H Herbert Plumbing Services
BackBased in Cardiff, H Herbert Plumbing Services is a company that handles a broad spectrum of plumbing and renovation work. Customer feedback indicates a specialisation in complete bathroom transformations, alongside general plumbing services. The business, directed by Hywel Herbert, operates from Wellwright Road and serves clients in the surrounding areas, undertaking projects that range from minor repairs to extensive, multi-trade renovations.
Multiple customer accounts praise the company for its proficiency in large-scale projects. For instance, one client undertaking a significant top-floor bathroom renovation (approximately 4m² x 3.5m²) expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome. They highlighted the team's professionalism from the initial consultation, noting Hywel's knowledgeable and honest approach, along with a reasonable and upfront quotation. This project involved complex tasks, including the removal of false walls, relocating radiators, and re-routing shower pipework. The client commended the entire team by name, including Nate for careful demolition, Dylan the plumber for his helpful attitude, and particularly Roman for a 'superb finish' on the tiling, attributed to a perfectionist attitude. The crew was noted for being tidy, using carpet protectors, and being pleasant and hardworking throughout the job.
This positive sentiment is echoed by another homeowner who required urgent assistance to rectify a substandard en-suite installation performed by a different company. H Herbert Plumbing Services was brought in to resolve the situation. Their team reportedly ripped out the poorly installed shower area and flooring, applied proper waterproofing, and refitted everything to a very high standard. This client expressed profound gratitude, highlighting the team's ability to turn a 'terrible situation' into a functional and well-finished space, and has since considered them for future bathroom work.
Specialist Services and Mixed Feedback
A key area of focus for the business, as suggested by its own marketing and customer jobs, is the installation and maintenance of Saniflo macerator units. The company's website explicitly mentions being a 'Saniflo engineer'. Positive reviews from several years ago support their capability in this area, with one customer stating they 'fitted a saniflow, new pipework and radiator' and would 'strongly recommend' them. This suggests a history of successful installations of these specialist units, which are often required for adding toilets or bathrooms in locations without conventional gravity drainage.
However, it is precisely this specialism that has been the subject of a significant and detailed customer complaint. One client hired the company for a complete home renovation, specifically to replace an old Saniflo toilet. This customer's experience raises several points of concern for potential clients. The primary issue stemmed from the claim of being a Saniflo specialist. The client alleges that after experiencing problems with the new installation—including extreme noise and inefficiency requiring multiple flushes—they contacted Saniflo directly. According to the review, Saniflo clarified that H Herbert Plumbing Services was not on their list of 'approved engineers'.
Installation and Communication Concerns
The negative review further details a series of problems with the job. The client claims they were given incorrect information about a specific Saniflo model being recalled when the issue was actually high demand. The physical installation was allegedly carried out not by Hywel, but by younger employees, and resulted in a leak that stained a newly decorated lounge ceiling. The customer also reported that the initial pipework was unsightly and that subsequent attempts to fix the noisy toilet were unsuccessful. Ultimately, this homeowner hired an official Saniflo-approved engineer who reportedly identified several faults with the original installation, including a pipe pointing in the wrong direction (exacerbating noise) and unsecured pipework under new oak flooring that could not be rectified without major disruption. This new engineer successfully installed a different, more suitable system at what the client claims was a fraction of the price.
This detailed account presents a stark contrast to the glowing reviews from other clients. It suggests that while the company may be highly proficient in large, multi-trade projects like full bathroom renovations, there may be inconsistencies in the quality and oversight of smaller, more specialised jobs. It also underscores the importance for customers to verify specific credentials, such as 'approved engineer' status, directly with the accrediting body if that is a critical factor in their decision-making process. The official Saniflo website provides a partner locator to find authorised installers.
Scope of Work and Team Structure
H Herbert Plumbing Services presents itself as a comprehensive provider of bathroom fitters and general plumbing solutions. The range of work described in customer experiences and on third-party sites includes:
- Complete bathroom design and installation
- Tiling services and re-boarding
- Shower and en-suite fitting
- Waterproofing and flooring
- Radiator installation and relocation
- All forms of general pipework and leak repair
- Specialist Saniflo macerator installation and repair
- Painting and finishing services
The operational structure appears to involve Hywel Herbert managing client relations, providing quotes, and overseeing projects, while a dedicated team of tradespeople carries out the hands-on work. This team includes specialists like tilers and painters, allowing the company to function as a general contractor for renovations. While this model is effective for large projects as seen in positive reviews, the critical feedback suggests that direct oversight on every job is crucial to maintaining consistent quality.
Conclusion for Potential Customers
In summary, H Herbert Plumbing Services has a strong reputation among several customers for delivering high-quality, large-scale bathroom renovations in the Cardiff area. The praise for their team's craftsmanship, particularly in tiling and finishing, honesty in quoting, and overall professionalism is a significant advantage. They appear well-equipped to handle complex projects that require coordination between different trades.
However, potential clients should also consider the detailed negative feedback, particularly if the job involves specialist equipment like a Saniflo unit. The discrepancy in experiences suggests that customers should be proactive in their engagement with the company. It would be prudent to request clarity on who will be performing the installation, seek specific details about the products being recommended, and independently verify any claims of official accreditation. As with any significant home improvement work, obtaining a detailed written quote and understanding the full scope of the project is essential. This balanced perspective, drawing from both highly positive and seriously critical feedback, should help customers make an informed decision tailored to their specific plumbing needs.
