PlumbFirst

This company is totally dishonest and untrustworthy. They just rip you off. I had work done in my bathroom recently. I accepted a quote which at the time I thought was ok, but in hindsight it was exorbitant. On the day of installation the plumber arrived with different tap ware than I had requested. Had I not noticed he would have installed them. When I questioned him he said that was as close as he could get to what I wanted. I foolishly agreed to allow him to go ahead and install a new toilet, towel rail, toilet roll holder and basin. I was concerned I wouldn’t get the $1949 deposit back. Total cost of job $3949. The basin was the wrong size and left a 3cm gap which he tried to cover with silicone I didn’t realise this until after he had gone. Also, there was a leak under the vanity which I had to have fixed by another plumber. Stay away from Plumblast! If there were zero stars that’s what I would give them. This was Plumbfirst in Adelaide

Charlatans - will try and upsell and their rates are extremely high. The membership option is also a rip-off

absolute ripoff, $582 for $51.50 taps , the remainder is labour .. works out at over $2000.00 per hour. when you pull them up on it all they want to do is cancel the job...DO NOT USE

Do not use these guys for a blocked drains!!!
Get a local plumber to do it for you and save yourself heaps of cash!!!
15mins work and the bloke walked away with $500
Absolute rip offs!
I am so disappointed in them, when i rang and asked about there pricing structure the day after they had been at my place i was assured the problem i had would be $79 to fix.....

Had a power outage on the evening of 15/1/2021. Dan was able to successfully rectify the problem in such a short time. He was attentive, a real professional and very pleasant.We were extremely happy.

Do not fall into the trap of going with them or signing up membership. They charge double of what a local plumber will. High pressure water jet and CCTV inspection quoted at $608 + GST. Local plumber quoted $290+GST. Wasted my money on call out fee of $49

They quoted to fix our ageing toilet cisterns, took $300 deposit and then failed to fix them and only part refunded our deposit. Grrr.

Good service, Tristran and Reece were polite and friendly, efficient, on time, and gave clear information. Replaced hot water boiler and removed old boiler. We could have got it replaced cheaper but have 10 years plus guarantee and free call outs with Plumb First

Plumblast! We’re $1000 lighter after foolishly letting this company near our gas problem. Promises refunds but just getting corporate motherhood statements about how great they are. I’ll just keep posting online online until they return a phone call

Approximate cost: $4000

Yes, stay from them. Request them to clean the pilot flame nozzle and check the thermocouple. Instead, they try to sell me a new unit for $2000. I wasnt going to fall for that, so just psy him off the $49. After he left, I managed to clean it myself with the informatiob available online.

STAY AWAY! I called this company to come out to check my hot water system due to brown water coming from hot taps after turning off water supply the. Turning it back on. Firstly they said they would be at our house between 12 & 3pm, they didn’t arrive till after 3pm, secondly the plumber went outside looked at the unit ONLY, asked how old unit was which is 11 years and without even touching the system told me my hot water was gone and needed replacing. Their was dripping coming from the unit which is overflow and normal and he said that’s also an issue. Charged me $89 for call out and then quoted me $2890 + gst for a new unit and left.
Got a second opinion, plumber cleaned unit and said the unit just needed a clean due to the water being turned off the dirty water that sits at the bottom when turned back on went through system. Hot water is now back to normal.
I don’t know whether because I’m a female this company thinks they can take advantage of this or not but I wasted $89 for nothing.
Will never use this company or ever recommend them.

15 Jan 2020 my Rheem hot water system failed to re-ignite due the recent strong winds around Victoria

Plumb First was called to come out and assess the problem. Mr Ben Z. from Plumb First provided a diagnosis without trying to light up the hot water system - "Un professional". (However Ben and his colleague was polite and friend)

Ben told me that I need to replace the Gas Control + Thermo for $865 + GST. Then tried to also sell me "servicing" of PTR and Anode for $934 + GST.

Then given the price of both implying that it may be better if I bought a new hot water system - Rheem 5 star stainless steel unit fully installed for $2924 + GST. This will include VBA certificate + all valves + pipe work.

On top of all this they also tried to sell their $140 + GST membership.

In summary I was up for more than $3500+.

I called Reece Plumbing to get hooked up with local plumbers around the area that they commonly use.

Mr Frank Monaghan Plumbing came out and spent 10mins diagnosing the problem and another 65mins to fix the unit for $220. There was no need for Gas Control and PTR and Anode.

It was just a simple clean of the gas outlet and pilot. Frank explained that due to recent strong winds and conditions and given that this was the first time the pilot light went out this was likely to be the culprit.

PlumbFirst brings a bad name to the industry.
PlumbFirst cannot be trusted.
PlumbFirst quotes are excessive and you will pay more than twice as much for the same job.
PlumbFirst are dishonest.

Stay clear of them.
See attached quote provided.

Shonky people. Don't trust them, they will rip you off. Stupidly I used them, turned out to be the most expensive plumbing job I have had

Approximate cost: $2999

I called PlumbFirst after a hose burst in my laundry, they did attend on time and [name retracted] was friendly and polite. After a chat he recommended that we need to replace the hose and tap, we also spoke about replacing a tap in the kitchen and shower and the cistern in the toilet, we agreed that they would purchase high end products to replace and fit these 4 things. The main focus was to have the laundry hose repaired as we had no water. [name retracted] quoted us $2250 to do this work, including turning the water on intermediately, he stated that he would need to return tomorrow to finish and this was a two man job.. [name retracted] insisted on a deposit of $600 to start the work. We were desperate to have the water turned on and no time left to call anyone else, we agreed. the next day we had another worker turn up on time and very friendly, he was alone and was told this was a small job for one person. When he showed us the "high end" products we agreed on.. it was nothing more that a $10 shower head from Bunnings, this is what he bought to replace the perfectly working $100 shower head I currently had. He was very polite and professional and offered to speak to [name retracted] who offered to change the shower head to any showerhead of our choice, the showerhead was never the issue, it was the taps. He was very nice and friendly and a credit to the business, he did do a good job and tested everything before he left:
work conducted:
supply/fit tap in kitchen $480 - (tap price $65 as per TRADELINK website)
supply/fit tap in Laundry $480 - (tap price $65 as per TRADELINK website)
supply /fit Cistern in Bathroom $511- (not the whole toilet but the top only)
supply/fit taps in shower $100 - $100 was deducted because I left the original showerhead

I was left disappointed and expressed this to [name retracted] also, I felt so ripped off. Next time I will ring around no matter how desperate I am.

Approximate cost: $2200

Called plumbfirst to repair a hot water service, was told about the call out fee, no problems, plumber arrived on time, told us of the part that needed replacing and quoted us $450.00 for a $30.00 part (understand he needs to charge for labor) part he replaces doesn’t fix the problem, was then told it could be something else which he quoted $800.00 to fix but couldn’t tell us that it was actually going to fix the hot water service so he then quoted us for a whole new unit plus labor etc. $3850.00 decided to get other quotes, job done with another plumber (whole new unit and labor) for under $700.00. For the same brand and unit plumbfirst were quoting!!! Plumbfirst still robbed us of $450.00 for a part that didn’t fix the issue and is now in the rubbish along with the old hot water service. STAY AWAY FROM PLUMBFIRST, just out to take advantage of you and rob you of your hard earned money. Seriously who can charge $3k for an hours work???
This matter will be taken further.

Approximate cost: $450

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY - read True Local reviews. They will try and sell you expensive products and they're more interested in that than trying to fix the problem any other way. VERY expensive, rude, will tell you that Bunnings products are terrible. Save yourself grief and use another plumber.

Not recommend this business. I needed to fix a gas leak coming from my cooktop. I assumed that Plumbfirst were based in Ringwood (google search) and that they would be experts and fix it for a reasonable price. Wrong assumption! The 'serviceman' capped off my gas line, but neglected to tell me until after doing that, that I wouldn't be able to use the cooktop and that I would need to buy another one!! If I had known that, I would have asked him to just remove it. And he went looking for the leak in the first place, when I told him exactly where it was. He was at my house for about 1.5 hours and charged me $700 plus GST!!! I was stunned, but thought that this was usual because I knew nothing about this sort of thing. When my ex husband found out, he rang up the company and went mental at them. Next time, I will make sure that I check this site before I use a tradie.

Approximate cost: $769

I live in Berwick.
I called them to come out and unblock my sewage line. $600 to unblock if it could be cleared with a water jet, otherwise I was warned it could get very expensive.
Jet got jammed and prices escalated to approx $5000.
They were exceptionally professional, they had to drain and move a very large water tank, and get an excavator down a narrow side path with obstructions. All done without any damage, needed some greenery removed, and they had issues finding the outlet as it did not correspond to the plans. Not their fault of course. At all times I was informed of progress. Cheerful and pleasant folk all of them. Their cleanup was exceptional. They arranged a skip to remove the debris, and put an old hot water tank previously replaced with an on-demand system into it. This was above and beyond the call of duty and I appreciated that greatly.
They left the skip for nearly a week which allowed me to load it up with rubbish that I really wanted gone.
All in all excellent service and I will definitely use them again. I took the membership option and I will use it.
4 stars not 5 because the price was painful. But plumbing is expensive and I do not believe I was ripped off or taken advantage of.
Highly Recommended.

Approximate cost: $5000

Greatest rip-off merchants around. DO NOT USE THEM EVER. They charge $140 membership that will never be used and you do not get advised that this is a separate cost nor if you want it or not. Average hourly cost was in excess of $200 an hour. For the work they did they are not worth it.
If I could give negative stars I would

Please be careful when using Plumbfirst. Buyer beware! I called Mill Park Plumbers and a Plumbfirst representative rolled up. Are these 2 companies linked? In my experience this company Plumbfirst takes advantage of the fact that clients have no idea what parts cost so can profit by charging exorbitant prices. Yes they inform you of the cost before commencing but due to lack of knowledge of the part cost this model is unfair. For example my Hot Water Service part costs around $100 but was charged $469 for 10 minutes work. Not a bad labour charge of $369.

elderly mother was stood over and demanded payment of bill at 5.30 at night or they will take mains board out. offered them a check. They demand cash. They asked for payment immediately or they would disconnect their power then and there. They charged $4,500 to replace mains switch board that would normally cost 2,000. These guys are predators on elderly .

Approximate cost: $4500

Plumbfirst overpriced rip off bad service
Plumbfirst agent came around spouting doomsday issues with premises. Allowed quote for various works trusting they knew what they were doing. Got quoted $360 (with supposed discount) to replace a hose... a bunnings hose to my washing machine. Seeing that, cancelled job and asked for explanation. Evidently legitimate quote. No thanks! Do not recommend Plumbfirst.

Approximate cost: $1100

Quick response. Good workmanship. Reasonable prices. Flexible. Listen to customers. They did our storm water drain, gas lead, heating system, electrical work etc at 2 properties.

Avoid Plumbfirst at all costs!!

Had a blocked stormwater drain which was causing flooding so called these guys out to investigate. After investigation it was revealed that we had tree roots and the pipe needed to be dug up and relayed. Also asked for quotes on water tank installation and plumbing the tank into the toilets. We signed off on the $10k+ quote and that's pretty much where the issues started.

There was no communication whatsoever from Plumbfirst about who would be onsite and when, there were different plumbers showing up randomly, none had any idea of the job they were there to do. A skip was left blocking the driveway for 3 weeks and not removede when requested after 1 week (required for 1 day) and was filled of waste from other job sites.

Once the work was "finished" I had to get them to return to complete the job as per the quote. This involved no less than 5 different plumbers coming in to have a go over the course of about 3 weeks, and my having to follow up Plumb first each time to let them know that it still wasn't completed as per the quote.

In the end I just got over it and did the final things myself.

Part 2

I now have an issue with the water pump that was installed on the tank. This was reported approximately 3 months ago. Plumbfirst send out a plumber who diagnosed it as faulty. I call them back on a weekly basis and get no real answer on when it will be rectified. Each time I speak to someone new who doesn't seem to know anything about anything, and each time I am promised a call back which never happens.

I have had calls from Reece plumbing (who supply the pumps to Plumbfirst) and have been told that If they come out and assess the pump, there will be a charge. I'm not even sure why I need to deal directly with Recce as I'm not one of their customers.

The whole thing is a mess and I don't feel any closer to a solution.. the buck keeps getting passed around the Plumb First office and after 3 months we are no closer to a resolution.

Again.. avoid Plumb First at all costs.

I urge people to please, please, please do your due diligence before contacting this company and get comparative quotes. If you do get a quote from this business ask for a breakdown - they will quote a comprehensive price.

Plumbfirst have excessively ripped of my elderly and illiterate parents by approx. $1,000 to replace their hot water system in December last year. They were also sold a nonsense $140 membership. This company sent a salesmen to quote the job and send out a registered (not licensed) plumber to complete the work at a fraction of the cost for them. Unfortunately this conduct is seen ok by Victoria's Building Authority as it falls under some very vague 'supervision' code.

On top of all this they did not supply a compliance certificate within the legally specified time in which they are obliged to until I prompted them. I only wish I was home to read and compare the quotes for my parents before they signed it - unfortunately my parents trusted this business.

If you've feel you've been overcharged by this business I urge you to take the matter to VCAT. If you've had work carried out that is:

-any plumbing work that has a total value of $750 or more, including labour, materials, appliances, and/or fixtures, regardless of who they were purchased by
-all work carried out on below ground sanitary drains
-all work involving the installation, relocation, replacement or conversion of any gas-using appliance
-all work involving the installation, modification or relocation of consumer gas piping
-all work involving the construction, installation, relocation, alteration or replacement of cooling towers.

Please ensure you've received a compliance certificate from this business within five days of the plumbing work being completed.

Approximate cost: $2673

Could not be more pleased with every aspect of my dealings with them. Jesse was very professional and helpful when he came to check on electrical fittings. I was so impressed with the fact that he was able to come when I was available, and that he also arranged for another person to come on the same day to look at my split-system. Very happy to have signed a comprehensive contract with them. Also would like to express gratitude to Maria who took my first call. Her manner was friendly and she went out of her way to get information for me. A huge thank you to both of them.

A PS as I was able to gain the services of Harley Inglis to deal with the split-system on my day off. He arrived promptly and undertook the world efficiently and politely. Could not praise all the workers enough. Very satisfied with the work they have done. Again - thank you to all.

Excellent service. Ben came out to check my blocked drain, the price seemed fair, but best of all they came back the same afternoon and did the work. Terrific job, all problems solved. And my yard was left cleaner and tidier than before they started! Would recommend Plumbfirst 100% and would not hesitate to use again.

Approximate cost: $600

These guys did not live up to any of their values. Vote with your wallet and your dignity and shop around for an honest, local plumber.

- great value- NOT
I was charged $675 for someone to spend an hour installing a water pressure valve (the plumber implied he would do more labour eg. Digging around the water meter to check the clips, which he did not do). The ten other plumbers I called after the fact provided quotes of $300/$350. Installing the valve also did not rectify the problem as I was initially told it would.

- satisfaction guaranteed service- NOT
The banging in my pipes has not been rectified. After I complained, they said they would need to quote more work to be done. No thanks, after my experience with you.

- professional- NOT
After escalating the matter with their management *NAME* proceeded to verbally abuse, intimidate and threaten my husband. *NAME* could not explain why the values of 'satisfaction guaranteed service' and 'great value' were not met, told my husband that what he was saying was "irrelevant" and said for him to shut up when my husband asked for him not to shout at him.

- smart plumbers- NOT
The initial plumber I dealt with *NAME* was more interested in trying to upsell other additional jobs as well as the $150 membership fee than investigating the problem in question (his colleague actually told me he next day that *NAME* was in fact a Salesman!- no doubt trying to inflate his commission) When I called back the next day as I was experiencing the same problems, the next plumber *NAME* said that my tap washers were worn and if we replaced them, the banging would be rectified. My taps are mixer taps and do not require washers! He also informed me the water pressure valve could not be adjusted when in fact it was variable and it could be- so he was lacking basic plumber knowledge!

- workmanship provided by a written guarantee - NOT
I was not provided with any written guarantee.

We are very disappointed with all of the matters mentioned above and will be escalating the matter with Consumer Affairs Vic, VTAC and the Plumbers Association.
We are very disappointed with all of the matters mentioned above and will be escalating the matter with Consumer Affairs Vic, VTAC and the Plumbers Association.

The WORST service I have ever experienced in life. They sent a plumper to check gas connection. he didn't even investigate properly simply gave quotation for 2500$ to replace entire gas line. Saying there is a leak. And also disconnected my connection for gas saying it's illegal to have gas connection if there is a leak(which is fair). Then I called gas company they came and fixed a new meter, since the leak is there in meter not in house.And told me the plumber not supposed to disconnect the pipe like that because the way he disconnected is more dangerous, that's the reason they have given lever in gas connection which is used to on/off. Gas company asked me a question have you done yourself or used licensed plumber, that type of work carried by so called licensed plumber from plumbfirst. If you have more money to throw out then go for plumbfirst or you may need to re-mortgage the house for plumbing work. HORRIBLE service. I called customer which seems to be ok in the beginning and said they will call back but never called back, they said they are going to resolve the issue but haven't come back yet...OMG this is worst experience had in my life so far.

Don't call PlumbFirst. Dishonest, unreliable and incompetent.

Rang PlumbFirst because I had a problem with an air conditioner.They didn't show up on the agreed time and date and after 1 hour they rang me and said that they couldn't make it and would come the next day. When they came they told me what the problem was and how much it would cost. They wanted the money upfront before they would start work. After some arguing I paid them a deposit and the rest when the job was finished.

After about a month the air conditioner had the same problem so I rang PlumbFirst again and mentioned that on their website they say that they guarantee all their work. However, I was told that the only guarantee they provide is what the manufacturer provides on the parts.

So stay away from this mob.