Don’t Get Hosed by Shady Plumbers in Jacksonville, NC

The Shady Plumbing Tactics to Watch Out For

Let’s talk about the dirty tricks I’ve heard about (and helped homeowners recover from). These are the tactics that give honest plumbers a bad name:

• Upselling Unnecessary Repairs: This is one of the most common scams – a plumber wildly exaggerates a problem or flat-out invents one just to sell you an expensive fix you don’t need. For example, one homeowner in our area was told her entire sewer line was cracked and needed a $30,000 replacement – the plumber even showed her a grainy camera image as “proof.” Thankfully she got a second opinion; four thorough camera inspections later, “there isn’t one single crack in the whole pipe,” the honest plumbers found. They joked that the first guy “must have just seen dollar signs” when he looked at this young homeowner. In other words, he saw an opportunity to upsell a massive job by scaring her. Upsells can also be smaller scale – like trying to convince you your perfectly fine water heater “might as well” be replaced when a $20 part would do. Always be wary if a diagnosis feels over-the-top dire.
• High-Pressure Sales and Scare Tactics (Especially in Emergencies): Some bigger plumbing companies train their techs to be salespeople first and problem-solvers second. They might use your urgency against you. If you’ve got water gushing at 3 AM, they know you’re desperate – and some will jack up the price or push additional services while you’re panicked. I’ve heard of bait-and-switch pricing too: they quote one price or a cheap coupon to get in the door, then hit you with a much higher bill once the work is done. One senior citizen in Wilmington described how a plumbing franchise showed up on a Sunday and charged her a flat $579 plus an emergency fee (total $638) for a 15-minute fix – and even tried to sell her an annual service plan during the chaos of the leak. She later realized how overcharged she was and felt “completely taken advantage of… falling for their bait and switch”. Sadly, these outfits often target the most vulnerable; as one state official noted about an investigation into a big plumbing chain, “they would use high-pressure sales tactics to get… vulnerable adults to pay for services that were not needed”. In short: if someone is using scare tactics and pressure (“Sign now or this price goes up!”), that’s a huge red flag.
• Overcharging and Price Gouging: This one’s simple – charging outrageous prices for simple jobs or parts. I’m all for businesses making a profit, but some quotes are just absurd. We’ve all heard of the $20 part that somehow costs $200 on your invoice. In one local case, a Wilmington homeowner (who happens to be the aunt of a friend of mine) was charged $400 to replace two outside hose spigot handles. Yes, just the little faucet handles! The company claimed they had replaced the entire hose bibs and that each bib alone cost over $100 in parts. In reality, they only swapped out the handles and left the old, rusty fixtures in place. Talk about a rip-off. The customer even shared photos showing the “new” parts were actually the same old corroded spigots with just new handles attached.

Above: A photo a homeowner shared of a “replaced” hose bib in Wilmington, NC. As you can see, the old bib is still there (notice the rust); only the handle was changed to a new green one. The plumber charged the family about $400 for two of these, claiming the parts were $100+ each. This is a prime example of overcharging for unnecessary parts.

• Bait-and-Switch Quotes: Be cautious of plumbers who offer a super-low “special” or quote, then dramatically change the scope or price once they have your sink torn apart. Some unethical businesses advertise something like a cheap drain cleaning, only to upsell you on an expensive repair once they’re in your home. I’ve seen cases where a plumber comes for a “$99 drain clear” promo, then insists you actually need a whole sewer line replacement. In the Wilmington senior’s story above, she felt it was bait-and-switch when the company’s flat-rate pricing didn’t adjust even though the repair was minor. Essentially, she paid the full price for a worst-case scenario when only a simple fix was needed. The bait was “we charge by the job not the hour” (implying a fair flat rate), and the switch was realizing that rate was way too high for the actual work done. Always pin down what exactly you’re paying for and be skeptical if the deal changes or doesn’t reflect reality.
• Not Standing Behind Work (and Vanishing Act): This one really boils my blood: the plumber takes your money, then disappears when the “fixed” problem comes back. I’ve heard from folks in Jacksonville who had a plumber fix something and overcharge them, only for the issue to return days later – and suddenly the company won’t answer calls. One local company’s CEO even blocked a customer’s number after a shoddy job, ignoring her warranty calls when the repair failed two days later. (She noted she wasn’t the first person he’d done this to, and sadly probably not the last.) In another review, a frustrated customer warned “He will either rip you off or not stand behind any of his work… He has no integrity… he just wants to make a profit.”. Ouch! When a plumber won’t honor warranties, leaves projects incomplete (like open holes in your yard), or ghost you after getting paid, that’s as shady as it gets.

As you can see, these tactics are real – and they’ve happened to homeowners right here in our Coastal Carolina communities. The pattern is usually the same: a big, impersonal company (or a fly-by-night operator) is focused on maximizing the bill instead of actually solving your problem. They often target folks who are in a vulnerable spot – maybe you’re dealing with an emergency flood, or you’re an older homeowner who they think won’t question them.

So, how do we fix this? Well, for starters, sunlight is the best disinfectant. I always say: if you shine a light on bad behavior, it can’t survive long. That’s why I’m writing this – to arm you with knowledge. Now let me switch gears and share how Wild Water Plumbing does business differently, and why I sleep well at night knowing I’ve done right by my customers.

The Wild Water Plumbing Difference – Honest Service from a Navy Vet

I founded Wild Water Plumbing because I was tired of hearing these horror stories. As a veteran and a local guy, my reputation means everything to me. When I was in the Navy fixing ships, there was no room for B.S. – a leaky pipe on a destroyer out at sea can’t be “upsold,” it just needs fixing, properly and now. I bring that same mindset to helping homeowners in Jacksonville and the surrounding counties.

Here’s how I do things differently from those big franchise companies:

• No High-Pressure Sales – Just Honest Advice: If you call me with a plumbing issue, my first job is to find the real problem and fix it, not to sell you something extra. You’ll get an explanation in plain language about what’s wrong and what your options are. I’ve actually talked people out of expensive repairs when a cheaper fix made more sense. Need a new water heater? If I think a $15 part will buy you a couple more good years, I’ll tell you that. Got a slight drip? Maybe you don’t need a whole new faucet – maybe it’s just a washer. My rule is simple: I treat customers the way I’d want someone to treat my own family. No scare tactics, no “your house will explode if you don’t buy this upgrade” nonsense. Just straight talk and professional work.
• Transparent, Fair Pricing: I’ll be up-front about costs, and I charge fairly for my services. Emergency call at midnight? Yes, it’ll cost a bit more than a Tuesday at noon, but I’m not going to triple the price just because you’re in a tough spot. In fact, I don’t like the term “price gouging” – it’s not in my playbook. I’ll give you a breakdown if you want: parts, labor, the whole shebang. If a job ends up easier than expected, I’m not going to stick you with a flat rate for extra work that never happened. (Those “flat rate regardless of time” schemes some companies use can bite you – as we saw with that $638 for 15 minutes case.) With me, you pay for what you get, and you get what you pay for. And I back my work 100%. If something isn’t right, I’ll make it right – period.
• No Upsells or Unnecessary Add-Ons: This might sound crazy, but I don’t have a quota to meet or a manager breathing down my neck to sell 10 water softeners this month. It’s just me and my small team, and our goal is happy customers. I’m not going to hawk you a service contract you don’t need or mysteriously “find” a new problem in your home just to pad the bill. If I suggest something extra (like “Hey, I notice your water heater anode rod is nearly gone – we could replace that to extend the heater’s life”), it’s genuinely for your benefit, and it’s your choice to say yes or no (with no hard feelings if it’s a no).
• Respect and Professionalism: This should go without saying, but I’ve seen it lacking in those horror stories. I will show up on time (or communicate if I’m running late). I’ll treat you, your time, and your home with respect. No yelling, no cussing at customers (I was appalled to read about that happening – that’s unbelievable). I’m a guest in your home – and I never forget that. Heck, I even wear boot covers so I don’t track mud on your carpet. And when the job’s done, I tidy up. You shouldn’t have to clean up after your plumber.

In short, my approach is the exact opposite of the shady stuff. I’ve built Wild Water Plumbing on the values I learned in the Navy: integrity, trust, and service. And being a local small business, I live or die by word of mouth – so doing right by you isn’t just the moral thing, it’s the smart thing. (Plus, I gotta sleep at night. I couldn’t do that if I was out here scamming folks!)

We Do It All – The Services We Offer (Without the Shenanigans)

You might be thinking, “That all sounds great, Justin, but can you handle my plumbing issue?” Let me assure you – if it’s plumbing, we likely do it. One benefit of dealing with a knowledgeable former Navy plumber is that I’ve fixed just about everything that can leak, burst, clog, or gush! Here’s a quick rundown of services Wild Water Plumbing offers in Jacksonville and surrounding areas (Pender, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow counties):

• Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal: From slow kitchen sinks to backed-up sewer mains, I’ll get your drains flowing freely. I have the right snakes and hydro-jetters for even the toughest clogs (yes, even the army of tree roots invading your sewer line doesn’t scare me!).
• 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Repairs: Pipes don’t wait for business hours to burst. If you have an emergency – midnight, weekend, holiday – give me a call. I’ll respond quickly and help without taking advantage of the situation. Your crisis is my mission, and I’ll help you keep a cool head while we fix it.
• Faucet Repair & Installation: Dripping faucet driving you crazy? I can fix it or install a new one you picked out. No upsell of a gold-plated fancy fixture – unless you want one, in which case I’ll happily install whatever you choose.
• Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair: Garbage disposal jammed or dead? I can safely clear it, repair it, or replace it. I’ll also give you tips so you don’t have to see me for the same issue twice (even if that’s bad for business – I prefer you not have rotten food smells in your kitchen!).
• Sewer Line Inspections & Repairs: Remember that $30k sewer line scam earlier? If you’re worried about your sewer line, I can run a camera through it and give you an honest assessment. We handle sewer line repairs and replacements when truly necessary – and we’ll show you exactly what’s going on down there.
• Water Heater Service (Repair & Replacement): Whether your shower’s gone cold or your water heater is leaking, I’ve got you covered. I handle standard tank heaters and tankless units. If it can be fixed cost-effectively, I’ll fix it. If not, I’ll help you find a good replacement that fits your needs and budget (and I won’t double the price like some franchise did to one of our neighbors).
• Well Pump & Grinder Pump Installation: Many folks in our area rely on well pumps or have grinder pumps for waste. I install and service well pumps, grinder pumps, sump pumps – you name a pump, I’ll keep it pumping. If your well’s run dry (literally or figuratively), I’ll get the water flowing again.
• Whole-Home Repiping: Got old galvanized pipes or recurring leaks all over? I do repiping projects too. It’s a big job, but we break it down so it’s manageable and as painless as possible. And you better believe we won’t tear up your drywall without repairing it. We leave your home better than we found it.
• Sump Pumps & Waterproofing: If your crawlspace or basement floods, a sump pump is your best friend. I install and maintain sump pump systems to protect your property from our heavy North Carolina rains. I’ll make sure it’s set up right – and I can add battery backups so you’re safe even if the power goes out in a storm.
• Toilet Repairs & Replacements: Running toilet? Constant clogs? Weak flush? I can repair the innards of your toilet (flappers, fill valves – all that fun stuff) or install a new throne if your old one is beyond saving. No need to live with a wobbly, leaky commode.
• And More General Plumbing: Basically, if water runs through it, I handle it. Leaky pipes, busted hose bibs, shower installations, gas line for your new grill – Wild Water Plumbing is your one-stop shop for quality plumbing work. And if something is outside my scope, I’ll tell you upfront and even help you find someone who can help (hey, I know my limits – I’m not about to start wiring your house or something, but I have electrician friends!).

As you can see, I wear a lot of hats – or rather, a lot of toolbelts. The key is, whatever the service, I apply the same honesty and quality workmanship. Whether I’m unclogging your drain or repiping your whole house, you’ll get the straight story and a fair price.

Practical Tips for Homeowners – How to Avoid Getting Scammed

I want to wrap up with a bit of practical advice. Whether you call me or another plumber, here are some tips to protect yourself from shady practices:

• Get a Second Opinion for Big Jobs: If a plumber tells you that you need an extensive, expensive repair (like a whole sewer line, main water line, new water heater, etc.), don’t hesitate to pump the brakes and get a second (or third) opinion. Reputable plumbers won’t be offended – in fact, any who discourage a second opinion are waving a red flag. As we saw in that $30k sewer line story, other plumbers came in and found no issue at all. Trust your gut; if the diagnosis sounds fishy or the price seems sky-high, call another pro to take a look. A little extra time can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of grief.
• Beware of High-Pressure Sales Pitches: You’re hiring a plumber, not buying a used car. If a technician is pushing you to “act now” on a purchase, pressuring you to sign up for a big project or an expensive maintenance plan on the spot, take a step back. Honest plumbers give you information and space to decide – scammers push you into decisions. Remember the report about those sales tactics on seniors: if someone is using high-pressure tactics to sell services you didn’t even ask for, they’re likely not needed at all. A trustworthy plumber focuses on fixing your issue, not turning it into a sales opportunity.
• Demand Transparency (Ask Questions): Don’t be afraid to ask for details. “What exactly are you going to do? Why? Is there a cheaper alternative? How much will the parts cost?” A legitimate plumber will answer these and won’t get irritated – they’ll appreciate that you care about your home. If someone gets dodgy or annoyed when you ask questions about the work or pricing, something’s off. Also, ask to see the problem if possible – a good plumber might show you the crack in the pipe or the bad part they removed. If they claim to replace something, you have every right to see the old part. (That could’ve saved our friend’s aunt $400 – seeing that the “new” hose bib was the same old one!) Knowledge is power, so don’t stay in the dark.
• Check Credentials and Reviews: In North Carolina, plumbers should be licensed. You can verify a contractor’s license if you have doubts. Also, look at reviews and references, especially for local companies. While every business has the occasional unhappy customer, multiple reviews complaining about overcharging, upselling, or not showing up are big warning signs. If neighbors in Jacksonville or Wilmington are reporting similar issues with the same company, steer clear. On the flip side, if you see a lot of happy customers saying a plumber is honest and reliable, that’s a great sign (and exactly what I strive for with Wild Water Plumbing!).
• Don’t Panic – Use Your Best Judgment: This one’s more psychological. Plumbing problems are stressful – water spraying everywhere or sewage backing up is enough to freak anyone out. Scammers want you to panic, because then you’re more likely to agree to anything. Take a deep breath. Even in an emergency, you often have time to make a phone call or two. Turn off the main water valve if you can to stop the immediate crisis, then you won’t feel like you’re on the clock deciding. If a quote sounds crazy, it’s okay to say, “Thank you, I need to think about it.” You can have them do a temporary fix (or stopgap) and schedule a bigger repair later after you’ve thought it over or compared prices. Your home is a huge investment – a few minutes of calm decision-making can save you from a bad deal.

Lastly, I’ll say this: trust is everything. When you find a plumber (or any home service pro) you trust, hang onto them! A good relationship with an honest plumber is worth its weight in gold (or at least in avoided headaches). I’m not just here for one job – I aim to be the plumber you call for life, the one you confidently refer to your neighbors and friends. That only happens if I earn your trust every single time.

Honest Plumbing Service is Out There (I Promise!)

I know we covered a lot, but these are important things every homeowner should know. The plumbing industry, like any other, has a few bad apples that cast a shadow on all the hardworking honest folks. But don’t let those stories scare you away from seeking help – just arm yourself with knowledge and choose your plumber wisely.

From upselling unnecessary repairs, to outrageous overcharging, to high-pressure sales tactics, we’ve shined a light on the shady practices to avoid. The good news is, you have a choice. You can choose a reputable local plumber who values integrity over a quick buck.

As the owner of Wild Water Plumbing, I stake my name and reputation on every job. I’m proud to be veteran-owned and operated, and proud to serve my community with straightforward, quality plumbing work. If you’re in Greater Jacksonville or surrounding areas and ever need an honest opinion or a reliable fix, I’m just a phone call away. My promise: I’ll treat you like a neighbor, not a number.

Thank you for reading my (slightly ranty) insights! Stay safe, stay savvy, and remember – don’t get hosed by those shady plumbers. If something smells fishy (and it’s not your garbage disposal), you know what to do: get a second opinion… or better yet, contact Justin at Wild Water Plumbing and get the job done right.

Fair winds and following seas,
Justin Wilder – Wild Water Plumbing Owner, Navy Vet, and your friendly neighborhood plumber