Review and analyze now for company Pipe Spy and provide the analysis in the discussed format for the following reviews: '''Pipe Spy did our sewer lateral a few years ago and they've fixed a few things here and there on our 100+ year old house. They've been super easy to work with, very professional and transparent with the work they did.
They were quick, efficient, honest, reliable and pleasant, I wouldn't call anyone else. I am a Realtor and have used PipeSpy on multiple investment projects and always recommend them to clients.
They have always done good work which made this last experience that much more baffling. Their camera inspection came back with damage noted in the last 7' closest to the house of a 50' lateral.
I asked for a quote, then asked again and again and again by phone and email. I spoke to staff several times and we discussed the project but there was no follow through on a quote.
They have always been prompt on past jobs so this was odd. Then I got a quote to replace the entire lateral, which is not what the video called for and not what I had discussed with staff previously.
I pointed this out and they said they had mixed up my video with someone else's. But a lot of homeowners would have just trusted them and over-paid by 6k for work that was not needed.
The corrected quote I got back was still super high, $6,800 to replace 7' of lateral. Pipespy acknowledged it was very high for the amount of work required but said they did not have much flexibility in how they bill jobs.
I ended up scheduling another company for $4,000. I regret that Pipespy will no longer be my blanket go-to for future clients and projects.
The customer service is top notch! We used them to get a sewer lateral certificate for the City of Berkeley through my work. They were very easy to work with! I called Pipe Spy to clean a backed up main line.
They were out the next mornin. The technician showed up on time and was friendly and polite.
He communicated the problem and clean and then scoped. I was surprised it was less than was quote.
I would definitely recommend this company. We needed a new Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) to be in compliance with EBMUD and local ordinances.
We preemptively pursued this project because we are planners. We didn't wait for our pipes to break or have a trigger that would require replacing our PSL.
We share a PSL with our neighbor It was a large project and on a steep hillside, but from start to finish we were so pleased with PipeSpy. Their professionalism, responsiveness, ease to work with, and they reviewed all aspects of the job from start to finish.
We approached them via their website and their response was immediate. The estimator was forthcoming.
The contracts were thorough and easy to read. This project by no means was inexpensive.
House infrastructure is a commitment. It was a two-step process to fix one large root intrusion into our terracotta sewer pipes to be able to visualize the rest of our lines and understand the full scope of the job and where the neighbor connected.
The technicians worked hard and cleaned up after each day. The inspections were scheduled with the City and EBMUD.
We passed :) As an aside, we interviewed 4 other companies, and PipeSpy won out on all aspects. We do not hesitate recommending PipeSpy to others.
There are a very good company in our opinion. Customer service was incredible.
James was very communicative, knowledgeable, and took time to explain everything to me. He really went the extra mile in helping get us up to code on our sewer lateral.
10/10 would recommend James came out for a sewer lateral inspection and did a great job, arrived on time and provided a video afterwards. Everyone at PipeSpy was helpful and professional, and I would have no concerns working with them if I ever need a repair.
Pipe Spy did a wonderful job completing sewer lateral repairs to bring our HOA into compliance with EBMUD. James was communicative and knowledgable and made time to answer all our questions.
Pipe Spy knows the ins and outs of working with EBMUD on these kinds of projects, which was reassuring because it was a large scale project that required multiple points of contact with EBMUD. The work crew was great and we got positive feedback from our HOA community about their professionalism.
I would highly recommend Pipe Spy. It's been approx.
5 months since we've used Pipe Spy, but I wanted to report that they did an excellent job. After dealing with a company that seemed to be overcharging us, we contacted Pipe Spy.
Our problem was urgent, and James was prompt and professional and went well above and beyond our expectations in resolving our 91-year-old mom's plumbing issues. The problem was extensive and required excavation of a sewer line.
James served and resolved our mom's problem as if he was caring for his own mom. We really appreciate what he did and will definitely use Pipe Spy again if needed.
Thank you to James and the entire team for the quick response. James from PipeSpy was incredibly helpful.
He spent the time with the video camera to properly diagnose my situation. Other companies not only missed things but lied about others things to scare me into unnecessary, expensive procedures.
James was friendly, prompt, professional, explained things thoroughly and didn't push unnecessary interventions. I highly recommend PipeSpy for help with your sewer lateral issues.
Very impressed with the service and sensitivity to our time line as we were in need to start work right away. They were responsive and communicated well to our needs.
I would definitely work with these guys again! Pipe Spy has come through for me time and time again. From replacing a sewer later to coming out to check on a toilet and line.
They have been incredibly professional and responsive. I highly recommend.
Pipe Spy does not provide required 24 hrs notice on street for necessary car removal to access main sewer line, Although working on Perkins Street, Oakland all week from 8/30 - 9/3/21 the crew simply moved No Parking sidewalk signs an hour before work began each day to the necessary location. Neighbors spoke to "crew supervisor" along with his support staff requesting prior days notice so they could comply.
His response was "not my job". We are very pleased that we chose Pipe Spy to replace our sewer lateral.
The $200 inspection fee was WELL worth it and the very persuasive video was emailed to us. The bid was slightly above the other we received, but so glad we chose Pipe Spy.
Their professionalism from beginning to end convinced us of the great value we received. The crew was incredibly polite and stopped work to answer any and all questions, great eye contact.
We saw no loafing using personal cell phones during work time. The job organization showed from the estimate through work scheduling, permit inspection timing and clean up.
Walter Sr. is the ultimate craftsman, his cement work is a work of art.
Amilcar and Walter Jr. were efficient, focused and such hard workers.
Everyone on our jobsite was always pleasant. Unexpected bonus: Pipe Spy signed and coned off parking on our street so that their trucks and the porta-potty rig were right where they were expected to be for 3 days.
Thanks as well, to Jordan who supervises the office and patiently answers all questions. We got what we paid for and then some.
Highly recommend PipeSpy in Oakland! Pipe Spy replaced the entire sewer system from the house to the city sewer line. They came immediately to help, then scheduled a complete repair, did a perfect job of repair, and left the premises better off than when they started.
An excellent company that walks the walk. Pipe Spy did an excellent job for me.
From beginning to end, they were helpful, efficient and effective. James, my contact there, was outstanding at diagnosing what was needed, explaining it clearly, telling me what was needed and how he could get the job done.
He stayed in close touch and whenever he said he was going to do something, he did. The workmen came on time and did the job professionally and left the site at least as good as they found it.
All in all, this was a first class experience. I am a local Realtor that contracted Pipe Spy to replace a sewer Lat.
They are awesome and responsive! Buyer had a clog the other day, Paul sent a crew out within an hr and determined it was the City of Oakland's system that was bagged up. Paul gave me numbers of who to call...they came out and my clients are happier than ever.
Paul also checked back with me to ensure all was handled by the city...great follow-up...great client service! I highly recommend Run ! These guys directly lied, claimed EB Mud was present at test and EB MUD wasn't actually there. Then tried to schedule another test with EB MUD without notifying us....
Guys, Why not just be honest? Of the many estimates I received, Pipe Spy was by far the highest and more than twice the amount of the company I ended up using. It is not necessary to pay a $200 fee for a camera inspection as there are many companies that will do this for free.
While I did agree to the $200 inspection that would be taken off my total if I accepted their bid there were two things I didn't know. One, there are companies that will do a video inspection for free and two, Pipe Spy's bid would be by far the highest.
I was not home when they came for the inspection. I received a call saying they wanted to do an inspection.
They did not identify themselves as Pipe Spy. I gave them the OK to do it as many other companies had come to do visual inspections when I wasn't home.
I was surprised when I got a $200 invoice from Pipe Spy. I told them that I had already gotten a free video inspection and that their bid was far too high.
They then threatened to sue me and send me to collections if I didn't pay the $200. I really only have myself to blame for since I did initially agree to the $200 inspection but now that I have some experience I would never even consider them again.
Pipe Spy can't lose with this arrangement. If you take their overpriced bid they win.
If you don't they still get $200 for a service other companies will perform for free. I still have not received the video.
There are many companies out there that will perform the work for a far cheaper price, go with one of them. Pipe Spy recently updated our sewer lines as is required by the City of Berkeley.
The building has 8 units, and 8 owners, some in living space, some in work space. Pipe Spy did the work quickly, efficiently, and neatly.
The communication with James was excellent, and the crew was professional and diligent. I highly recommend this local company without reservation.
Our 117-year-old house has complicated sewer laterals to the main house, the cottage, and the spa. Paul Cooper and his crew were prompt, thorough, and highly professional to map and analyze our system, find a lateral clogged by roots, clear the problem, and give us guidance about how to maintain our system and anticipate future problems.
Stellar service !Great crew! Excellent work! Plumbers are overwhelmingly busy especially because of the pandemic backlogs... but Pipe Spy stepped up to help me deal with sewer lateral requirements I had to meet in a very short timeline.
We passed City inspections, as Pipe Spy guaranteed! And know that you are dealing with at least 2 decades of sewer lateral experience with this company whom I first met in the late 90's as a realtor needing their services for my sellers to comply with Albany's sewer lateral ordinance . They could well be considered ' pioneers' in this area of plumbing.
All attributable to owner Heiko! No less than 10 STARS!! For owner and his company!!! Yes you do you demanded payment I paid you Your company is in the rip your face off You do the work at a premium price Your in the sewer business Many companies do the work for 1/2 your price. I called today to request information regarding cement work and was glad that Lindsay answered the phone.
She was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and helpful in getting the ball rolling in the right direction. Thank you Lindsay, you're the best! Spent time meeting to get an estimate and then never heard from them again.
Lack of responsiveness or follow up is never a good look. Update to address owner's response: The owner's lengthy response is mystifying, and I can only guess his employees are equally dishonest to him as they are to clients.
We never declined anything. I took an hour or more out of my workday to meet with their plumber to review our sewer line replacement issues.
We declined nothing. We expected an estimate, requested an estimate, and even gave our email address to receive an estimate.
Second, the homeowner is my roommate and was standing next to me during part of the appointment. This was clearly stated.
To imply there was some sneaky ploy by a renter is disingenuous. Once again, the dishonesty here is concerning.
Lastly, I emailed two months after the appointment to ask about the estimate and received no response. I get very busy during the days and often emails are the easiest, most efficient, and most trackable method for me to communicate, especially if I am requesting information like a very late promised written estimate.
And yet the owner, in his response, seems to be admitting that his own email portal is unreliable and I should have called? And how vague is a request asking where my estimate is? If you do not want people to use the email portal, perhaps remove it rather than blaming clients for using it. And it's sad that my email request received no response and instead it took this review to receive a response, which shows either unreliable service or pure disorganization or both.
It appears I dodged a bullet by not receiving an estimate as this company is completely unreliable in word and deed. Pipe Spy is great, trustworthy and customer service oriented.
They helped answer a ton of questions and concerns for my clients. As an agent, that is a priceless value! Jordan and Sonny are top-notch! Pipespy responded right away to schedule an appointment for sewer and drainage issues.
James was terrific calling in advance, on time, personable and very knowledgeable about where to investigate. I recommend Pipespy .
Had to bring the sewer lateral up to code when purchasing a home and Pipe Spy did a very thorough, prompt job! 10/10 would hire them again for any exterior plumbing work that we needed. Made the whole process smooth, from inspection to quote to permitting.
Thanks again Pipe Spy! Old clay pipes, broken years ago (maple tree roots, the likely culprit), sewage seeping into the ground under the street ... not pretty when the rains came and we couldn't run the washing machine and take a shower on the same day for fear of runoff backing up into our shower.
Pipe Spy to the rescue (although they're busy -- a big job like this doesn't happen quickly) and here we are in our first full rain of the year and all systems are GO! Heiko and his team were always clean, polite, cooperative, and responsive. They did a GREAT job rerouting the traffic on our busy street during the job.
They replaced our sewer main from the house to the street, and because we had two separate plumbing systems (two-story house) they deftly joined them outside the house and put in separate clean-out valves for each floor. They wiped out our front yard and even put in new sod where the lawn (such as it was) got trashed.
All of our neighbors told us how much they appreciated the courtesy of the workers. I see some reviews here with complaints about inadequate warning about parking restrictions and we did not have that experience.
The necessary signs went up on the Friday prior to the job starting the following week. High recommendations! Thanks, Heiko.
The job came in at exactly the estimated amount. That's more than we can say for every contractor we have ever worked with.
AWESOME!! Pipe Spy Inc. did an amazing job.I couldn't be happier with the results.
We got four quotes and Pipe Spy was somewhere in the middle. They were definitely competitive.
We live in the N. Berkeley hills.
My neighbor and I shared one main sewer line out to the street. To be compliant we had to be on separate lines.
This required pipe bursting the original line and disconnecting the second line and adding a new line. Pipe Spy was able to do all this with hardly any digging required.
No deep trenches or tearing up any existing decking. In addition they had to jack hammer a couple of holes in the street to connect the two new lines.
This in itself I thought would take all week but, they had the holes in the street dug up and retrofitted in two days. The entire job was done in five days! Pipe Spy - I can't say enough about the outstanding job you did.
Sonny and his crew were always on time, polite, efficient, and answered all our questions without hesitation. If you need any major sewer work done I would highly recommend you go to these guys first.
You won't be disappointed in the results. Thank You Pipe Spy and special thanks to the guys who did the work! Pipe Spy is an organized, efficient, and focused company.
They were a pleasure to deal with and offer an important service at a reasonable price. While repairing a redwood deck, the sewer clean-out was uncovered and it seemed like a good time to inspect the lateral.
A quick phone call to Pipe Spy and Alex was able to schedule an inspection in just a few days, which was very helpful in not slowing down the deck contractor's work. Heiko arrived on schedule, did the video inspection and showed us what he was finding on the video screen.
As suspected, the original 100 year-old terra cotta sewer lateral had several displacements and one collapsed section. Heiko provided a detailed estimate the next morning via email and we returned the signed estimate via email, too.
The trenchless replacement was scheduled promptly and completed in one day. Due to the depth of the city sewer line, it took the crew longer than expected to uncover that connection.
They also had to dig another hole to uncover the collapsed section of the lateral. This required the crew to partially dismantle a stone path.
The trenchless replacement process itself is fascinating. After the new lateral was in place and connected, the Pipe Spy crew did an excellent job of filling all the excavated dirt and restoring the stone path.They cleaned up carefully and left the path and yard looking undisturbed.
A video inspection and pressure test were completed the next day and took less than an hour. Alex, Heiko, and all of the Pipe Spy folks we met were friendly and professional.
The were good at communicating price and schedule, they arrived on-time, and stayed until the job was finished. They submitted the inspection to the City and handled all the paperwork.
If you want sewer replacement done right, on-time, and at a reasonable price, call Pipe Spy. Pipe Spy are the best contractors that we've ever worked with.
They replaced our entire sewer lateral in September of 2020. Sonny and his crew made it so easy for us to get this major improvement taken care of.
We simply called, said hello when they arrived, said bye when they left, and received our certificate from EBMUD at the end. Pipe Spy even improved everything they demolished and replaced, including our sewer clean out, sidewalk, and landscaping.
They even removed some unsightly asphalt as a favor. The cost of the job was completely inline with what we expected.
We highly recommend Pipe Spy for sewer lateral work! The quote in the contract was too high and in the fine print of the contract they required we put a LEAN ON OUR HOUSE before any work was actually done. Quote was over 10 times the amount we paid the licensed plumber we went with for the job.
There were many more red flags trust me. This company and their personnel were amazing.
They kept me informed, went out of their way to make sure nothing was disrupted and all was put back in its original place with nothing damaged.
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