BEWARE of shady business practices by Merrell Plumbing. read more

This place sucks. I scheduled a technician to come out to fix an issue with the showers hot water not lasting. On monday, a technician came out and informed me they needed a part to be shipped. I called and checked and they said it would not come in until friday...so I waited 5 days only for another technician to come out and fire it up and say "it's working fine." I have been waiting for 5 days for my family to take a shower but ok then... Then another technician comes out and tells me it is not the hot water heater at all, it is actually a shower valve issue or pipeline issue. Why couldn't you tell me that the very first day they came out here and save me some time? I have a 5 month old at home and no one has time to sit around and wait. No sense of urgency at all! read more

Highly Disappointed/Dissatisfied. 8/18/21 had hot water tank replaced by Merrell tech. Paid $1536.15. 9/5/21 have water dripping down the wall and on to the floor. Discover it's coming from a hot water pipe and call Merrell back for emergency service to repair. Paid $500.85. 9/8/21 talk with Mark about my concern that the leak was coming from the same pipe that connects to the hot water tank that was replaced a couple of weeks earlier. Coincidental? Maybe/Maybe not. I ask Mark, as a good faith gesture, if an adjustment could be made (i.e. that I pay the regular labor rate vs. the emergency labor rate) as I believe the leaking issue could have been related to when the hot water tank was replaced as the tech would have had contact with that water pipe. Mark's responses: "There was some corrosion on the pipe so no adjustment will be made" (my attempts to say that perhaps the tech working on the end of the pipe contributed to the leak happening were dismissed). "I made the decision to schedule the emergency call on Sunday and not wait until Tuesday when the office was back open". That was correct but I had water coming down my wall. "I could have turned the water off". That was correct but having no water for several days was not a viable option for me and my family. read more

I had an issue with my hot water heater. Merrell Plumbing was close to my business, only a 2 or 3 miles away so thought that would keep the costs down. Was I ever wrong! The person who came was only here 10 minutes and charged me $150 to relight the pilot light in my hot water heater. I call that robbery. Wont use them again. read more

We had to have our water heater replaced over a weekend and chose Merrell Plumbing to do the job. They sent us John, who was great. Professional, immediately put covers on his shoes before coming into the house, got right to work and cleaned up so that we wouldn't have even known he was there. It's not an inexpensive proposition to have this done on the weekend folks; so be prepared for that. The only complaint I have is that they did not tell me (until it was time to pay) that they charge an additional 4% to use a credit or debit card. I understand vendors pay to accept credit cards but isn't that a part of doing business (?) and let's be honest they were charging $234 an hour. That said; I would do business with them again based on our experience with John; but I do think they should rethink their credit card policy. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews. I know plumbing is expensive but Merrell Plumbing will always be on my contact list. I had extensive problems and, not only did I not have to replace any busted concrete, the price I paid was under the estimate given. All of the guys that did my work were professional, friendly, and informative. I couldn't be happier. Debbi L. read more

I was charged over $400 to replace a T&P relief valve on my 2 year old water heater. Enough said. Please don't use this group as you will be grossly overcharged! read more

They came out and charged me 243.00 to fix the chain from the flush lever of my toilet. Two weeks later it is not working. Called them to come out and re-fix it. They said they could only come out during their "regular hours" to refix, as I would have to pay extra for overtime past 5 or on a weekend. To refix a bad job which should have never cost that much anyway? Definitely a company that does not stand by their service. The customer obviously is last. Beware. read more

My mother had a new sink installed with her kitchen reno. The sink clogged a couple months later and the plumber said the drain was not installed correctly. Ok. Expensive fix but I understand, to not have an issue anymore. 2 months later the same thing happens and now the repair bill is MORE expensive for the same fix that they did last time. read more

After discovering an underground pipe would need replaced, I contacted a few different plumbing services. Ben from Merrell came out and bored a new hole under my driveway, saving me the hassle of breaking up the driveway, trenching, and repaving the driveway. They were very professional and came out in a timely manor. They also stayed true to their quote, which in my opinion shows how honest a company they are. They ensured I was satisfied before they packed up and left. I will be recommending them to anyone asking. read more

Montgomery County Water District claimed there was a water leak on our side of the service, so I looked for several quotes from licensed plumbers. Merrell Plumbing was the first one to get back to me, and provided a quote for fixing the leak, and installing other service upgrades required by MCWD. The quote included all permits and inspections, and regrading the excavation. When Merrell completed the job, MCWD was unavailable for inspections, so they took photos of the fix, and filled in and graded the hole. MCWD showed up a week later demanding to see the fix, and wouldn't accept the photos as inspection evidence, so Merrell re-excavated for the inspector. There was no extra charge for the extra work. All interactions were prompt and professional. Oh, and there was no leak, at least not on our side of the service. Thank you, Merrell Plumbing, and thanks for dealing with MCWD. read more

They came to check out the job on the first day & we were told we had an "easy" plumbing job. We were also told would only take a "couple hours." They scheduled to start work the following business day. Long story short, they stayed WAY longer than what was originally said with out any further communication. Every time we asked what was going on, they still didn't communicate. To top it off...the faucet wasn't screwed in properly and the hole was drilled in the wrong place-in our brand new tile. Also, the pipe leaked onto our basement floor. We were overcharged by ALOT. They came out & fixed the issue (they created) a few days later & still refused to lower the bill. The mis-communication is eye opening. After many phone calls we finally spoke w the owner-who accused us of lying and said he will "gladly" take more from us than the actual bill in court. The owner is unprofessional and mean. They stand behind employees who don't do their job correctly & treat their customers poorly. read more

I paid almost $1.000 for a new AOSmith water heater in 2012. It began failing in Nov2015. I was charged $500 for two trips to repair a failed ignition system, even tho it was under warranty. The heater (same problem) failed two more times in September 2016. the service person said it could not be repaired so would try to get me a new heater from the manufacturer. I went 4 days without a water heater before I was told AOsmith would provide a new heater, but there would be about a $350 charge, which would make my total investment in a defective water heater of almost $2,000. I declined to pay any more for a defective product that was under warranty. I would steer clear of this company. read more

Start shelling out the money before they even get there. Just needed a urinal unglogged and they charged me an hour and a half for 45 minutes worth of work. At $120 an hour, it wasn't chump change. Now I know why they won't invoice and want payment immediately. Apparently, they expect to be paid for unloading and loading their equipment, filling out their paper work, talking on the phone and whatever else they can do to drag out the time. Add $6 for a 1/4 tube of caulk, $2 for .25 worth of putty and $12 for generic boot covers and cheap latex gloves. After all that, $200 later, they don't even warranty the clog that they didn't completely fix. Stated that he doesn't have what he needed and if he went an got it, he would have to charge for the time. This company is apparently ran by greedy rip off artist since I called the office and they said that's the way it is. Wish I had a review to read before they came out so I could have went with someone else that wouldn't try to drain me for everything that they could. read more