Listing details: Jiffy Plumbing & Heating - Rockville, MD

I called Jiffy because we had poured a bowl of rice down the kitchen sink and clogged the sink drain (beyond the trap which I had removed and emptied). Jiffy refused to give an estimate or hourly rate over the phone. They said they would provide a free estimate once a plumber came to the house. The plumber arrived promptly enough. After discussing the problem and saying that he would use the "snake" he quoted me a price of $269. I told him that was much higher than I had paid several years ago for a snake job, and that it would take less than an hour. The plumber said that some snake jobs can take up to 4 hours. He then said he could offer a "special rate" of $239. I said that was still too high. He called his "manager" and then offered a "special rate" of $189. Being stuck without use of the kitchen sink over the weekend, I reluctantly agreed. He then proceded to snake the drain for about 15 minutes and was gone within less than 1/2 hour. I find it outrageous that I could not get an honest best price from Jiffy and that he charged me an exorbitant sum when he knew the drain would be cleared of the rice quickly. Jiffy would have demanded $269 for less than a 1/2 of work had I not refused. This haggling is new to me from a plumber. In the past plumbers have given hourly rates or a rough estimate over the phone for a simple problem. I found Jiffy to be akin to a used car salesman and would not use them again. I assume Jiffy refuses to give estimates or rates so that cutomers cannot effectively shop around for a good price. I find this unprofessional and dishonest.

K.L. - Silver Spring, MD

Reviewed Mar 8, 2009 11:08AM