For years I used a one-man plumber for work on my plumbing issues. During the past few years he apparently sold his business to an existing plumbing business. I called the new owner and set an appointment to fix a drip leak in one of my bathroom lavatories. I was informed the service call would cost $69, the technician would assess the problem and give me an estimate as to cost of repair.

Appointment was set and the tech arrived as scheduled. The problem was assessed as a cold water valve defect and the fix was replacement of the valve at a cost of $250, plus tax. That seemed heavy but I agreed, thinking the cost would be $250, plus tax. Repair was completed and the leak corrected.

Then I was presented with bill for $346.43, which included the $250 estimate, plus the valve cost of $28, plus the service call of $69, plus tax. To me, this was a rip-off. The $69 service fee should have bee included in the $250 estimate.The parts cost of $28 for the replacement valve should also have bee included in the $250 estimate, plus tax.

I think this company ripped me off for the $69 service fee, and the cost of the $28 valve replacement part, both of which should have been included in the $250 repair estimate. Am I wrong here? Is this simply how the plumbing businesses are now doing business.

Thank you.