Fred Smith Plumbing & Heating

1674 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10128, USA

Address:	1674 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10128, USA
Phone:	+1 212-744-1300
Site:	fredsmithplumbing.com
Rating:	3.7
Working:	6:30AM–5PM 6:30AM–5PM 6:30AM–5PM 6:30AM–5PM 6:30AM–5PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 13

Reviews 7

Marsha Shyer

Dont Even Bother with an Afternoon Appointment, Not Loyal to Old Customers I have been a customer of Fred Smith Plumbing & Heating for many years. Unfortunately the business has not grown in a healthy manner. I just spent two days waiting for a plumber that has not yet arrived. I had made the appointment a week in advance.. When I called to question where the plumber was the first time, the person I spoke to was very derisive, implying that it was my fault for having made the appointment in the afternoon in the first place. He indicated that that was a sure sign that they would never show up. I had heard that they occasionally pick a customer to "slam" or ignore and make fun of. He seemed to want to bait me so that I would cancel. I should have followed my instincts and called another plumber right then, but I thought since I was a long-term customer they would come. When they called to cancel for that day and said they would come the next day I asked if they could guarantee it would be first thing in the morning. They said no, they would not guarantee anything. I should have realized then they really were never going to come.. I waited all day the next day, too. Several times, I was given false hope that there would be a plumber coming soon. I actually, at one point, begged! Late the second afternoon, they called to say that they still would not make it. I told them that they had had enough fun, and said goodbye. Loyalty only goes so far. After I told them I would never be calling again, they called and, for the first time since I had made the original appointment over a week earlier, offered me an actual time slot - for the next morning - a major religious holiday - so they knew they would not be busy. Thats how they treat their old customers. At their own convenience, not the customers -how rude can you be? PS, the next plumber I hired came exactly on time and with no drama or nastiness.

Ronald Reede

TWO MONTHS AGO TODAY, a supervisor was sent to assess a basic pipe leak. Smith has done work for years for our building and thus their supervisor should perhaps know what he is looking at. finalized a bid then somehow realized that he FORGOT to factor in the cost of dealing with connecting to the main line. Though they seem completely unable to return a call, whenever I called, the person who answered the phone assured me the bid was coming in a day or day. TWO MONTHS AGO TODAY. Guess what- nothing. Completely disappeared. Since we live in a pre war and they are familiar with our building, Ive tried using them in the past. Results have been completely pot luck. One plumber who was quite competent fixed a previous pipe leak. Others who came to fix some basic plumbing issues, not only often didnt fix the issue but made it worse. They when you try and get it fixed correctly, those answering the phone at their office give you attitude and bluster. In this case I asked for the plumber who was pleasant, professional and competent and was told couldnt be assigned. Shared this experience with members of our board and the super, but thought others should know about their competence. Good news is they forced be to find a pleasant, professional and competent plumber, so Ill never have to use Fred Smith again. Dont you love happy endings!

Brett Curtis

I would not use again. We had a leaking tap in the bath and our building management wouldnt take care of it and referred us to Fred Smith Plumbing. I booked an appointment in the morning for 1pm-3pm that day. At 3pm someone from Fred Smith rang acting like they were calling to book the appointment anew! I told them I had already booked an appointment and they acknowledged it but said they would REALLY/DEFINITELY come tomorrow. If booking it may we worth checking to see if it is a REAL appointment! At any rate, I didnt have time to find another plumber so agreed they could come the next morning. They only turned up 20 minutes late which was pretty good. After a quick inspection, they said it needed a spare part and they had to go across town to get it. Over an hour later the plumber returned with the part and replaced the part in about 15 minutes and declared it fixed. The total bill to stop a leaking tap: $429.72. Labor $248, part $146.60. PIus tax. I know this is Manhattan but I gotta think there is better out there. I will certainly be trying my luck with another provider next time.

Anonymous User

I just wanted say how grateful I am that Fred Smith was able to fix my heating system. It is a big relief for my wife and I, considering our babies room was without heat for most of last winter. There were at least three other companies that we had contacted to deal with the problem over the last year. They all suggested different things and none of them were able to solve the problem. Then fortunately a friend referred me to your company. Gary Stern was very professional and courteous. He sent over Dennis Dedian who was evidently a lot more knowledgeable and experienced than any of the other "specialists" who set foot in my apartment. He knew what needed to be done and did it. Once again hats off to Dennis and Fred Smith. I will recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs an outstanding and reliable plumbing and heating company.

Corey A. Witmer

ZERO STARS! NO-SHOW! I was extremely disappointed with a last minute cancellation at 12:00 Noon for todays 10a-2p appointment, I find it incredibly unprofessional and unacceptable. They simply left a voicemail saying "they got too busy with other jobs." Hmm…that seems a bit contradictory to their website where they state "[their] reputation has been built on high quality, fairly priced service...On never having to make excuses." My wife and I made arrangements, not only moving our schedules around but also everything under both our sinks in advance of what we thought would be an agreed upon appointment. They came well recommended by our well-connected broker at Corcoran Real Estate, and seemed to have it together by how quickly they turned around a COI that named us and our building management, but alas, no play no pay!

Anonymous User

I wanted to share my experience working with Vald and his helper, Aris. They should be commended for their fine work. Each took it upon himself to ensure that their work was done to the highest standard. Moreover, it was clear to all of us that they took a personal interest in this project and ensured that our tenants were kept apprised of scheduling as well as keeping a sharp eye on cleanliness while working in the tenants apartments. In spite of sometimes difficult tasks at hand, they always maintained a good work ethic, pleasant disposition, professional attitude and sense of humor. I dont often take time to write such a review but I felt you should know about the caliber of these men. Bravo!!

Brie Harding

I called Fred Smith to help with some plumbing issues I was having at my kitchen sink on the Upper East Side. After describing my situation over the phone, the dispatcher told me he would call me back with a proposed appointment time (because they juggle a lot of emergency work, they did not want to set an appointment right away). Not too long after the initial phone call, an appointment was set up. The plumber showed up on time and got the job done with no problems. I was most impressed with how polite he was and how careful he was to clean up and not leave a mess. I highly recommend Fred Smith!