Quote:
Originally Posted by EdFNJ
The first service company (plumber) I called the week when we moved in here 4 years ago said before they were dispatched "there is a minimum $80 charge for us to come out and see what the problem is". Sounds like an "estimate charge" to me just disguised to look sound something else. Estimate to paint your home or diagnostic to see why your WH is leaking, same thing. If you don't hire them you still have to pay. Their name was on the water heater as they were the original installers. I believe they still do it but not sure which is why I won't post their name but they are one of the "major" players here. I'm sure it happens more than you think.
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Respectfully, I think you are comparing apples and oranges. I would not pay for a painting estimate. You don't even need to be a painter to prepare an estimate. But, if I had a leaking water heater, I would expect to pay a service charge for a licensed plumber to come to my house to diagnose the problem. The difference is that the plumber is qualified to repair the leak, and may do it immediately. But, the painter (or estimator) is providing a competitive quote for future work.