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View Full Version : Thank You Mike Scott Plumbing for 6 Days Without Hot Water!


Birdinparadise
02-11-2020, 08:32 PM
I am posting this information as a cautionary tale. We lost hot water last Thursday (2/6). We immediately contacted Mike Scott Plumbing (who installed the Rheem tankless water heater) and in fairness to the company, a plumber was at the house in 45 minutes. The issue was quickly diagnosed as a failed “ignitor coil” which according to the plumber is a common problem. It needed to be replaced. HOWEVER, this part is NOT carried on any of the Mike Scott trucks. The plumber could do nothing. It had to be ordered from Rheem and would be delivered by FedEx to our home in 2-4 business days. Are you kidding me?

We spent 6 days without hot water!! GUESS WHAT - THIS PART CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $20.95. You can even order it from Home Depot.

It is unacceptable that all of TV residents south of 44 will at some point face this problem and Mike Scott Plumbing cannot spend the money to stock their trucks with an essential part after all the money the company has made from all of us. UNBELIEVABLE.

We will be ordering a “spare” so we never have to go through this again.

retiredguy123
02-11-2020, 08:44 PM
Unfortunately, this is a problem that will occur until tankless water heaters become more commonplace. If you had the old fashioned hot water tank, almost any plumber in The Villages could have repaired or replaced it in a few hours. If you have a choice, I would not replace a water tank with the tankless type. I understand that the builder is installing tankless water heaters in the new houses, but many plumbers are not going to stock the parts.

Nucky
02-11-2020, 09:05 PM
Why couldn't this part be borrowed from a house that is waiting to be sold. You know officially with permission. You never mentioned if your house is under warranty? If is is then maybe the Warranty Dept. should have been involved. 6 days? That's rough. I feel sorry for your trouble.

Birdinparadise
02-11-2020, 09:33 PM
Unfortunately, since we reside south of 44, we had no choice in water heaters. All of the new homes are built with tankless water heaters. With all of the thousands of homes being built, it is becoming commonplace and the part should be stocked by all the plumbing companies. We are past the one year mark so the Warranty Department would not have helped. Just wanted to alert other residents.

retiredguy123
02-11-2020, 09:44 PM
Unfortunately, since we reside south of 44, we had no choice in water heaters. All of the new homes are built with tankless water heaters. With all of the thousands of homes being built, it is becoming commonplace and the part should be stocked by all the plumbing companies. We are past the one year mark so the Warranty Department would not have helped. Just wanted to alert other residents.
I agree, but I think the problem is that the water heater has at least a 5 year warranty on the parts. If you had called other plumbers, I don't think they would have had the part in stock because they can't charge you for it. So, I wouldn't single out Mike Scott plumbing. I would blame the builder.

Double Eagle
02-11-2020, 11:06 PM
Yeah being without hot water is no fun. Maybe the part was out of stock, maybe they just used all they had.

I did read that the owner, Mike Scott was killed in a car crash about 3 weeks ago. Maybe they are just a bit unsettled right now.

graciegirl
02-11-2020, 11:48 PM
I am posting this information as a cautionary tale. We lost hot water last Thursday (2/6). We immediately contacted Mike Scott Plumbing (who installed the Rheem tankless water heater) and in fairness to the company, a plumber was at the house in 45 minutes. The issue was quickly diagnosed as a failed “ignitor coil” which according to the plumber is a common problem. It needed to be replaced. HOWEVER, this part is NOT carried on any of the Mike Scott trucks. The plumber could do nothing. It had to be ordered from Rheem and would be delivered by FedEx to our home in 2-4 business days. Are you kidding me?

We spent 6 days without hot water!! GUESS WHAT - THIS PART CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $20.95. You can even order it from Home Depot.

It is unacceptable that all of TV residents south of 44 will at some point face this problem and Mike Scott Plumbing cannot spend the money to stock their trucks with an essential part after all the money the company has made from all of us. UNBELIEVABLE.

We will be ordering a “spare” so we never have to go through this again.

Maybe the company is in some disarray due to the unexpected death of Mike Scott a couple of weeks ago. He died in a car accident.

CFrance
02-12-2020, 04:58 AM
Thank you for this information. I had a similar problem with our dog (broke a wrist, tiny plate not stocked by very expensive orthopedic vet. Actually, they had one but gave it to another dog. Big delay, unhappy dog and parents). To me it's not acceptable to be servicing a large area with particular potential problems and not stock parts for such.

I would now, thanks to your info, stock the part myself. Wish I could have stocked the wrist plate for the pup.

photo1902
02-12-2020, 06:04 AM
How is this Mike Scott Plumbing’s fault? They can’t keep every conceivable part in stock. Did you call other local plumbing companies to see if they had the part you needed? I can name three major companies in the area you could’ve called to check.

Heyitsrick
02-12-2020, 06:17 AM
Sounds to me like this is a TV development issue, then. If they are mandating that these are the water heaters to be installed, someone from the TV side has to communicate to plumbers of such (although it seems like the plumbers already know). Part of that communication has to be that if you're going to get the business installing these, you have to carry some spare parts.

You can't leave residents in the lurch for something that you mandated be installed. It can't be just a case of "oh well, that's just the way it goes". Hot water is a necessity, not an option. Someone's got to pick up the ball here, and it can't be the poor powerless guy who's at the cold water receiving end.

jswirs
02-12-2020, 06:24 AM
As a retired contractor from Pa., I would have gone to a well stocked plumbing supply house and purchased the part that same day. I'm not sure how well the supply houses down here are stocked, but I would bet that one of the supply houses up in Pa./NJ would have had the part, or at the very least have it shipped overnight. Weinstein Supply, for example.

Heyitsrick
02-12-2020, 06:35 AM
As a retired contractor from Pa., I would have gone to a well stocked plumbing supply house and purchased the part that same day. I'm not sure how well the supply houses down here are stocked, but I would bet that one of the supply houses up in Pa./NJ would have had the part, or at the very least have it shipped overnight. Weinstein Supply, for example.

Wouldn't a local plumbing company that does significant business in the area know the same? In other words, is it still up to the resident to find said part when the experts in the field can't do so? Yeah, yeah - I know you have to do what you (resident) have to do, but this is the kind of thing you pay experts for.

Mmarr
02-12-2020, 06:58 AM
How much hot water do you really need while waiting on a part..next... purchase a spare part for the next time.. if this is going to be a normal problem..

Quixote
02-12-2020, 07:00 AM
Sarcasm is not a solution either. Living without hot water can be a major inconvenience, no doubt. But on learning that one company doesn’t have instant access to a needed part, I wouldn’t think twice about looking further for it. Where is my responsibility in maintaining my home? Condolences to the family of Mike Scott following his recent death.

photo1902
02-12-2020, 07:02 AM
How much hot water do you really need while waiting on a part..next... purchase a spare part for the next time.. if this is going to be a normal problem..

Or simply call the other plumbing companies that service this area, and ask if they have the part in stock. Very easy to make a few phone calls, instead of blasting the only company they called.

dewilson58
02-12-2020, 07:05 AM
At least the OP is a Bird in Paradise.







:coolsmiley:

dcammel
02-12-2020, 07:21 AM
Our service industry has migrated to depending on overnight FEDEX or Amazon overnight delivery to avoid stocking large inventories of rarely used parts. We had a similar problem with dryer element for a new Samsung dryer under warranty. The tech ordered the part, shipped to his warehouse in Orlando. A weekend was involved, so went from Thursday ordering, Monday arrival in Orlando, Tuesday arrival at his local office in Inverness, and Wednesday come to repair to find out they sent the wrong part. Repeated same process and had new part in another 4 days. Checked Amazon with part number from paperwork at 10am, and it was available for NEXT DAY delivery with Amazon Prime for less than $30. When the technician arrived with the correct part, I explained that issue, and he claimed his company paid over $80 for the same part through their national supplier! Since it was warranty, I don't care about the cost, but seems very inefficient. Only took 10 minutes to repair once the right part was available. As a consumer, you call Lowes for warranty service, you accept who ever they send without a choice. Only recourse is some heavy comment cards back to Lowes and hope they will find a new vendor for service.

dmarti1973
02-12-2020, 07:24 AM
Did you consider that things might be a little awry at Mike Scott Plumbing right now? Mike Scott was killed in a traffic accident recently...

TOMMY D
02-12-2020, 07:32 AM
Lack of hot water , lack of cold refrigerator things we think a phone call will fix quickly is not always the case in the Villages. My case we had no working refrigerator for over a week. Bought into one of those fix all contracts. They came in two days. Took another 3 to get part. All set. No. Said it was two other parts another 4 days. Finally fixed I hope. Not going to do contract again.

graciegirl
02-12-2020, 07:42 AM
Founder of plumbing company killed in wreck | Local News | chronicleonline.com (https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/founder-of-plumbing-company-killed-in-wreck/article_44b3b520-37d2-11ea-abd1-4bdb55964c84.html)

stadry
02-12-2020, 07:43 AM
mayhaps tv phones're different - mine's able to call several #'s - even 1 right after another,,, think i might've found another plumber/source

Dan9871
02-12-2020, 07:50 AM
We are past the one year mark so the Warranty Department would not have helped.

It's best to call the Warranty Department even if you think something is out of warranty. Sometimes the warranty may have been extended for various reasons. Other times they may have helpful information.

stan the man
02-12-2020, 08:00 AM
Thank you for this information. I had a similar problem with our dog (broke a wrist, tiny plate not stocked by very expensive orthopedic vet. Actually, they had one but gave it to another dog. Big delay, unhappy dog and parents). To me it's not acceptable to be servicing a large area with particular potential problems and not stock parts for such.

I would now, thanks to your info, stock the part myself. Wish I could have stocked the wrist plate for the pup.

I am sorry was that a funny ????

jimbo2012
02-12-2020, 08:00 AM
Yes it's sad he was killed, but as the CEO he would not have been involved in getting a part I believe.

So I doubt that played into it.

New homes being built is likely where their focus is not repairs.

FedEx is overnight if needed, not days, they cheeped out. :ohdear:

shipping ground allowed them to make more money on the repair,

Bottom line they dropped the ball, overall they have a good reputation.

But they for sure don't maintain spare parts inventory

valuemkt
02-12-2020, 08:30 AM
hLack of hot water , lack of cold refrigerator things we think a phone call will fix quickly is not always the case in the Villages. My case we had no working refrigerator for over a week. Bought into one of those fix all contracts. They came in two days. Took another 3 to get part. All set. No. Said it was two other parts another 4 days. Finally fixed I hope. Not going to do contract again.

Just curious.. Which Home Warranty Company ? Got a Pitch from one during one of my club meetings yesterday

John_W
02-12-2020, 08:58 AM
I've used Kiley & Sons about 5 times over the years. I remember the first time I called both Kiley and Scott about replacing a disposal in the kitchen sink. Kiley charges by the hour and Mike Scott was by the job. They both stocked the same disposal, the Badger 1/2 hp, but Scott was fixed price for parts and labor (I think about $225) while Kiley was by the hour. He only took 1/2 an hour to do the disposal, so then I found a toilet that needed a gasket and I got both jobs done for the same 1 hour rate. Kiley & Sons have been very competent in everything, had them put in new faucets just a couple of months ago.

Kiley & Sons (https://www.centralfloridaplumber.com/)

GregG7
02-12-2020, 09:15 AM
Thanks for the information. I think that for $21, I'll order a spare ignitor coil just to have on hand in case the one on my Rheem tankless water heater fails.

PaulUnderwood
02-12-2020, 09:27 AM
If the plumber told you this is a common occurrence why wouldn't they stock the part shame on them.

retiredguy123
02-12-2020, 09:39 AM
Thanks for the information. I think that for $21, I'll order a spare ignitor coil just to have on hand in case the one on my Rheem tankless water heater fails.
Trying to guess which part in your appliances will fail is a shot in the dark. All gas appliances have an igniter. So, if you have gas appliances, you would need to buy an igniter for every one of them.

nanchad
02-12-2020, 09:42 AM
I thought Mike died recently?

merrymini
02-12-2020, 09:44 AM
Since, it seems, all the houses south of 44 have the tankless, I would assume local plumbers would have access to parts. I wish I had tankless, they consume 20 to 30 percent less energy and no leaks. It is a pain to be without hot water, no doubt.

Nucky
02-12-2020, 10:00 AM
If no plumber on the East Coast had this part in stock and it was a $20 part, isn't it highly possible that someone in The Villages Pipeline, Someone with the Muscle could have given the green light to borrowing it from a house that is waiting to be sold. The house is sitting unoccupied with nobody living in it and yet you have no hot water. Thinking out of the box could have solved this dilemma quickly. Borrow the part and replace it in the unoccupied house when the part comes in. If I handed several hundred thousand dollars to a builder I would expect them to jump through hoops to help solve a problem like this during the warranty period or not. It's simple to follow and everyone would have been happy very quickly. Better than taking a Bird Bath!

Mike Scott Plumbing has been fair with us and in no way shape or form do they have to stock every part on an item that shouldn't have failed so soon! This would NOT be any Plumbers fault ever. The Squeaky Wheel Get The Part Sooner!

Fkhoep
02-12-2020, 10:41 AM
But a backup.

Kountry
02-12-2020, 11:04 AM
Heyitsrick Great answer. I'm from the NJ shore and we had plumbing supply houses too. I've been to one in Jensen Beach Fl And I'm going to check it out right now to see if they stock that part.

RDhot
02-12-2020, 11:04 AM
I found Mike Scott plumbing very difficult to deal with. They expected payment before they even came out to diagnose the problem. The simple toilet running problem was not fixed for more than a short time, and they refused to stand behind their work. Problem solved with my handyman and $20

ColdNoMore
02-12-2020, 11:07 AM
Six days without hot water, due to a part that should have been able to be procured from somewhere within two days max...is totally unacceptable.

OP, you have every right...to be livid.

Chatbrat
02-12-2020, 11:34 AM
There are other plumbers who do new construction in TV's, check with CPM--been using them for years-just like I believe there are 3 HVAC contractors and @ least 2 electrical contractors who build houses in TV

Gregorycool1
02-12-2020, 12:04 PM
I am posting this information as a cautionary tale. We lost hot water last Thursday (2/6). We immediately contacted Mike Scott Plumbing (who installed the Rheem tankless water heater) and in fairness to the company, a plumber was at the house in 45 minutes. The issue was quickly diagnosed as a failed “ignitor coil” which according to the plumber is a common problem. It needed to be replaced. HOWEVER, this part is NOT carried on any of the Mike Scott trucks. The plumber could do nothing. It had to be ordered from Rheem and would be delivered by FedEx to our home in 2-4 business days. Are you kidding me?

We spent 6 days without hot water!! GUESS WHAT - THIS PART CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $20.95. You can even order it from Home Depot.

It is unacceptable that all of TV residents south of 44 will at some point face this problem and Mike Scott Plumbing cannot spend the money to stock their trucks with an essential part after all the money the company has made from all of us. UNBELIEVABLE.

We will be ordering a “spare” so we never have to go through this again.
I'm a plumber too we stock many parts but in fairness to Mike they have 35 vehicles and to stock various parts for all makes and models of water heaters gas oven controls and piping is prohibitive.

wmcgowan
02-12-2020, 04:20 PM
Heyitsrick Great answer. I'm from the NJ shore and we had plumbing supply houses too. I've been to one in Jensen Beach Fl And I'm going to check it out right now to see if they stock that part.

erm ... amazon will bring one to your house pretty quickly

blueash
02-12-2020, 04:29 PM
If the plumber told you this is a common occurrence why wouldn't they stock the part shame on them.

Yes, this is the key comment in this thread. If it fails often and it is a unit being installed in lots of homes then a company which is heavily invested in servicing this community ought to have that part readily available. Mike Scott's investment in having the part on each truck would be a few dollars and apparently the stock would turn over quickly with all the failures. If this was a part that rarely failed or was very expensive to stock "just in case" then not having it on hand would make perfect sense.

MEbner2805
02-12-2020, 04:35 PM
In the real world outside this bubble nobody helps anyone with parts nor does anyone have same issues on appliances! We but a house and we are on our own after that if the warrantee is past. Why would you expect this world here to be different than the rest of the US? And I have no idea what part you are talking about? If you are earning people, why not help us out with a link to the part or the exact name of it at Home Depot so it’s not just a dead complaint on us here??? I never had that problem with water heater at any other house I owned! Make this constructive instead of just venting and being vague. I am left confused and wondering wth can I do to help myself?
Thanks 🙏

Heyitsrick
02-12-2020, 04:42 PM
In the real world outside this bubble nobody helps anyone with parts nor does anyone have same issues on appliances! We but a house and we are on our own after that if the warrantee is past. Why would you expect this world here to be different than the rest of the US? And I have no idea what part you are talking about? If you are earning people, why not help us out with a link to the part or the exact name of it at Home Depot so it’s not just a dead complaint on us here??? I never had that problem with water heater at any other house I owned! Make this constructive instead of just venting and being vague. I am left confused and wondering wth can I do to help myself?
Thanks

I can't speak for the original poster, but based on what he said - Rheem Tankless Water Heater Ignitor Coil - and ~$20 at Home Depot - this product there seems to fit:

Ignitor Coil at Home Depot (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-PROTECH-Ignitor-Coil-RTG20235C/311574058)

asianthree
02-12-2020, 04:53 PM
When you called the warranty department, who did they recommend. Even 10 years later, when something goose wrong at our house I always call them for who to call

AnonAmos
02-12-2020, 05:47 PM
One of Mike Scott's techs installed a new tanked water heater for us a couple of months ago, and we were pleased with the experience. We also were without hot water due to the failure and leaking of our old unit. They were able to schedule the job for the day after I called. The tech arrived on time, completed the job efficiently and professionally. The cost was reasonable. I would use Mike Scott's company again.

My condolences to his family and employees for the passing of Mike Scott.

pauld315
02-12-2020, 08:22 PM
My house in NC has had a tankless hot water heater since 2009 and I have never had a problem with it

graciegirl
02-13-2020, 06:48 AM
When you called the warranty department, who did they recommend. Even 10 years later, when something goose wrong at our house I always call them for who to call

They are always helpful. ALWAYS. I would like to go and visit them in person and hug them. Their job can't always be easy.

Excellent advice Asianthree and I know you meant to say "goes wrong".

photo1902
02-13-2020, 06:51 AM
They are always helpful. ALWAYS. I would like to go and visit them in person and hug them. Their job can't always be easy.

Excellent advice Asianthree and I know you meant to say "goes wrong".

The volume of calls they receive on any given day is staggering.

MollyJo
02-13-2020, 07:06 AM
Lack of hot water , lack of cold refrigerator things we think a phone call will fix quickly is not always the case in the Villages. My case we had no working refrigerator for over a week. Bought into one of those fix all contracts. They came in two days. Took another 3 to get part. All set. No. Said it was two other parts another 4 days. Finally fixed I hope. Not going to do contract again.

I agree that Warranty Contracts are a pain, used to be “don’t buy a Warranty” that is no longer the case. Appliances are no longer built to last beyond 5-7 years. What happened to saving the planet? I did not buy a Warranty on a LG French Door/Bottom Freezer refrigerator. Within 2 years, the compressor went out, which was covered by Mfg Warranty. You HAVE to call LG & use “their repair companies” $650 labor costs. I pitched such a fit that LG sent me $250. Two years later, the Sealed System leaked out all the Freon. I was over dealing with LG, so I set my ‘Pig w/lipstick’ at the curb w/a RIP sign & it was picked up by a ‘scrapper’ within the hour. So, within 4 years LG cost me $2,600 initial purchase, $650 labor( LG sent me $250 compensation), two different repair companies $80 each to learn they “don’t replace compressors” “they don’t replace sealed systems”
#ridiculous

Annie66
02-13-2020, 07:25 AM
Had a similar problem up north with our furnace igniter..... another high failure item similar to the tankless water heater. We purchased an extra igniter which we handed to the plumber on a very cold night when he did not have the part on his truck.

Bay Kid
02-13-2020, 07:41 AM
I have used Mike Scott Plumbing several times. Always had great results. Sorry for your problems.

BillyC
02-13-2020, 08:32 AM
Mike Scott is our GO TO PLUMBER!

Imadreamer
02-13-2020, 02:48 PM
This company does this to put you off. I.e. schedule you at their convenience.
Scott also told me they couldn’t get a common part for my toilet & wanted to scheduled me A couple of days later, but that they REQUIRED their service call fee immediately. Ha ha. I told them NO.

photo1902
02-13-2020, 05:11 PM
And the dead horse continues to be beaten.

CWGUY
02-13-2020, 05:21 PM
And the dead horse continues to be beaten.

:0000000000luvmyhors

xcaligirl
02-13-2020, 06:24 PM
I agree, it's not Mike Scott's fault! We've always had GREAT service from them

OlifOlifOlif
02-13-2020, 07:36 PM
Did anyone try Gyges Plumming and Cooling, located near Leesberg? They once serviced my duct taps for a flow problem. They only took an hour and they have been working since!

Give them a call and ask what they may provide!

CFrance
02-13-2020, 09:24 PM
mayhaps tv phones're different - mine's able to call several #'s - even 1 right after another,,, think i might've found another plumber/source
Maybe OP already paid one service fee to have the plumber come to the house and didn't feel like having to incur another one to have a different plumber come out. I agree that due to the fact that TV changed its style of appliance, the area plumbers should be aware and stock the part.


Mike Scott Plumbing does business in several different counties. They have gotten quite big and have several teams and trucks. My guess is they have a stock manager. I'm sure they have the room to stock necessary parts.


I feel very sorry for Mr. Scott and his family. Someone dropped the ball, and I also feel sorry for anyone who has to go six days without hot water. Cold showers are not fun.

Curtisbwp
02-14-2020, 01:29 AM
Do you know that mike Scott was killed in a vehicle accident. God rest his soul. Also forgive those that talk I'll of the dead

CFrance
02-14-2020, 03:08 AM
In the real world outside this bubble nobody helps anyone with parts nor does anyone have same issues on appliances! We but a house and we are on our own after that if the warrantee is past. Why would you expect this world here to be different than the rest of the US? And I have no idea what part you are talking about? If you are earning people, why not help us out with a link to the part or the exact name of it at Home Depot so it’s not just a dead complaint on us here??? I never had that problem with water heater at any other house I owned! Make this constructive instead of just venting and being vague. I am left confused and wondering wth can I do to help myself?
Thanks 🙏
I do believe it was adequately explained. The builders changed the kind of appliance, and the plumber chose not to stock parts for it. Regardless of the unfortunate death in the family, the parts for a different appliance that was changed to something completely different a few years ago, the parts were not in hand. Could be lack of communication between builders and plumbers--who knows. But I feel OP has a legitimate gripe. I'm sorry the owner died, but the company is so big somebody should have kept current. Maybe another employee--again, who knows. But I don't agree with bashing the OP.

John_W
02-14-2020, 09:27 AM
Do you know that mike Scott was killed in a vehicle accident. God rest his soul. Also forgive those that talk I'll of the dead

Mike Scott dying in a car crash has already been mentioned three previous times, it helps to read other posts first. However, this thread is about the plumbing company, not the man. Had it been called ABC Plumbing would you still have said the same? Don't confuse apples and oranges.

Carla B
02-14-2020, 09:57 AM
Mike Scott dying in a car crash has already been mentioned three previous times, it helps to read other posts first. However, this thread is about the plumbing company, not the man. Had it been called ABC Plumbing would you still have said the same? Don't confuse apples and oranges.

Thank you for pointing this out.

EdFNJ
02-14-2020, 04:03 PM
Do you know that mike Scott was killed in a vehicle accident. God rest his soul. Also forgive those that talk I'll of the dead That's the name of the plumbing company and it remains so as the name is on all their trucks. Do companies get a "pass" for allegedly poor service just because an owner or executive of that company has passed away?

Fredman
02-14-2020, 05:41 PM
Just checked home depot web site. They dont stock the part either. It has to be ordered on line.

photo1902
02-14-2020, 09:39 PM
And the dead horse beating continues.