In February, 2013 our neighbour's pool pump was submerged after lots of rain. It was the first big downpour since pool installed.
He called a plumber, and asked if we minded the plumber coming on to our property and also checking our drainage outlets for any blockages, as ground/roof water off our property may have been adding to the problem.
No problem with us, gave permission. There was a blockage which he fixed. The neighbour also had drainage problems, and combined (us and the neighbour) probably caused the pool pump damage. (which actually dried out OK and was going again without damage)
We did ask the plumber to come back and do a simple job for us, preferably before end of May 2013.(that was to suit him, as he said his son, who worked for him, was leaving) We wanted an account for the work just done, but he said "wait until I come back". He didn't give any indication of the cost of the work just done. It was about 1/2 hour labour x 2 (he and his son) plus use of vibrator thing to locate the blockage, 10mins vibrator.
The neighbour got his bill soon after though.
He never came back to our house. Earlier this month, Sept, six months later, we finally got an account for $374, and addressed with wrong surname, because he never bothered to actually take our particulars. Must have asked neighbour our name, and he's got it wrong.
Because the account took six months to arrive, we had not budgeted for it, and so immediately paid $74, and asked if we could have six months to pay the balance...ie $50/month.
We were told that that accounts are 7days terms only, and interest would be charged. We have been asked to pay $100/month for next 3 months, and if not, the account will be sent straight to a debt collector, after which we will be required to pay extra fees for the debt collector + interest.
Would like to know our rights in this matter, CS posters are usually right up with this sort of thing.
We have always paid our bills right on the dot, or before, but this time we're feeling just a tad bullied.
He's not a real plumber if he doesn't have a plumber's "bleep".
