Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Had a sump pump emergency and these folks were timely and efficient in helping us out on a Saturday morning. Highly recommend!

Dangerously Incompetent. We had out water heater explode and Ben Franklin come out to do the repair. Everything was fine at first, they quoted us some different options and the install guy was very honest and straight forward about what our house and needs would be. Shortly after the instal we began to smell NATURAL GAS coming from the water heater. They came out for a service call in a timely fashion, and made some adjustments. Still smelled the gas. Called them to come back and the most rude incompetent plumber I've ever met come to my house to promptly tell me that there was no gas leak before he even checked. He said, "they already fixed it." I stood there with him while he checked, and when his meter continually went off, he explained, in no uncertain terms, that it was just the sensitivity at which he had the meter set. I said ok, turn it down, and then it STILL caught gas. He tightened a nut on the gas line and called it good, and told me the problem was solved. I told him I disagreed and that if I keep smelling gas we will call again. He rolled his eyes and left. Today we woke up to a basement FULL OF GAS, called them and they said they would send someone right out. Same guy calls and tells us that there is no leak, and if he comes out and "doesn't find a leak," they will charge us for the visit. I work in emergencies every day, it's literally my job when to tell when something is, and is NOT an emergency. Basement full gas = emergency. I will NEVER call Ben Franklin for ANY kind of service again. I'm writing the review to share our story, because this is the kind of NEGLIGENCE that I see KILL PEOPLE. NOT RECOMMENDED.

I guess I am most shocked (don't want to say upset) about a charge of $110 to come to my home during the day and remove a screw from my garbage disposal. That is the amount charged AFTER they waived the new customer service fee of $68. WOW I think I will definitely shop around more next time. Not thinking I will call these guys again.

The work was done properly, however, the price discrepancy on the original quote vs. what I actually paid was extreme. As I read the other reviews it looks like this is a pattern of their practice. **Wanted to provide an update to my review. When the plumbers were here they made sure to tell me how awful and old my water softener was. They even looked in the top of the toilet and said that my hard water would eat away the valves and float arm and that it has already ruined valves behind the toilets. I had the company who installed the water softener for a second opinion and sure enough, the water softener was working properly. He also mentioned that the price I was quoted for a new water softener was extremely high and if I did need a new one (which I don't) he would be able to install for about $1,700 less than I was quoted with BF.

I'm torn, Iowa City. If you go with Ben Franklin you will get the double-edged sword of franchise businesses. On one hand you will get incredible customer support and service. On the other hand you'll be charged premium prices and be serviced by technicians who are skilled in the art of the up-sell. We returned from the weekend to find our water-heater wouldn't stay lit. The problem was probably the Thermal Coupler (a $15 part tops), but I figured I wouldn't risk it and called a professional. Almost every other plumber in town said it would cost $80 bucks with parts and labor. Almost every other plumber in town was also booked, and most of them sucked on the phone. When I called Ben Franklin they were extremely polite, courteous, and helpful. Here's the downside, though. When Lance, our plumber, arrived he informed me that it would cost about $150 to fix the heated based on their "guaranteed price scale." He also skillfully pitched a number of replacements (over $1,000) and personal service plans. The price was too high, but I didn't want to wait until morning when other plumbers could get there, so he fixed the part in about 15 minutes. Lance was great. He was informative, and after he fixed the part he showed me a number of things that would be factors in finishing our basement. Yes, he tried to sell me more than I probably needed though this experience, but I can't fault him for this and he did his job extremely well. Ben Franklin was courteous, professional and quick, but I really just wanted some dude in grimy clothes to show up in a pick-up, fix the part and charge me $75. Weigh your options, if quality, timing and courtesy is a MUST then go with these guys. But if you're just looking for a reliable and affordable guy with a wrench, the price may not be right...