You know who are worse?
Plumbers. Think they are God's gift they do. Charging retarded prices for just running pipes. Its easy work, for trained monkeys.
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Lowest Common Denominator
- Thread starter DarnYankeeUSMC
- Start date
You know who are worse?
Plumbers. Think they are God's gift they do. Charging retarded prices for just running pipes. Its easy work, for trained monkeys.
I’ve been installing and servicing lawn sprinkler systems for over 35 years.
Had a customer call me once told me his controller was dead, wasn’t working. I asked him some questions then said, sounds like its not plugged in. Guy proceeded to berate me, told me he was a college professor and had degrees in blah blah blah. It’s plugged in. I said ok I‘ll be there must be a bad clock.
When I arrived he met me in the driveway. Garage was open. I got out of the truck and saw the problem immediately. His professor ass was correct, it was plugged in.
I began to tell him how my no college, uneducated lowly service tech ass was gonna fix his problem from here. He laughed and went along. I told him to go reset the tripped GFI breaker on the garage receptacle which I could see was tripped. Then I asked if he would like me to check the system because he was paying for a service call anyway.
He never spoke to me like that again.
most customers are decent people but I’ve told many a customer that a sprinkler system was a luxury, you certainly don’t need it to survive. That’s always after they cry about a bill. They always pay after that.
Had a customer call me once told me his controller was dead, wasn’t working. I asked him some questions then said, sounds like its not plugged in. Guy proceeded to berate me, told me he was a college professor and had degrees in blah blah blah. It’s plugged in. I said ok I‘ll be there must be a bad clock.
When I arrived he met me in the driveway. Garage was open. I got out of the truck and saw the problem immediately. His professor ass was correct, it was plugged in.
I began to tell him how my no college, uneducated lowly service tech ass was gonna fix his problem from here. He laughed and went along. I told him to go reset the tripped GFI breaker on the garage receptacle which I could see was tripped. Then I asked if he would like me to check the system because he was paying for a service call anyway.
He never spoke to me like that again.
most customers are decent people but I’ve told many a customer that a sprinkler system was a luxury, you certainly don’t need it to survive. That’s always after they cry about a bill. They always pay after that.
Another HVAC story....
4yrs ago air conditioner not working...
HVAC guy 1 - Says I'll need a full system replacement. (Referred to me by an electrician, those dirty fucks)
HVAC guy 2 - Says same thing and says there is a crack in the coil. Needs to replace furnace too. Too small for house.
HVAC guy 3 - Says the unit is fine, just needed a simple thing. This system is still running today.
HVAC 2 guy gets pissed because I didn't proceed with the 6K for a new system install. Calls my place of work and complains about it...Can't make this shit up!
4yrs ago air conditioner not working...
HVAC guy 1 - Says I'll need a full system replacement. (Referred to me by an electrician, those dirty fucks)
HVAC guy 2 - Says same thing and says there is a crack in the coil. Needs to replace furnace too. Too small for house.
HVAC guy 3 - Says the unit is fine, just needed a simple thing. This system is still running today.
HVAC 2 guy gets pissed because I didn't proceed with the 6K for a new system install. Calls my place of work and complains about it...Can't make this shit up!
It was the other way around. Fucking wondered why there was a ball gag in his kit. and my jaw hurt for a while for some reason!
Damn u r hating on all the trades today…. Just curious what you do for a living?
Around my area, it is law that once an HVAC repair or installation is done to a residence or business, the HVAC repair company cannot remove their new parts if no payment is made. I've heard horror stories about HVAC companies not getting paid on time or not at all for repairs or installations. All the HVAC companies can do is go to court and get a lien placed against the property.
What is boils down to is HVAC companies have to charge enough up front on each bill to cover those that don't pay. Just like any other storefront business that is victimized by shoplifters. The price you pay includes subsidizing the losses caused by others. Socialism is great, isn't it?
This is why I stick with automotive work. By law, the customer doesn't get their vehicle back until the bill is paid. After 90 days of no payment, I can get a mechanic's lien on the vehicle and get a title in my name for it. Then turn around and sell it for much more than the original repair to cover my time and hassle.
What is boils down to is HVAC companies have to charge enough up front on each bill to cover those that don't pay. Just like any other storefront business that is victimized by shoplifters. The price you pay includes subsidizing the losses caused by others. Socialism is great, isn't it?
This is why I stick with automotive work. By law, the customer doesn't get their vehicle back until the bill is paid. After 90 days of no payment, I can get a mechanic's lien on the vehicle and get a title in my name for it. Then turn around and sell it for much more than the original repair to cover my time and hassle.
That explains everything
Pure guess, but nobody but a “property manager” or slumlord has this many fucked up HVAC stories.
Well, I suppose liars do too…
I was hoping for a good plumber story.
I am disapoint.
I am disapoint.
While my stories are true, I'm just being tongue-in-cheek. My electrician is a friend of mine. I'm a pussy slayer! Unless my wife is creeping on me again, "Honey, its just a joke"...
Tryhard. You’re not overly burdened with ideas, are you.
Are you even ambulatory? EDIT: That means, ale to move around, get out of the basement, off a computer?
You wanna hear ‘bout laying the pipe, huh?
You sound vaccinated
Nah. Since I was 13 I've laid more pipe than Exxon-Mobil.
I switched to concrete later in life.
I can lay a brick too. Stopped up many a toilet.
This didn’t happen to me but I was able to hear the whole story.
We had a w124 E320 come in for some sort of running problem and it went to someone who’s been helping his dad work on Benzes since he was 6, so he probably knows what’s going on. Nay nay, friends. This particular car was lucky enough to be purchased by an engineer. He starts his magical diagnostic tale by explaining how the auxiliary fan resistor is backfeeding into the ecm wiring system, somehow. Dustin explains in as nice a way possible that’s fucking retarded and engineer is fucking stupid. Engineer is insistent that all he wants Dustin to do is replace the resistor so everyone can marvel at his prowess. They bicker a bit but Dustin ultimately decides to replace the resistor. Anybody want to guess how this ends up? If you guessed that the engineer supplied part didn’t fix his problem and Dustin got to charge this dipshit an asshole tax on top of the regular diagnosis and repair job you win a pat on the head
We had a w124 E320 come in for some sort of running problem and it went to someone who’s been helping his dad work on Benzes since he was 6, so he probably knows what’s going on. Nay nay, friends. This particular car was lucky enough to be purchased by an engineer. He starts his magical diagnostic tale by explaining how the auxiliary fan resistor is backfeeding into the ecm wiring system, somehow. Dustin explains in as nice a way possible that’s fucking retarded and engineer is fucking stupid. Engineer is insistent that all he wants Dustin to do is replace the resistor so everyone can marvel at his prowess. They bicker a bit but Dustin ultimately decides to replace the resistor. Anybody want to guess how this ends up? If you guessed that the engineer supplied part didn’t fix his problem and Dustin got to charge this dipshit an asshole tax on top of the regular diagnosis and repair job you win a pat on the head
The advertising clearly stated that free estimates are for a new system.
I arrived and introduced myself. I told them that I was there to give them the free estimate. They said that the system was around back. I went around and saw that it was a package HVAC system. Checked the data plate for age of equipment and size. Measured the house to insure the current system was adequate.
That's pretty clear.
Many times during the introduction they state that they just want to know how much it's going to cost to repair. Well, that's not free.
I do plenty of free work. But it's for those that I deam could use a break. Those that try to scam can fuck off.
I'd love for you to ride with a good tech and see the BS.
You remind me of the old saw about how if you meet an asshole , then you met an asshole... but if pretty much everyone you meet are assholes, then maybe it isn't them.You sound, wonderful!
No, I'm not anything to do with HVAC.
You finish the repair and hand the customer a invoice. They write a check and hand it to you.
Then comes the...
1. Ohh, before you go can you look at XYZ? To which I ask them if they want to write another check for the additional work or have their check back to write one with the total.
2. Can you hold that until next Friday. I don't have the funds to cover it. To which I hand them the check and tell them that I will return for the payment plus an additional charge. If you accept a check knowing that the funds are not there to cover it. You are SOL legally.
3. Ohh, since you are here. My neighbor's system is not working either. Can you look at it now? Ummm, no. I already have other customers waiting. They need to call me for an appointment.
Then comes the...
1. Ohh, before you go can you look at XYZ? To which I ask them if they want to write another check for the additional work or have their check back to write one with the total.
2. Can you hold that until next Friday. I don't have the funds to cover it. To which I hand them the check and tell them that I will return for the payment plus an additional charge. If you accept a check knowing that the funds are not there to cover it. You are SOL legally.
3. Ohh, since you are here. My neighbor's system is not working either. Can you look at it now? Ummm, no. I already have other customers waiting. They need to call me for an appointment.
While I was typing that post I got a text message. You decipher it.
Girl I know recently bought a house. Bragging to me about original hardwood floors and asked me to come check it out and give her recommendations on sanding/sealing.
Showed up and it was all old exposed exposed sub floor
Showed up and it was all old exposed exposed sub floor
She found the solution for global warming
If it was a 5 - 7year old or more unit it was likely the big capacitor for the starter. As the units age they get more reistance (not nec electrical) thus take more energy to turn. This wears the cap. My first one cost me a $200 emergency call. I watched what he did then looked up the part. $6.50 I bought a box of 6 for around $40 and switched them myself. Just be sure to pull the breaker....
BTW, ageing capacitors are also a common reason for well pumps quitting. Before you consider having someone pull the pump, replace the starter box.
Was he a ginger?
Well they say the Kim Kardashian has had more pipe in her than the back of a plumber's van.
Does that count?
I used to tell the, "But it's only $XXX at..." types, the cheapest is seldom the least expensive.
Fuck Jewiing motherfuckers!
If I do a job, they gonna pay. And they know it up front! Then I’m gonna do the job as perfect as possible. If I can’t get paid enough to do that, I’ll just go fishing!
Cool, more business.
Not cool
Yup, bitching about more business.
Always loved the experts. RV engine cooling fan not turning on. Owner tells advisor he has diagnosed the problem with a friend who works for Spartan. Advisor tells him, "We'll be happy to change part XX, but if that does not correct the issue, we're back to diagnostic fees on top of the labor already incurred." Fine. Replace said part and no change. Owner authorizes diagnostics and tech finds a faulty fan motor. Asked owner if he tested the motor and after a five minute dissertation about his EE skills, he admits he did not. Tech replaces fan motor and functions as designed. As he's paying the invoice, he tells the advisor he doesn't believe this fixed the problem and expects to be back for warranty work. Never saw him again.
Ummm,
Or it could be a bad fuse. Or it could be a bad start relay. Or it could be a bad contactor. Or it could be earwigs in the contactor. Or it could be a clogged drain. Or it could be a host of other things. That's you call people that know what they are doing.
Guessing at the problem and throwing parts at it? SMH.
Oh, BTW. There's a reason why capacitors don't last. It's because Uncle Sam banned the chemicals that were previously in them for PCB's. The new chemicals are not as good.
You are a clown.
If I keep putting people in front of you, because I was at a neighbors, is that good business?
I always say that you don't get good and cheap. Pick one or the other.
If they can come right now. They are not worth having. Especially when it's 95 outside.
NO real argument there, But I found that through a couple of heat pumps, the first thing to check was that big cap. YMMV.
I'll add that each time I had that same problem, I could here the outside unit humming in the same place, and it trying to start, , so I pretty much knew that was the issue.
Last edited:
If anyone tells you differently, take your business to an honest man.
If you have a multimeter, and know what you are doing, capacitors are pretty easy to check........
https://www.supplyhouse.com/MARS-12200-2-5-67-5-MFD-AmRad-Turbo-200-Universal-Capacitor-370-440V
Made in USA. 5 year guarantee.
P.S. these lowest denominators sometimes vote.
Made in USA. 5 year guarantee.
P.S. these lowest denominators sometimes vote.
Back 100 years ago when I was a aircraft mechanic in the AF. I had a emergency call to the alert pad , FB 111 no ac , got the pad put on the headset to talk to the pilot , told him I was gonna crawl up into the main wheel well to to ck for power to the valve that supplys high temp high pressure air to the ac equipment, and to flip the ac master switch on when I told him to , before I could get into the wheelwell the pilot said nevermind everything was good to go , ,, 1st Lt never turned the master switch on. Not bad trouble shooting for a one stripper airman .
Quality by the lowest common denominator home owner that didn't want to pay a professional
Looks like the one, or close. Maybe just a different label.https://www.supplyhouse.com/MARS-12200-2-5-67-5-MFD-AmRad-Turbo-200-Universal-Capacitor-370-440V
Made in USA. 5 year guarantee.
P.S. these lowest denominators sometimes vote.
