Nightmare with plumber: He threatens call authorities.

[Krishna Chava]

Long post but here is summary: I refused to use a plumber's service and he threatens to report code violations in my property to authorities!

I own a fourplex in Irving and I called a plumbing company yesterday (12/23, day before Christmas break) for a non-emergency water heater repair (Vent pipe broken, need replacement). This water heater is in a small room that is accessible by its own lock and key (not part of any of the 4 units in 4plex).

Plumber came late in the evening (4 hours after the window he has given me) and told me that water heater is not installed according to code and he needs to immediately shut down gas and water lines and cap them off and only way for tenants to have their shower working for Christmas is to pay him $1722 as per following invoice:

Install Customer Supplied Water Heater 948.00 

 Raise Existing Water Heater 18" High 453.00 

 3" Standard Gas Venting Kit       321.00 

All this to correct perceived code violation of water heater not being 18inch off the floor. Ours is a FVIR type water heater with enclosed ignition chamber. I am not sure if code requires me to lift it off the floor or not.

Once I refused to get this work done, he (and his boss) threatened to cap and seal off the water and gas lines to the heater and told me I don't have any choice in the matter as he is a master plumber and is required by law to protect health and welfare of my tenants. He tried to exploit my position here as landlord and insinuated that I am not taking care off safety issues. When I further asked these guys to get off my property such that I can get a different plumber for the job, they left with a threat to report me to authorities. All this in front of tenants(with whom we have friendly relations).

I need help please! Who are the authorities he can report to? Can I complain somewhere about his extortion scheme?

[Art S.]

Ok, here's real life...

Maybe I'm wrong, but it sounds like you can fix it yourself with the proper vent-type heat rated tape from Home Depot.

But here's what real experience will tell you:

Don't file any complaints, or sue, or do anything reactionary. You can't act in a knee-jerk reaction to things you don't know much about. Instead:
1. Next time something like this occurs, have the guy show you the code in writing, right then and there. He probably won't be able to.
2. In any event, politely tell him you are required by your "partners" to confer with them before incurring any substantial expense, - and then get them off the property - tell them you'll contact them in the next day or two.
3. CALL and talk with other plumbers on the phone to confirm the info. That way none come out to the property (just in case they do the same thing), so you don't burn through all your plumbing contacts or get further into a mess.
4. You can also call the city (without disclosing the address), and ask them about the situation, and if any part of it is grandfathered.

This will let these plumbers cool off and likely not file any complaint because you're so nice, and they're still hoping to do business with you; it will also give you the proper information you need; give you time to plan and save up for the expense; and preserve your plumbing contacts.