In need of plumbing services? Buyer beware!

[Mike&Silvia]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

[retiredguy123]

There are lots of complaints about Frank Gay services on this site and others. A contractor should provide a written quote without charging anything because they didn't do anything. If people start paying for estimates, I may start driving around providing high dollar estimates for all kinds of projects, and I won't ever need to do any work.

[Golfer222]

^
Exactly- charging for an estimate is a non-starter

[rustyp]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promisMike&Siviaed a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Hey folks. Let's show Frank Gay we are watching and listening. Also lets say thanks to Mike and Silvia for not being bought out for $38. Go to MikeandSilvia's original post and hit the thank you button. It is the thumbs up button at the bottom. As they say there is power in numbers.

[UpNorth]

Looks like Frank Gay was trying to give you a real "Service".

[kkingston57]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Another reason I do not solicit multiple estimates. We use Mike Scott. They have been fair and are prompt. Nothing in this world is "free". It is an added cost to do business.

[willis100]

Very similar happened to me about 3 months ago. I paid the $38 and said no way!

[MandoMan]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Is it possible that the first two estimates were for running a pipe on the surface along the base of the wall, while the Frank Gay estimate was for running a pipe under the slab, or else inside the wall and through the attic? That would be a lot more work, but I think building codes in some parts of the country might require it.

[oneclickplus]

There are lots of complaints about Frank Gay services on this site and others. A contractor should provide a written quote without charging anything because they didn't do anything. If people start paying for estimates, I may start driving around providing high dollar estimates for all kinds of projects, and I won't ever need to do any work.

Now, there's a business model for a retiree.

[Gerrys]

Thanks for your posting. I have not seen positive comments on the Frank Gay company.

[La lamy]

Wow, that's unbelievable. Shame on Frank Gay.

[msilagy]

Please put this post on "Next Door" also as there are many, many readers there. People should be warned.
I have used Mike Scott twice. The first time for a split pipe going from the meter to the home. Very satisfied with their work and charge. The 2nd time was just ok due to the repair person they sent out not the charge or co.

[WingedFoot78]

Had a whole house water filter installed by the company that was bought by Frank Gay, Kiley, I think it was, when it was time to replace the filter elements They would not sell me the two elements but would replace them for me for $239. I have done this job on my old home and RV numerous times. With a bit of research on the Internet, I found the replacement part numbers and ordered them. A couple of days later, the two sets arrived and one was installed. The cost for the parts.....$30.

Frank Gay should be called Frank James as in Frank and Jesse James. I would not recommend these people to anyone.

[banjobob]

Foolish to pay a fee for an estimate, you lose.

[Two Bills]

Looks like Frank Gay was trying to give you a real "Service".

You spelt 'Shafting' incorrectly.:icon_wink:

[Chamo]

Never pay for an estimate. But that’s some incredible price hike from the other 2 estimates. Frank Gay is in lady lake I’m guessing they are trying to work their way to the villages.

[JoelJohnson]

I know not every (or even most) villagers could do this, but, I used 3 -10 foot 1/2 inch PVC pipe and 8 elbows to do the same thing for about $100. I ran it over the garage door and out the front. Is it pretty? No, does it work? Yes.

What I'm saying is any competent handyman should be able to do the job, if the homeowner is not worried about looks. But, maybe a good handyman could make it look acceptable.

[JRcorvette]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

I have heard a Lot of bad things about Frank Gay Plumbing…. I would never even call them. Plumbers out of Leesburg seem to be more reasonable !

[Debra.t.robinson]

Frank Gay is a total rip… I had previously used Kiley and Sons and they were great… then they got bought out by Frank Gay. I guess their fees are to pay for all of their annoying radio ads.

[newwillo]

Thank you !! I am looking for a plumber for toilet install...

[lisahathy]

Is it possible that the first two estimates were for running a pipe on the surface along the base of the wall, while the Frank Gay estimate was for running a pipe under the slab, or else inside the wall and through the attic? That would be a lot more work, but I think building codes in some parts of the country might require it.

I was wondering the same thing. There must be an explanation for the massive difference in the quotes.

[vinricci]

One reason is Frank Gay has at least 30 vans at their main office on 441. That’s a hefty overhead right off the bat.

[RON S]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Mike Scott 129.00
Frank Gay 1,329.00

[birdawg]

Had the same issue with RoMac 50$ for a estimate for a broken window said Forget about it.

[Aloha]

Thank you for exposing shysters. The solution is to spread the word to everyone and only support honest service providers with a proven record of performance.

[Judy n Ron]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

That's funny, I had the same situation with the company that wired my home when it was built 11 years ago. They charged me a fee to do an estimate for some minor additional electrical work, then gave me a very high estimate. I went with Lenhart for 1/3 of the price and no fee. When they called back to schedule a job, I told them I wasn't going to go with them and thought the estimate fee was bush league and they were too high. In addition, I reminded them that they had a short in my wiring that took them forever to trace down during the warranty period. Do you know the owner Steve actually rang my bell one day and attempted to read me the riot act about my comments to his people and how he has high overhead and had I never made a mistake???? I told him to GET OUT! Such audacity and entitlement and thin skin.

[stargirl]

Had a whole house water filter installed by the company that was bought by Frank Gay, Kiley, I think it was, when it was time to replace the filter elements They would not sell me the two elements but would replace them for me for $239. I have done this job on my old home and RV numerous times. With a bit of research on the Internet, I found the replacement part numbers and ordered them. A couple of days later, the two sets arrived and one was installed. Thee cost for the parts.....$30.

Frank Gay should be called Frank James as in Frank and Jesse James. I would not recommend these people to anyone.

Same EXACT experience! As far as Frank Gay goes we used him twice that visit, the first time and the last time.

[NotGolfer]

Frank Gay has had many negative reports on local social media. I have to wonder why his business is still seeming to flourish?! We go with Mike Scott and have had success with that choice.

[retiredguy123]

I was wondering the same thing. There must be an explanation for the massive difference in the quotes.
I doubt it. You are overthinking it. I recently read a story about an electrician who charged a woman $5,000 to install a ceiling fan where there was already a ceiling outlet.

[Donegalkid]

Another reason I do not solicit multiple estimates. We use Mike Scott. They have been fair and are prompt. Nothing in this world is "free". It is an added cost to do business.

We had the same experience with Mike Scott — all business and no nonsense, fair, prompt. We had a plumber and an apprentice; both were very good.

[terrywvu]

Just maybe we should contact News Six and have one of their invesigative reporters check out the unbelieveable business practices of the Frank Gay company. There have been substantial comments from The Villages about their out of control pricing tactics and then to try and suppress a prospective client 's comments for $38! Wow! Thanks Mike & Silvia. We have used Mark Scott Plumbing and know they do a great job.

[Indydealmaker]

Frank Gay is definitely not like Kiley! Gay has destroyed Kiley's legacy.

[Nucky]

Mike Scott has been very responsive during our warranty period and I expect to stick with him after the warranty is over. He did some amazing work for us in our last home, also very reasonable. Frank Gay, go away. After what I’ve read about you here tell me why would I want to chance dealing with you. Your reputation is probably toast. If you turn it around, it’s going to be rough!

[Gwiz4u]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.
The residents of the villages should spread the word about the company and not use them

[Two Bills]

One reason is Frank Gay has at least 30 vans at their main office on 441. That’s a hefty overhead right off the bat.

With the prices etc. they want to charge, it's a wonder if any of them ever leave the yard.

[GATORBILL66]

Dove Plumbing is the best!

[PugMom]

Hey folks. Let's show Frank Gay we are watching and listening. Also lets say thanks to Mike and Silvia for not being bought out for $38. Go to MikeandSilvia's original post and hit the thank you button. It is the thumbs up button at the bottom. As they say there is power in numbers.

but they have clever radio ads! that must be where all the talent is going:posting:

[rustyp]

Hey folks. Let's show Frank Gay we are watching and listening. Also lets say thanks to Mike and Silvia for not being bought out for $38. Go to MikeandSilvia's original post and hit the thank you button. It is the thumbs up button at the bottom. As they say there is power in numbers.

The residents of the villages should spread the word about the company and not use them

We are trying to spread the word. Push the thumbs up button on post #1. We are at 174 thanks so far.

[Djean1981]

Thank you for the warning. ⚠️

[asianthree]

Never pay for an estimate. But that’s some incredible price hike from the other 2 estimates. Frank Gay is in lady lake I’m guessing they are trying to work their way to the villages.

Frank Gay bought Kiley and Sons plumbing, which was a very good business, with competitive rates, in TV. Frank Gay just thew that out the window for all of the old customers

[bltintv]

Thank you for not being cowered by this company and being silenced.

I think this practice of asking for your silence in writing to get your estimate money back should be reported to the BBB. I'm not sure that it is even legal.

We have had several negative interactions with Frank Gay company and really miss Kiley and Sons as they were a reputable company. Again.. Thank you for posting and not being silenced.

[Mike&Silvia]

Thank you for your reply. It was an apples to apples estimate.

[Mike&Silvia]

I highly recommend Lenhart Electric!

[Pairadocs]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

We had no idea of the price differential in F.G. and others in the area, until we hired a man, a resident of another close by senior community, who does handyman work a couple days a week. While completing our simple job, replacing the "guts" of an existing toilet tank, we were all chatting, and he made a remark about not charging us for a small additional "job", 15 seconds to replace rubber washer. So that started some chat about the various rates of trades people. He told us in his opinion (since he gets around to many homes) most plumbers, electricians, etc. do not vary that much from one to the other. But, told us how he had helped one of his neighbors, a widow, who had been confused and misguided by F.G. in such as way to have a $300-to-$400 job turned into a bill of over $3800. He went on to explain how they were able to do this (expand the problem !) from his experience as a handyman, but most people would have no idea what is going on. He said a number of plumbers in the area had been consolidated, "bought up", under one name, and were getting quite a reputation for misguiding people as to what it takes to fix a problem. When he finished, I wrote down the name "F.G." to remind me not to call the next time we needed a plumber. So I know your story is factual, and there are many others who have been seriously overcharged, we've found out since.

[Pairadocs]

Thank you !! I am looking for a plumber for toilet install...

And remember for that, you may need a plumber and you may not. While that sounds like a really major project to many, it actually is not. You may not want to do it, but I can't imagine a handyman who can't handle this "plumbing" task. If YOU are really ambitious, you can shut off the water valve to the existing toilet (either push-pull or a turn of the small valve), flush the toilet, use old rags to soak up any remaining water, then loosen the (usually 3 or 4) bolts that connect the tank to the stool part. Set it aside. If you prepare this much, it really won't take a handyman very long to undo the two bolts that hold the stool to the floor, set it aside, throw away the old wax seal on the drain, lay down a new wax seal (you could buy one and have it ready), set the new toilet stool/tank, connect the water supply... Not saying do it yourself, just saying, watch a utube of replacement of an existing toilet, and I think you will be able to see that a handyman can be hired for this type of job. Just like you don't need a journeyman electrician to replace a switch in an EXISTING out let, any handyman, or handy neighbor can do that within 10 minutes, while ADDING additional outlets IS a job for a journeyman electrician. Know the complexity of the job so you don't get over charged.

[Pairadocs]

I was wondering the same thing. There must be an explanation for the massive difference in the quotes.

I don't know, but can tell you once we heard about this from our handyman (who has tried to help a couple people who had no idea how they were being overcharged), we began to ask others if they had heard of this. We heard from one resident, who thankfully had a bit of knowledge, about that same company charging 4 TIMES the rate of others to remove a gas tank water heater, and instill the SAME capacity heater in the same location on the existing pad... nothing new had to be done. The installation, MINUS the cost of the same O.A. Smith 40 gal. (apples to apples) was 4 times quoted by others. One bad review of any business can be suspect, but do your own investigation from neighbors you trust on this one.

[Pairadocs]

Had the same issue with RoMac 50$ for a estimate for a broken window said Forget about it.

Question, did you really mean $50 ? I have similar problem, 3 windows that do not raise and lower correctly... kind of "push sideways" and do not go up and down straight/evenly. Did you find someone who repairs such a problem without having to have an entire new window put in????

[villagetinker]

Question, did you really mean $50 ? I have similar problem, 3 windows that do not raise and lower correctly... kind of "push sideways" and do not go up and down straight/evenly. Did you find someone who repairs such a problem without having to have an entire new window put in????

There have been a few threads on window problems, as I recall some have counter weights or springs that fail and create the problem you are describing. I have no first hand experience with these, so I cannot help you but as i recall there were several possible solutions.

[Nilda E Aponte]

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

QUOTE=Mike&Silvia;2211476]I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.[/QUOTE]

[Michael G.]

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)


In all fairness I would like to hear what Frank Gay Services would say about this.
There has to be some type of explaining because the cost isn't even close.

[JMintzer]

We are trying to spread the word. Push the thumbs up button on post #1. We are at 174 thanks so far.

Yiou know that doesn't do anything to help promote anything, right?

[rustyp]

Yiou know that doesn't do anything to help promote anything, right?

No I don't know that so help educated me and 224 other posters who pushed the thumbs up button thus far. I'm game for what is your idea to help out ? If you think someone has not tipped FG to our silent majority plot you maybe living in an alternative universe.

[rogerk]

I had a similar experience with Frank Gay. Killey and Sons was a pleasure to work with. Gay seems to be a commercial and impersonal corporate trying to be was lol things to everyone.

Customer Service appears to be secondary.

[Lea N]

We had no idea of the price differential in F.G. and others in the area, until we hired a man, a resident of another close by senior community, who does handyman work a couple days a week. While completing our simple job, replacing the "guts" of an existing toilet tank, we were all chatting, and he made a remark about not charging us for a small additional "job", 15 seconds to replace rubber washer. So that started some chat about the various rates of trades people. He told us in his opinion (since he gets around to many homes) most plumbers, electricians, etc. do not vary that much from one to the other. But, told us how he had helped one of his neighbors, a widow, who had been confused and misguided by F.G. in such as way to have a $300-to-$400 job turned into a bill of over $3800. He went on to explain how they were able to do this (expand the problem !) from his experience as a handyman, but most people would have no idea what is going on. He said a number of plumbers in the area had been consolidated, "bought up", under one name, and were getting quite a reputation for misguiding people as to what it takes to fix a problem. When he finished, I wrote down the name "F.G." to remind me not to call the next time we needed a plumber. So I know your story is factual, and there are many others who have been seriously overcharged, we've found out since.

Wow, this must be how they get a lot of their business.

We lived in SE FL and my father moved down. This was 20 years ago. He bought a home that had been inspected, including a termite inspection.

My father was getting older and needed our help. He called me to let me know that he called a termite company (after getting one of their flyers.) He didn't even have to call them, but he was starting to get confused about things. They came out and told him he had termites and it would cost him $2,500 to put bate out.

I told him not to do anything. I immediately called the company who had done the termite inspection for my father before he bought the home. We used them monthly to treat our yard for bugs. I told the owner, who we had a good relationship with what happened. She immediately sent her husband to my father's home and guess what? There were no termites.

[JMintzer]

No I don't know that so help educated me and 224 other posters who pushed the thumbs up button thus far. I'm game for what is your idea to help out ? If you think someone has not tipped FG to our silent majority plot you maybe living in an alternative universe.

All it does is let YOU know that people like your post.

Nothing more...

[rustyp]

All it does is let YOU know that people like your post.

Nothing more...

I highly suspect there are 239 TOTV subscribers thus far that are unlikely to use FG services. Nothing less... I suspect FG does not see it your way. Why would they offer to refund $38 only if one doesn't publish bad press about their business via a signed agreement. Power of the pen.

[Lazydaze]

Recently had a friend who had Gay estimate a plumbing job at $1200. Tim Herndon Plumbing did the job for $200.
Tells you everything you need to know about Gay Plumbing..

[retiredguy123]

In all fairness I would like to hear what Frank Gay Services would say about this.
There has to be some type of explaining because the cost isn't even close.
I don't think there needs to be any explaining. This is how some contractors operate on a regular basis. It's not illegal. That is why it pays to get competitive quotes.

In this case, if the contractor charges $75 per hour, do you really think it is going to take a licensed plumber more than 3 days run 30 feet of plastic pipe?

[Peazoup]

I am one who got seriously overcharged by FG.

[collie1228]

My 94 year old neighbor signed an agreement with FG which has turned out to be expensive. They did something to his A/C, which I'm not sure of, but it cost him over $1K. Then they blew out his main sewer pipe for over $1K, and to add insult to injury, charged him $400.00 to replace toilet wax rings and reset the two toilets. Two toilets reset would be less than two hours work for me (I'm not a plumber, but it's easy work), and the wax rings cost about $5.00 each. I told him to never let one of these FG guys into his house again, and if someone shows up, he should call me. I've used Kiley and never felt anything but confidence in their performance.

[JMintzer]

I highly suspect there are 239 TOTV subscribers thus far that are unlikely to use FG services. Nothing less... I suspect FG does not see it your way. Why would they offer to refund $38 only if one doesn't publish bad press about their business via a signed agreement. Power of the pen.

Which has NOTHING to do with them giving the post a "thumbs up"...

That info is only available if one digs deep into the OP's statistics...

It does nothing else to promote the post, other than feed your ego...

Oh, look, I've been "thanked" well over 6,000 times... For what, I'm not sure...

[rustyp]

Hey folks. Let's show Frank Gay we are watching and listening. Also lets say thanks to Mike and Silvia for not being bought out for $38. Go to MikeandSilvia's original post and hit the thank you button. It is the thumbs up button at the bottom. As they say there is power in numbers.

Yiou know that doesn't do anything to help promote anything, right?

All it does is let YOU know that people like your post.

Nothing more...

Which has NOTHING to do with them giving the post a "thumbs up"...

That info is only available if one digs deep into the OP's statistics...

It does nothing else to promote the post, other than feed your ego...

Oh, look, I've been "thanked" well over 6,000 times... For what, I'm not sure...

If you or anyone feels it is a waste of time to push the button - don't push the button. Not rocket science.
I would appreciate you to stop pushing my button. EOM.

[JMintzer]

If you or anyone feels it is a waste of time to push the button - don't push the button. Not rocket science.
I would appreciate you to stop pushing my button. EOM.

Then stop wasting time, asking people to "push your button"...

It keeps bringing your post to the top of the thread (unless that was your mission all along...)

[rustyp]

Then stop wasting time, asking people to "push your button"...

It keeps bringing your post to the top of the thread (unless that was your mission all along...)

Duh please go back and read - I am not asking anyone to push "my" button. I requested folks to push post #1 - Mike and Silvia's button. I am a hair away from finding the ignore button for my first time ever.

[Quixote]

We had used Kiley several times over the years and had them do an installation without knowing they were about to sell out to Frank Gay Services, one of the most unscrupulous and unsavory companies it's ever been my displeasure to have to deal with. Because it was a warranty issue, the manufacturer required that only the original company would be acceptable.

We are fortunate that the repair itself went smoothly and the problem was—and continues to be—eliminated. We needed Frank Gay Services to sign off on the correction of the issue for us to receive a relatively nominal sum from the manufacturer ($200). Having been paid, do you think for a moment that Gay's manager would even call me back, as I had asked to explain to him exactly what the manufacturer needed? (Do pigs have wings?)

So they came out ahead on my one mandated service call—and I never miss an opportunity to share this story. I am not discrediting Frank Gay Services; I don't have to when they do it so well.... I could name the manager but don't have to, since he represents the entire company. And I still receive invitations for service, motivating me even more, and the feeling of satisfaction is priceless!

[Quixote]

I just posted a reply, which promptly disappeared! Would whoever manages the site please return it to this thread. Thank you.

[BrianL99]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.

Thanks for posting about the scumballs.

If you need a Plumber in the future, Joel is great, fast, fair and a good guy.

[JMintzer]

Duh please go back and read - I am not asking anyone to push "my" button. I requested folks to push post #1 - Mike and Silvia's button. I am a hair away from finding the ignore button for my first time ever.

"Pushing Post #1"? How exactly is "liking that post" going to do anything?

Please explain it to me...

[rustyp]

Duh please go back and read - I am not asking anyone to push "my" button. I requested folks to push post #1 - Mike and Silvia's button. I am a hair away from finding the ignore button for my first time ever.

"Pushing Post #1"? How exactly is "liking that post" going to do anything?

Please explain it to me...

I found the ignore button ! Virginity lost.

[gottagetoutofhere]

I recently sought estimates for a simple plumbing job - running a water line across a 30' garage to a new outdoor hose bib. I got the following three estimates:

1. Mike Scott Plumbing $350 (no estimate fee)
2. Anthony Torri Plumbing $325 (no estimate fee)
3. Frank Gay Services $2158 ($38 estimate fee)

After two calls to Frank Gay Services, seeking to speak to a manager and being promised a callback, I finally got through to a customer service person who said that they would refund my $38 estimate fee if I signed an agreement to keep my dissatisfaction silent. The form required me to not "post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs, etc. regarding the Company, in any form, whether written or oral."

My silence cannot be purchased for $38. I am a new homeowner in The Villages. The majority of service companies that I have dealt with have been upstanding and a pleasure to do business with, however, when I find a company that exploits and takes advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, I want to share my experience and help others avoid making a bad decision.
Mike and Silvia - Welcome to the villages - A lot of these high dollar "contractors" are owned by the Villages bosses (Morse, Blocker, Arnold). These bosses all work for the family.
Docs, Masseys, T&D, etc. Steer clear of those connected to the family
I used Anthony Torri twice - both times excellent service!!

[JMintzer]

[/COLOR]



I found the ignore button ! Virginity lost.

Just as I thought, you can;'t explain the reasoning...

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[Two Bills]

98137

[rustyp]

but they have clever radio ads! that must be where all the talent is going:posting:

I have not heard the ads. Where are the adverts ?

[ThirdOfFive]

Haven't used Frank Gay for plumbing services so I have no comment one way or the other on his rates, business practices or quality of services rendered. I WILL however echo another poster in this thread about the annoying ads! That sarcastic woman with the British accent answering the phone is an incredible turn-off. Yuck!

This thread does however reinforce something that seems to be more and more evident. There seems to be two kinds of businesses serving Villagers: those who are building a business based on reputation, and those who see Villagers as mere dollar signs. It pays to be able to recognize the difference.

For what it's worth, we use Village Plumbers LLC. Reasonable, prompt and fair. AND they stand behind their product. We purchased a kitchen sink and faucet from them some time back. After about 18 months it was running noticeably more slowly. We called them and explained the problem: a guy was out that afternoon, took the faucet apart and noted that the screen was corroded to the point that it was blocking the flow. He replaced the screen and told us that a good preventative would be to soak the faucet head in vinegar every three months or so. Best of all--no charge.

[UpNorth]

I have not heard the ads. Where are the adverts ?

Trust me - you don't want to subject yourself to their stupid, annoying radio ads,

[clgmann@yahoo.com]

Good for you! 👍🇺🇸

[DFSchneider]

So what I have learned from this thread about plumbing in TV, Don’t say Gay…

[JMintzer]

So what I have learned from this thread about plumbing in TV, Don’t say Gay…

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