Pelham Plumbing & Heating Corp.

I was charged an outrageous $2,414.59 by Pelham Plumbing (2253 Light Street, Bronx, NY) for what should have been a standard under-sink plumbing job. The scope of work involved replacing a kitchen faucet, drain trap, strainer, and a short section of drainage pipe. No walls were opened, no complex rerouting, no emergency call — just a typical repair that most licensed plumbers quote for a few hundred dollars. After demanding a cost breakdown, I was given the following figures: Labor: $1,622.50 Materials: $440.93 Material Markup: $154.33 Total: $2,414.59 These charges are completely disproportionate to the work performed. The labor cost alone is excessive — over $1,600 for a job that took a few hours. The parts used (including a Delta Collins faucet, trap, and strainer) are standard, off-the-shelf components with modest retail prices. A material markup of $154.33 on top of the materials already charged at $440 only adds to the suspicion of price gouging. There was no upfront estimate, no explanation of costs before the work began, and the detailed invoice was only provided after I insisted on it. This is not how ethical contractors do business. I have filed a formal complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and am considering small claims court to recover the overcharge. If you’re considering hiring this company, I strongly urge you to get multiple estimates in writing and do your research. This experience was a costly lesson. I hope this review prevents others from making the same mistake.