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| - During the recent unusually cold spell, I had an exterior water line freeze and burst on a Saturday morning. I called Empire, spoke to a pleasant male, and was given a 4-hour window for the after-hours service call. The technician missed his window, but I understood they were busy.
Upon arrival, the technician correctly diagnosed the problem, cut out two sections of copper pipe and installed replacements. Knowing we were due for another cold night, he advised we cover as much exposed pipe as possible, which we did. He also gave advice on leaving water dripping overnight, which I did.
I was charged $480 for the repair. A little high, but emergency service so I had no issue paying it.
The next day ... you guessed it ... pipes froze again and burst in a different spot despite following the given instructions. I called Empire back and as it happened the same technician was on another job right around the corner. He arrived in about 90 minutes, again diagnosed the problem correctly and told me he would fix it for ... another $380.
I balked. Now, I expected to pay for the service, but based on the totality of the above, had hoped to have it repaired for, say, the cost of parts plus the emergency service visit. I think that would have been fair for all. The company refused to reduce the price, so I declined the repair.
Fortunately, a friend was available to help. $18 worth of parts from Home Depot and about 40 minutes time, the issue was fixed.
Empire had the opportunity to make a lifelong customer by being fair. They chose to attempt to gouge me and take advantage of my problem. I will never again use any of their services.
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