Plumber
Summers Plumbing Heating and CoolingHeadquarters
Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 23 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 8 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/14/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Technician sold a product that was not installed ($837 air filter on 12/31/2024.On January 2, I called and cancelled the item, and ****** Summers told me that I can cancel without issue, and a check would be mailed for the entire $837 refund. She estimated that I would receive the check in 7-14 business days.I did not receive the refund, so on 2/4/2025, I called to follow up. They connected me with a supervisor named **, that said there was some confusion with the refund, but he would get it processed and I would receive it by mail within 7-14 business days. I waited until 2/28/2025, to follow up. I was connected to **, who said that there was again confusion regarding my refund, but he would assure that it was completed, and that they would just refund my Mastercard. Once again, I received no refund. I called to follow up again on Wednesday, 3/12/2025. I spoke to someone named *******, who said ** was checking with accounting to see what the holdup was, and that he would call me back for an update. He never returned my call. I have recorded the calls with Summers, and have clear audio of them agreeing to the refund, the different time frames and methods they promised, and acknowledgment that the refund has not been processed. I have been patient and understanding, but I want this issue resolved. We are close to 90 days waiting for a resolution.Business Response
Date: 03/21/2025
Mr ******** is correct and we apologize for the wait/confusion. On our side, the refund was mishandled. We went back through our processes to ensure this will not happen in the future. The refund was processed prior to receiving this info from the BBB, so Mr ******** should have his refund at this time.Initial Complaint
Date:12/04/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
In May 2024 had new HVAC (air handler, heat pump, humidifier) installed and have had nothing but issues with installation. City inspection cited 6 violations, which have been addressed and fixed.I've had so many issues with this install that I ran out of characters trying to explain them. Attached is detailed description of problems.Business Response
Date: 12/16/2024
Ms ********** also reached out to Summers directly and has been working with the **** Manager. Summers is scheduled to go out and reinstall the **** and wrap the water heater this week. We appreciate being alerted to this issue and allowing up to correct it.Customer Answer
Date: 12/23/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this response/resolution is satisfactory to me.
Regards,
*** **********
Initial Complaint
Date:12/03/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Day of services 11/26/2024 ************ services is dishwasher ****************** charges $524 Expected charges $274 Complaint description *********** put $524 charges for dishwasher installation, this is scam, because the tech who provided the code about my old dishwasher said $65 only.What happened The technician who provided the code to my old dishwasher told me the charges is $65 dollars and he said once you purchase the new dishwasher call us so we can come and install it for you .I surprise in the day of services I was at work they told my mom the charges is $624 for the dishwasher installation!!! I felt embarrassed i thought this price is correct I told them I can only finance so I paid $250, they scheduled the next pay on December 23,2024.After I check about the price of installation in my area, and I check with people who had same service, they told me that I need to file a complaint against this company because they trying to scam me by taking high charges for service does not required that price, furthermore, I thought the charges is $65 only, they did not let me know upfront that this is going to be the price!!, they surprised me with this price, didnt send me an email day before or confirm with me orally!!for that I want them to refund my $250 and Im not willing to pay any more the charges they applied to me.The Total charges they put on me $624, after I mentioned that they should have let me know about the price, they gave $100 as discount.Business Response
Date: 12/16/2024
Thank you for contacting Summers. In reviewing the calls, the customer was quoted to return, un-install, and re-install a customer supplied dishwasher. ********************** was called out to do the install a few days later, but the dishwasher was not at the home for install. Summers was called out again on about 45 days later to install the customer supplied dishwasher. Tech went out, installed the dishwasher, and proceeded to charge customer the $624 that was provided on the original invoice. Full payment was unable to be provided and was broken into payments for the customer. At this time, the bill has not been paid.Initial Complaint
Date:10/08/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On the actual coldest day in ******* this year, our heater died. We called Summers, along with another company for estimates. We ended up going with Summers mostly due to the absolute necessity. We were talked into replacing both the heating and cooling systems, who knows if we even needed them. That's the game I guess when us lay people have no clue how those things work. Either way, here we are now.Since we signed the paperwork that day, we have had nothing but issues, including with the installation. The installation was supposed to be done over a two day period, it took over two weeks, AND they had to come back more than once within the first few hours because there were leaks.Once the installation was finally complete, we have had to call for service no less than 12 times. The majority of the times have been for the thermostat. A technician was out here Sunday, and a week and a half ago for this exact same issue.This is completely unacceptable. I have spoken to the branch manager in ***********, ***** ***** twice about our inconvenience and our desire for some sort of compensation. We paid $16,000 for two systems that work intermittently. We are forced to call for service and make ourselves available just to have these systems work the way they should already be working. It is unconscionable that we should have to bear the burden of a $16,000 bill AND continue to have all these problems. If it were a car I would have already returned it under the lemon law.I am respectfully requesting a refund of no less than $5000 for our repeated inconvenience of having to call for service, time without air this summer, and what I can only imagine will be time without heat this winter. It seems to me that we are now in a situation where this will be an ongoing problem for the life of the system. If I could have it completely refunded and go with someone else I would. But clearly that is not an option at this point.Customer Answer
Date: 10/08/2024
I just had a technician from Summers at my house who informed me that there are a host of issues that could have and should have been resolved long ago. Including but not limited to a fresh air pipe in the attic that we were told was installed when the new units were installed. That was a lie! There is no fresh air pipe. None. The thermostat was hot, being overheated by faulty wiring! There is more. But at this point I will wait for a response.Business Response
Date: 11/13/2024
"We appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear you had a disappointing experience with our service. Our goal is to deliver quality work and ensure every customer feels confident in our installations. With the new furnace we installed for you we hope that solves the issue we have had. We value each customers satisfaction and want to make sure youre fully comfortable with our work. Thank you for giving us the chance to improve and better serve you in the future."
-***** **********, GM
Customer Answer
Date: 11/30/2024
This matter is not closed.
1. The business put in a new furnace to replace the brand new furnace they put in in January. Along with a new thermostat again. Since then they have had to come out twice to adjust the thermostat. And now the furnace is blowing cold air. Yes, the second brand new furnace.
2.. the company said it was going to give us one month of our loan payment as remuneration for all the inconvenience and trouble we are STILL dealing with. That amounts to $250. I rejected that and said we would need much more. I have not heard back and its been almost three weeks.
3. The customer service is appalling. The **** manager never even heard about my issues until I told him everything last month. How could he not be involved in such an ongoing situation over such a long period of time?if this was a situation where I could return it for a refund and just get another one I absolutely would! But clearly this is a different kind of situation. This is actually the worst company I have now been forced to deal with.
I am requesting that the company figure out a better way to work with us to a more palatable resolution.
Here are some potential solutions:
a. If they are willing to give us a full refund, we are willing to have them take out their equipment under supervision of a new company. There would be no further action taken.
b. If they agree to lifetime maintenance and service at no cost to us, along with a $5000 one time payment for inconvenience and actual distress all of this has caused over the past 10 months.If the company does not want to agree to either of our options then we are open to hearing reasonable counteroffers. We expect a resolution by 12/15/2024 to avoid next steps.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/02/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]This matter is not closed.
1. The business put in a new furnace to replace the brand new furnace they put in in January. Along with a new thermostat again. Since then they have had to come out twice to adjust the thermostat. And now the furnace is blowing cold air. Yes, the second brand new furnace.
2.. the company said it was going to give us one month of our loan payment as remuneration for all the inconvenience and trouble we are STILL dealing with. That amounts to $250. I rejected that and said we would need much more. I have not heard back and its been almost three weeks.
3. The customer service is appalling. The **** manager never even heard about my issues until I told him everything last month. How could he not be involved in such an ongoing situation over such a long period of time?if this was a situation where I could return it for a refund and just get another one I absolutely would! But clearly this is a different kind of situation. This is actually the worst company I have now been forced to deal with.
I am requesting that the company figure out a better way to work with us to a more palatable resolution.
Here are some potential solutions:
a. If they are willing to give us a full refund, we are willing to have them take out their equipment under supervision of a new company. There would be no further action taken.
b. If they agree to lifetime maintenance and service at no cost to us, along with a $5000 one time payment for inconvenience and actual distress all of this has caused over the past 10 months.If the company does not want to agree to either of our options then we are open to hearing reasonable counteroffers. We expect a resolution by 12/15/2024 to avoid next steps.
Regards,
******* *******Business Response
Date: 01/14/2025
Thank you for your feedback.Were sorry to hear that your experience didnt meet your expectations. Weve taken your comments to heart and made some adjustments to improve things. Weve added additional checks to ensure everything runs smoothly. We truly value your input and would love the chance to make your next experience a great one. Feel free to reach out to us directly or stop by againwere always here to help! Thanks again for letting us know.Business Response
Date: 01/16/2025
Thank you for your feedback, customer service is our top priority. We apologize for the previous issues and are grateful for the opportunity to address and correct any concerns. By mutual decision, we replaced the entire furnace and addressed two other concerns regarding the **** system.
The entire furnace was replaced in October at no charge, and we addressed two minor issues in November & December under warranty,regarding airflow and the thermostat. We ensured the new system is operating within manufacturer specifications and the home is at a comfortable level.
Although it is few and far between that our quality systems have issues, sometimes it does happen. When this happens, we bring this information back to our team and vendors for further training. We value your business and we appreciate your patience.Initial Complaint
Date:10/02/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On 09/11/24 my **** went out. I was very concerned about my daughter because her body doesn't sweat and it feels like she's burning from the inside. I called Summers ******************************************* (out of **********) and they responded quickly. On 09/12/24, the Comfort Adviser spent 1-1/2 hrs explaining the benefits. I was relieved to see their ****************** but my understanding is not the same as Summers. The **** needs to be uninstalled because I cannot afford it and the check that I wrote will not clear the bank. Please review and respond. Thank you!Business Response
Date: 10/18/2024
The General Manager worked with the customer to find a payment solution that was affordable and acceptable for both parties. There were no issues with the **** installation or equipment.Initial Complaint
Date:05/24/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I purchased a mini split from summers that I had installed on 5/3/23. Came with a 10year parts warranty and summers offering a 1year labor warranty if something went bad. Approx a month later the unit would work. Called back out to find that both panels and the condenser went out. Claimed to me this was because of a power surge and stated a surge protector needed for unit but never offered with sale. No bad weather or power outage.Water pump that was placed was not the correct size and had to be replaced. Noticed it wasnt working properly and a red light came on warranting a problem. I called and spoke with *******. States will come out with $59 service fee waved since it hadnt been a year from install. Tech came out on 4/18/24. Red light came on and codes were pulled and cleared as it was reported old codes. Unit then began running fine. Assessed unit and stated nothing to be wrong with the unit. Attempted to prompt me to pay the $59 since nothing was wrong. States if the red light were to come back on to keep the unit on until serviced. The next day unit with a red light instantly without running.Tech back out on 4/22/24. Was told $59 service would be waved by ***** and prompted to pay it on arrival again. When back out one of the codes that were cleared came on. When investigating unit was a solid block of ice. In which needed thawed to service. This water ran down my wall to thaw and was reported would come back 4/26/24 to run more tests. Spoke with the office manager ***** about the frustration of the unit and reports manager ***** to call. Spoke with him, very unprofessional and at the end of the call states he and his company will not be out to fix it while still being under my 1 year labor warranty with company. Called office manager and this same information was relayed as they will no longer service unit. Another company had to be called to fix unit totally in $451. Not holding up to 1 year labored warranty or no lemons replacement guaranteeBusiness Response
Date: 07/02/2024
The manufacture gives a 10-year warranty on parts from failing. Summers gave 1 year labor on installation and warranties parts through manufacture. This does exclude abuse, neglect, and acts of mother nature. The Unit was installed and working properly on 5/3/23 for a month. On 6/20/23 we arrived and found the primary circuit board with scorch marks, secondary circuit board with scorch marks and a pump that was burnt. All of these were replaced at no cost to the owner, although it was clear of a power surge. Owner was given the option, which is a add on, not provided by ******, for surge protectors. She refused but Summers installed at no cost so that this wouldn't happen again. On 4/14/23 we were called again for a no cool, at this time she was told that we charge a $59 trip fee unless related to installation or from previous work before going to the house. Technician found a thermistor bad which is in line with the circuit board that had previously failed due to power surge. At this time, he informed her that the unit had been running and froze the coil to which would need to thaw before replacing the thermistor. Summers was going to replace under warranty but would need to collect for trip which she refused to pay and became belligerent. On 4/23/23 we spoke to customer and explained that this is not a manufacture / Summers fault, and we would still replace under manufactures warranty but would need to pay for the trip charge. At this time, she refused to pay for the trip fee. She became belligerent telling us that she wasn't paying anything. She was asked to stop, or we would not be returning. At this point she was told due to her actions over the phone and to the technician she would not be serviced. I have attached a copy of the manufacturer's warranty regarding replacement of parts that were replaced at no charge to the customer.Initial Complaint
Date:05/15/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I called to have my main sewer line rodded. When the technician came I told him I needed my sewer line rodded. I told him when I plug in the pump the sewer backs up so it needs to be rodded. He said that is not my issue, he said I need a new pump. He installed a new pump at a cost of $1677. When he plugged in the new pump the sewer backed up. He then said he has to rod out the main sewer line this is what should have been done first as I requested. I didnt need the new pump This was a total scam I am a senior citizen widow and was scammed into buying something I didnt need. This occurred on Monday May 13, ********************************************************* the new pump, the sewer backed up and he needed to rod out the sewer lineBusiness Response
Date: 05/29/2024
We do understand that home repairs can be frustrating, especially when they become complicated. When we arrived at your home you were experiencing multiple issues. You were right that the sewer was backed up. However, from what our technician told us and what he had wrote on your invoice, your ejector pump and sump pump were not pumping any water. His explanation to us and what he said he had told you was, because of the blocked sewer your pump couldn't remove the grey water. It ran constantly until it over heated and failed. He checked the power going to your ejector and it was present, but the pumps motor was failed. At this point rodding the sewer would do no good if you have no way to pump the grey water out. So, we recommended you start with the pump and see if that would fix the issue. (Sometimes it does) After replacing your pump the sewer line was in fact still blocked. We then needed to rod out your lines. This was not the only issue but the second part of the problem. We ran 90' of cables into the sewer line to free up the blockage. At this point the homes system started working properly.
We then recommended that to add an outside clean out to make this simpler in the future. This repair was declined as was the replacement of the failed sump pump as mentioned in the beginning of our response. We have a signed invoice from the Kleutsch household approving what work they wanted done and declining work they didn't want to do at this time.
We will not be refunding this repair as it was authorized by the customer before we started the project and because this was the correct fix for this home. Please see the attached invoice for any references needed.
Customer Answer
Date: 05/29/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]I have not seen any new pump installed, nor have they provided the brand or cost of the alleged pump My pump was pumping but the water was coming back up which once the technician rodded the water then pumped out. I do not believe a new pump was installed.
the technician then tried to sell me a water tank and sump pump which I dont know why they sent a salesman. I requested my sewer rodded and that should have been the technicians only concern to do as I the customer requested. I am a senior citizen and should not have been subjected to the scam practices of the salesman disguised as a technician
Regards,
*************************Business Response
Date: 05/30/2024
The pump that you purchased was a Pro Series Sewage Pump 4/10th *********** made with Cast Iron/ Stainless Steel. The Cost of the Pump was on your invoice ($1,674) that you signed and paid at the time of service. An Ejector pump is installed in a sealed tank. You would have to remove the lid to see the new pump. I would be happy to send out our Plumbing supervisor and Plumbing Manager to show you your new ejector pump. It is not easily accessed due to what it pumps (sewage).
I know that you had called us out to rod your sewer line however with a failed ejector pump you would not have been able to pump any of the sewage out of the house and into the city sewer. (it would do you no good) If this was a gravity feed sewer system, then just rodding would be the right place to start. You have an Ejector Pump feed sewer. You always need to make sure the pump works, and the sewer drains. They work together. We stand by our technician's diagnostic that your ejector pump was failed and needed replaced. After the work was completed, you had a fully functional sewage system.
You were also given the opportunity to decline the work as you did on the invoice for other recommended repair offers. However, you choose to do the repairs before we started and paid/signed off on them when we were done.
We will not be refunding this repair.
If you would like to call the office and have a free courtesy visit to confirm the new pump was indeed installed, we would be happy to accommodate you.
Customer Answer
Date: 06/03/2024
I do not accept the response from Summers. A sewage pump ranges in price from $200-$1000. Without them providing the model number I still cant get the actual cost of the alleged pump they say they installed. Also they stated a supervisor would come out and show the pump however on 5/15/24 I was told a supervisor would call. It is now 6/3 and I have yet to get a call from a supervisor. Summers was called to rod out my sewer. That was all. My pump was working however the water was not draining due to a clog. The guy they sent was more intent on trying to sell everything from a tankless water heater to an outside pit. The info that the pump cost $1677 is false. There is no pump that costs that much. Also if they installed a new pump, then where is my old pump? All in all Summers is in practice of selling rather than doing the job that was requested and fraudulently charging customers.Customer Answer
Date: 06/03/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]I do not accept the response from Summers. A sewage pump ranges in price from $200-$1000. Without them providing the model number I still cant get the actual cost of the alleged pump they say they installed. Also they stated a supervisor would come out and show the pump however on 5/15/24 I was told a supervisor would call. It is now 6/3 and I have yet to get a call from a supervisor. Summers was called to rod out my sewer. That was all. My pump was working however the water was not draining due to a clog. The guy they sent was more intent on trying to sell everything from a tankless water heater to an outside pit. The info that the pump cost $1677 is false. There is no pump that costs that much. Also if they installed a new pump, then where is my old pump? All in all Summers is in practice of selling rather than doing the job that was requested and fraudulently charging customers.
Regards,
*************************Initial Complaint
Date:04/30/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On 4/2/24, I called this company for an emergency visit due to water flooding from the upper level of my home to the lower from a clogged toilet. ***** arrived to my home stating he was able to read notes from the last flood that happened over a year ago and he believed that was my issue. He proceeded to try to collect payment until I asked him to at least take a look at the toilet because that is where everything started. He went upstairs for about ***** minutes while I was trying to savage my belongings. Upon his return, he stated that my toilet was clogged and he had to clear it. He stated he would send me the work order and send someone out to camera my lines. I paid him and he left. On 4/3, a company referred by Summers called CWF, came and verified the water came from upper level toilet and started the mitigation. CWF asked for the work order regarding the toilet clog so I called Summers again to request the documentation. I still did not receive the documentation near a month later. I ended up spending thousands of dollars because Summer Heating and Cooling claim that it was due to the city of ************ back up. When I requested documentation to submit to Merrillville, I received a contradicting text stating that the city lines were clear. I then put in a complaint with Summer's because I felt bamboozled into the $6000 job that was reported to be urgent and time sensitive. I have been told that I was lying and that my request for the toilet unclogging could not be done because it never happened. I received a harassing call from someone within the company claiming to be ** but later admitted to be someone else. When I called to report the harassing call, the supervisor begin screaming at me again. I am deeply bothered, and horrified at this nightmare. The lack of unprofessionalism that I have experienced is very disheartening. I have notified Summers that I am displaced from my home and this matter was time sensitive. I am losing money because I work remote from home. My family has been displaced nearly a month due to Summers negligence, dishonesty and lack of concern.Business Response
Date: 06/07/2024
We understand that having water damage to your home is not a pleasant experience. At Summers we try our best to get our customers lives back to normal as soon as possible. In regard to the original call from the Kirkwood residence, ********************* stated "Home Flooded in the basement not sure where water is coming from maybe a clogged drain from the outside rain". This was what was sent to use from our on-call service. I've attached their message to the on-call tech above. ********************* was the tech that responded to the Kirkwood home. When he got to the home, he found the sewer line to the home was full and would not drain. If this happens to a home, all the drains would fill up until they could possibly overflow. When ********************* was saying the toilet would not flush, that makes sense. No drain in the home would work if the main sewer was not flowing. Our Tech went outside to the homes clean out and removed the cap. This released the pressure on the sewer line and the home drained outside. At this point was when ********************* asked our tech to see if the toilet could be unclogged. Now that the pressure was released from the home ***** agreed and went upstairs plunged the toilet once or twice and it went right down. He flushed it multiple times to make sure it was good to go. Then he went downstairs to talk to the customer and let them know that we would like to come back the next day after the rain had stopped and camera the line. ********************* agreed. When we got back the next day the water had lowered in the sewer line and we ran our camera. We found out that this home did not have a backwater valve and we recommended that they get one installed to stop this from happening in the future. ********************* agreed and signed for us to get this done. The quoted price was $6,103. In the meantime, we had called out a water restoration service for the water that had got into the basement. (CWF restoration) We also contacted 811 so we could get ready to dig in the yard for the repairs. They helped with the water clean-up but from what they told us ********************* was trying to an insurance claim that her upstairs toilet had cause the water damage. At this point we had not been looped into what she was trying to do. We completed the dig and ********************* paid us. With in a couple of days we were getting phone calls from ********************* asking us to write up an invoice claiming the toilet caused all the water damage. We refused to do so, knowing that it was from the sewer not flowing. At this point ********************* started calling and harassing our CSR's and Manager demanding we write up a false invoice but we held our ground. The repair we did was the right one to fix the Kirkwood home from flooding in the future and we stand by our work.
We will not be issuing a refund for this work. We have marked the Kirkwood home as a ************** Customer due to the nature of her request.
As a side note We also helped the Kirkwood home with the same type of issue back in 2020. We have that on file as well.
CWF Restoration pulled off of the job due to the nature of what ********************* was asking for as well. They told us that the insurance company would not cover this claim.
Customer Answer
Date: 06/17/2024
In regards to this complaint, my delay was due to me waiting on documentation from the city of ************ proving this company was scamming me. They refused to give me photos, documentation and receipts for my services as promised. They called me numerous time harassing, shouting and falsifying managerial statuses. To add insult to injury, I have requested a return and cancellation of services and Summer has refused. This company stated in their response that they will not render me service because I will not take down my complaint. That is retaliation at its best. I paid for the entire year and have been refused my refund.Initial Complaint
Date:03/04/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On December 7th 2023, Summers installed a new drain line for our sump pump. We noticed that they buried it very shallow, but were told it didnt need to be deep if it was sufficiently sloped.Several weeks later we received a significant amount of rain followed by bitterly cold temperatures. The line was improperly installed and froze. We entered our finished basement to find significant flooding.We have both a primary and a battery powered backup sump pump. On Friday evening I was in the basement the backup had not yet kicked on or an alarm would sound until turned off. On Sunday morning, both the primary and secondary pumps had failed AND WERE BURNED OUT. I called Summers to come out and resolve the issue. Summers sent one of the same people that installed the line to check on the issues, he told me the pipe was too small to run a camera down but that the drain line was fine since there was no ice at the cleanout. I installed a new sump pump and battery backup. Shortly after I started up the pump, the rubber coupler connecting the pump to the drain line broke loose, shooting water all over. The line was indeed blocked with ice, if not completely then mostly. It would have been like trying to run a garden hose through a drinking straw. We had a 2nd plumber out and, despite the assertions of Summers, he was able to run a camera down the drain line. I have a copy of the video and watched them scope it. About 2/3 of the way to the sewer the line slopes back up creating a water pocket in the line. The pocket froze and blocked the drain line in the extreme cold. Upon reviewing the video, Summers concedes that the drain line was improperly installed but takes no responsibility for the subsequent damage. Summers should make this right and that includes the cost of the water remediation, all the damages to our home and personal property due to their faulty work. We have documented and photographed the damage to the basement and the personal property.Customer Answer
Date: 03/08/2024
The branch I worked with was the ********** branch. I had someone out from Summers (***************************) who originally quoted the project. When trying to schedule the work it seemed that he had been promoted to another office, so ******************* came out and re-evaluated the job to make sure it was quoted correctly. By the time we got on the schedule it was early November. Two men worked on the project including *********************, who was subsequently promoted to Plumbing Supervisor backfilling ***************************. ********************* was also the person that came out the day we had the flood, charged me $159 for a service call and told me it wasn't the drain line because he didn't find any ice at the cleanout and said that the 2" line was too small to scope. I've included the weather from the day before and the day of the flood. The pipe is only a foot underground and the belly full of water in it would certainly have frozen. I addition to all the ground water from all the rain the previous week, our whole house RO system waste water goes to the sump pit creating almost a continuous slow feed of water that the sump pump and backup would have struggled to force past the frozen section of pipe. I would gladly attach the video from the subsequent plumber showing the drop and rise in the pipe that caused there to be a belly full of water but it's too big to attach here and has already been provided to Summers Plumbing.Business Response
Date: 03/20/2024
On December 7th we received a call from ********************************* because his basement was flooded. We sent out a plumber to evaluate the situation. The basement was flooded and neither one of his sump pumps were working. The plumber inspected the discharge line where it leaves the house before it goes underground. He inspected the pipe by removing the cleanout cap and looking into the pipe. If the sump pump discharge line was frozen there would have been ice in the pipe at this point. The pvc would have most likely cracked and broke and it would have had to be repaired. This is the first place the pipe would of froze because it is in the direct elements of the weather and is not protected or insulated by the ground. In fact, it takes longer than 4 or 5 days for the ground to freeze twelve inches deep. The ground temperature does not change that fast.
********************** stated that when he installed the new sump pump it blew the pipes apart. If his original sump pumps and battery backup were working properly, and the discharge pipe froze the rubber coupling would of blew apart before the pumps burned out. In fact, when he walked down into the basement, it would have looked like a waterfall.
********************** also sent a video from another company showing that there is a small belly in the pipe with water in it. This video was taken four days after Mr. ********** basement flooded and the temperatures never rose above freezing. If the sump pump discharge line was frozen, and the temperature never rose above freezing then the other company would of saw ice not water in the pipe. For example: if you put a piece of ice in a freezer, the freezer temp does not rise above 32 degrees you come back four days later you will find ice not water.
The discharge pipe does have a small belly in it. We did offer to dig it up and fix it. We will even pay for a video inspection of the pipe after we are done to show it has proper fall in it. We will not pay for damages done to his basement because his sump pumps failed and were not in good working order. The discharge line did not freeze. All the information he has provided shows that the discharge line did not freeze.Initial Complaint
Date:01/17/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Called Summers for blockage in main lines. Came out and cleared the line outside of home. Two days later water backed up in basement called them again was charged a diagnostic check $99 instead of Roding line in basement. Was told it was not the line but the sewage pump was out and the cost would be about 2 grand and based on the tag attached to the sewerage plump it hadn't been serviced since 2018 per Tech.(Photos will show this is the date purchased not serviced) was told if I brought pump would be ****** to install.(Photo of purchased) Spoke with contractor ****** who came to house. Stated not the sewage pump just clogged and needed Roding(Photos of him Roding line pulling tree roots from line and water went down costing $200. However basement flooded for misdiagnosis of Summers Tech and false claim of issues documented aka diagnosis requesting refund(99.00). I understand business is slow but this is not right to price ***** your customers.Business Response
Date: 02/26/2024
After reviewing the notes taken by the plumber for this customers invoice, it appears that the homeowner's main plumbing line was clogged when he arrived. The plumber used a rod machine to clear the line and found tree roots in the sewer. Six days later the homeowners sewer backed up again. The plumber misdiagnosed the issue during the second trip. I have attempted to reach out to the customer to refund the total amount for the service but the current cell phone number provided is no longer in service. I have sent an email to the email address provided and I am awaiting a response.Customer Answer
Date: 02/28/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.No one has reached out to me from the Company
Regards,
*************************Business Response
Date: 03/07/2024
The manager tried to call and the phone number said that it was no longer in service. A email was also sent to the customer. At this time, he has not received a reply email. If we could get an updated phone, he would like to reach out.Customer Answer
Date: 03/11/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]My phone number is *************. As of date I have not received an email from Summers as stated in the email. I have provided my number per the quested.
Regards,
*************************Business Response
Date: 03/11/2024
We were able to reach the customer with the new phone that was provided. The ** of that location has issued a refund.
Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling is BBB Accredited.
This business has committed to upholding the BBB Standards for Trust.
Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.