Would You Pay a Plumber That Couldn’t Unclog Your Pipe?

Before any work is conducted on your plumbing system, you are required to sign a document giving permission for the plumber to work on your system and stating that you are responsible for the conducted work. This contract is non-negotiable. However, what if the plumber fails to unclog your pipe? Does it mean you should refuse to pay?

It's tempting to refuse payment, especially when a job seems impossible or when the plumber comes back with a high bill. However, by refusing to pay, you may be setting yourself up for more significant issues down the road, including financial penalties and potential legal troubles. Here's an example of how it unfolded for one plumber.

Case Study: A Mechanic's Lien Gone Wrong

Before I start any work on your plumbing system, you must sign a document that states you give me permission to conduct work on your system. You're also responsible for the costs incurred. Not everyone agrees to this arrangement. Mr. X, for one, said, I ain't gonna pay. If you do not pay, I will slap a mechanic's lien on your property. This lien is served in such a way that it will be difficult for you to understand what's happening.

The lien will come into play when you apply for a car loan, a mortgage, or to sell the property. Depending on the state you live in, you will have to pay me three times the original amount plus attorney fees. The lien costs me $50 annually to maintain, so please refuse to pay me. Here’s some math: you owe me $2,000 originally. You try to hide for three years. I pay $150 to enforce the lien and get back $6,150. Plus, the lien will significantly damage your credit on all three credit reports.

Real-Life Experience

I've had this experience personally. I was running a sink machine through a 2-inch cast iron washing machine drain, and it came to an impasse. I told the client I would bill for my time, but they refused. They called another plumber, who did the same. They fixed the section of cast iron but refused to pay. The first plumber tried to bill them for $250, but because they didn't pay, I barred them from any other work.

These clients had been good ones, managing and owning rental properties. They ultimately ended up paying other plumbers more than I was charging. Since opening my business in 2003, I've had maybe 5 or 6 clients who didn't pay; the highest amount was $500. For those amounts, I'm not stressing out or spending time and legal fees chasing them. The Bible says, 'You reap what you sow.' Their fight is now with God, not me, and they will not win that one.

The Value of a Plumber's Time

Plumbing services are not like standing in line for a coffee at the corner shop. When you hire a plumber, they are providing their expertise and dedicated time to fix your plumbing issues. If you pay a plumber to come out and they can’t clear the clog, it's not because they are lazy or incompetent. Most of the time, it's because the pipe is broken, corroded, or has grown over with tree roots.

When faced with a clog, many plumbers try various methods to clear it before resorting to more invasive, time-consuming repairs. For example, in one case, we had to dig up the pipe, cut it, and remove a tail of tree roots seven feet long and four inches in diameter. Yes, we charged for the time spent trying to clear the sewer as well as the time spent digging it up. You can always do it yourself, but why subject yourself to that hassle?

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is understandable to want to avoid paying a bill, avoid the temptation to refuse payment to a plumber. The hidden costs of non-payment, such as lien payments and legal fees, can be far more expensive than the initial bill. Respect the plumber's time and expertise, and ensure they are compensated for their work. This will not only keep the peace but also prevent unexpected financial troubles in the future.