At The Pine Plumbing, we’ve heard the stories. Homeowners stuck with huge bills for work that didn’t need to be done. Business owners pressured into signing contracts under false urgency. In this post, we’re going to walk you through the five biggest red flags that show you’re dealing with a dishonest plumber. If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get a second opinion.
1. They Refuse to Show You What’s Wrong
One of the biggest signs of a shady plumber is when they tell you there’s a big issue—but won’t show you. Maybe they say your sewer line is broken or your main is about to collapse, but there’s no photo, no video, and no explanation.
A good plumbing company will walk you through everything. At The Pine Plumbing, we use high-quality camera inspections so you can see exactly what’s going on before we recommend any work. You’re never left guessing.
2. The Pressure to Act Now “or Else”
This happens way more than you’d think. A plumber will knock on your door and claim you have an emergency. Maybe you’ve had a leak for a day, and now suddenly they’re saying your whole system is about to fail and you need to sign today—before the price goes up.
Here’s a true story from Van Nuys: One of our clients called us after being told by another company that her whole main line needed to be replaced. The quote? Over $18,000. She said they were pressuring her hard and wouldn’t leave until she signed paperwork. Something felt off, so she called us for a second opinion.
We showed up the same day, ran our camera, and found the problem: a minor clog—not a collapsed pipe. We cleared the line for under $400. No replacements. No digging. No tricks.
3. They Can’t Explain the Charges
A quote should be easy to understand. If you ask what each charge is for, and the plumber can’t explain it clearly, that’s a huge red flag.
You deserve to know:
- What’s being done
- Why it’s necessary
- What it will cost
At The Pine Plumbing, our quotes are clear, direct, and itemized. Whether you’re a general contractor on a commercial site or a homeowner with a kitchen leak, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.
4. They Throw Out Big Words to Confuse You
Some plumbers use technical jargon to make it sound like they’re the expert—and you shouldn’t question them. That’s not how we work. We break it down so it makes sense. We don’t throw around complicated terms just to sound smart.
If your plumber won’t explain things in plain language, that’s a problem. We believe good communication is part of the job.
5. They Say Everything Needs Replacing
If every visit turns into a massive list of repairs, pause. It’s one thing if your property is old and genuinely needs work. It’s another thing if every visit ends with a recommendation to rip everything out.
Sometimes you do need a full overhaul—but many times, it’s a small fix that gets the job done.
We’ve worked on homes that survived the LA fires, and we know how to assess damage without jumping to full replacements. We’ve handled plumbing for new residential builds and full restaurant rehabs. When we say we’re equipped for any size job, we mean it. But we also know when to scale down and save you money.
When It’s Time to Call The Pine Plumbing
If you’ve received a quote that sounds fishy, call us.
We work all across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. Our team is licensed, experienced, and local. From new construction projects to fire-damaged homes, we’ve handled plumbing challenges of all shapes and sizes.
Here’s what you can expect with us:
- Honest pricing
- No-pressure service
- Visual proof of every issue
- The right solution for your situation
We’ve worked with general contractors, restaurant contractors, commercial property managers, and homeowners alike. Whether you’re planning a big project or dealing with a sudden emergency, we’re ready to step in and get it done.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing isn’t just pipes and fittings—it’s trust. We built The Pine Plumbing on that foundation. If something feels off about a quote you’ve received, don’t stay quiet. Call us. We’ll take a look and give you the truth.
You don’t have to get stuck with an inflated bill. You don’t have to be misled. Get a second opinion. It might save you thousands.
Need help now?
Call The Pine Plumbing today or message us online. Whether it’s your home, your restaurant, or your construction site—we’re ready when you are. Call at (323) 346-4472.
