I called Mertz Plumbing last week because I had a clogged kitchen drain and had a coupon for $65 drain cleaning. The plumber arrived as scheduled but he could not unclog the drain. He tried a snake, and a chemical called "sizzler". He looked at pipes in the basement and ended up suggesting I reschedule a visit to start cutting out basement pipes (obviously EXPENSIVE). He also used an entire bottle of previously purchased (my bottle) of emzyne cleaner not following instructions, essentially wasting it. He left, sorry he could not unclog the drain, and suggesting I try "Draino" and it that does not work, call for an appointment for him to cut basement pipes. I was charged $65 and left with a black goo mess in the sink, a worse clog than before he came, and a large puddle of water and broken ceiling tiles in the basement.
I immediately called a competitor (a local plumber I have used before). They came in a couple hours same day. I told them the history and the new plumber said he would try the snake first, but that if it fails they would use a water jet (not pipe cutting). He also said NEVER use "Draino". Long story short. the snake unclogged the drain and it has been fine ever since.
Bottom line - I paid $65 for NO drain cleaning by Mertz Plumbing... and they recommended an expensive and UNNECESSARY job. I will never call them again! Pretty bad coupon deal, wouldn't ya say?
UPDATE May 1, 2017 - I changed my rating from one star to three stars. Bob Mertz called me and refunded my cost for the drain cleaning that failed. He personally came to my house and gave me coupons and two bottles of drain cleaner. He did everything possible to make this right by me. I truly appreciate that and will consider giving these folks another chance.