Plumbers Not Returning Calls

What's a reasonable time to wait for a return call? I have a project, not an emergency. On last Friday morning I called one of the plumbers *mentioned quite often here* and got the voice mail. I briefly explained what I was looking for and left my number. I never heard back, so I called again Tuesday, left a message. Still no return call by the end of day Wednesday. I called another plumber -- also mentioned quite often here  -- on Thursday morning and got voice mail. Still no call back as of late Friday afternoon, either from him or the original guy. Like I said, it's not an emergency, but I would like to at least talk to somebody. Both of the people I called get spoken of very highly on this board, I'm a little surprised and annoyed that I haven't heard from anybody yet. Am I being unreasonable? 


Sometimes they are just too busy.  Try some more plumbers. Yes, they should call, but it's easier to just move on.


It's also that time of year when folks start to discover that they have a problem with their boiler or want to have it serviced in preparation for the colder weather.


I’ve had the same problem.  Since it’s rare for any of them to get back to me I’ve concluded that there’s a new law outlawing good customer service.

We had 5 heating guys(who came quickly to estimate the job) give us their estimate on a large job.  Of these only 1 followed up with a call- several weeks later.  When we chose who to go with I called him 2 weeks ago.  He said it should take 2 weeks (today) it would be done.  A few days ago he called to set up an appt. for Oct 15!

What can we do...they have us by the boilers.


Maybe if you explain what it is you want to do here, someone might be able to help you find a plumber. There’s two plumbers who post on this message board. 


It's running a gas line extension so that I can install a gas insert into a fireplace.


It helps to use the same plumber on a regular basis.  If the plumber considers you a regular customer, they are more likely to get back to you quickly.  I have found that some plumbers rely on an answering service or prefer to receive text messages.  Try sending a text and see if you get a reply.


Many Plumbers and contractors I know who do bathroom and kitchen remodeling tell me that they are booked solid through December and some until February!


There are always a lot of "emergencies" right at the beginning of heating season when people try to turn on their heat for the first time and find out something is wrong.  I had that happen to me a couple of weeks ago, but I do have a "regular" plumber and he came out.  But he won't be able to get to my regular boiler service for a few weeks.


Thank you everybody. I did find somebody to come take a look this week. If either of the other plumbers call back I’ll talk to them as well, but at least I have one guy on the schedule 



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