LJB Heating and Plumbing Ltd
BackWhen seeking a tradesperson for your home, especially for critical services like plumbing and heating, navigating customer feedback can often feel like reading two entirely different stories. This is precisely the case with LJB Heating and Plumbing Ltd, a company based on Crockerton Road in London. Publicly available reviews present a starkly divided picture of their services. On one hand, there's praise for quick, efficient, and reasonably priced small jobs. On the other, there are detailed and severe criticisms regarding larger, more complex projects, particularly full bathroom renovations. For any potential customer, understanding this duality is key to making an informed decision.
The company, directed by an individual named Lee, operates across South London and, according to its website, offers a comprehensive range of services from 24/7 emergency plumber call-outs to full bathroom installations. This broad scope is where the conflicting customer experiences seem to originate. A closer look at the feedback reveals a distinct pattern: the nature and scale of the job appear to heavily influence the outcome and customer satisfaction.
Positive Feedback: Success in Small-Scale and Emergency Repairs
Several customers have had positive interactions with LJB Heating and Plumbing, and these experiences are worth noting. The positive reviews consistently point towards proficiency in smaller, specific tasks. For instance, one customer, Rachel Carey, reported a 'fantastic job' when Lee attended to fix a kitchen sink tap and another sink in the bathroom. The service was described as 'really quick and efficient', with meticulous clean-up afterwards. Crucially, she highlighted that he came out the same day and the price was very reasonable, awarding a five-star rating for what appears to be a classic local plumber job.
This theme of helpfulness and expertise on specific issues is echoed by other clients. One customer was particularly grateful for advice given over the phone regarding a broken Honeywell boiler programmer. Instead of insisting on a call-out and charging a fee, Lee reportedly guided them on how to replace the part themselves, saving them a significant amount of money. This act of goodwill generated immense appreciation and a promise of future business. Similarly, another customer praised Lee for diagnosing a problem over the phone, noting he was 'very knowledgeable'. These instances suggest a strong capability in diagnostics and straightforward repairs, positioning the company as a potentially reliable choice for urgent, contained issues like a boiler repair or a leaking tap.
Negative Feedback: Significant Issues with Large Projects
In stark contrast to the praise for smaller jobs, the negative reviews are detailed, severe, and focus almost exclusively on large-scale projects, specifically bathroom renovations. These are not minor complaints but allegations of poor workmanship, use of incorrect parts, significant property damage, and unprofessional communication. One of the most alarming accounts comes from a customer, D Lee, who described their bathroom refit as the 'biggest mistake'. The review details a catalogue of failures, the most dangerous being a double basin and floating cabinet unit, weighing over 80kg, falling off the wall. The customer alleges this was due to improper securing, the use of wrong-sized screws and wall plugs, and a misguided attempt to use adhesive to bear a significant weight. This incident not only caused damage to the wall and skirting board but also posed a serious risk of injury.
This same review points to other examples of corner-cutting and lack of skill. These include failing to fill cavities before tiling, improper installation of expensive shower fittings leading to the need for heavy sealant use, and miscalibrating the shower temperature. Even simple tasks like replacing door knobs were reportedly mishandled. The overall impression conveyed is of a tradesperson out of their depth on a complex project, lacking the necessary skills and pride in their work for a high-quality finish.
A Pattern of Project-Related Problems
This is not an isolated incident. Another lengthy one-star review from Kaz Lanson, for work done less than a year prior, reinforces this narrative of failed renovations. This customer had to hire British Gas plumbers on two separate occasions to fix faults with the work performed by LJB. The issues listed were extensive:
- Incorrect Parts Used: A bent and used part was allegedly installed behind a basin, causing leaks.
- Improper Installation: The bath was fitted with incorrect parts, panels were damaged by improper nailing, and two support stands were not even secured.
- Faulty Toilet Installation: The toilet was not bolted down, and the waste pipe was installed at an upward angle, leading to backups and odours—a fundamental error in plumbing services.
- Poor Pipework and Flooring: The pipework was deemed to require re-doing, and the new floor reportedly cracked and lifted within a week.
The review also cited a 'dismissive, unprofessional and defensive' communication style when these issues were raised. This pattern of significant technical failures on multifaceted jobs suggests that while the company may handle a simple central heating repair, the skillset required for a full renovation, which involves multiple disciplines like tiling, joinery, and meticulous pipework, may be lacking.
What Does This Mean for Potential Customers?
The evidence presents a company with two very different reputations. For a homeowner with a straightforward plumbing emergency – a burst pipe, a leaking tap, a boiler that won't ignite – the positive reviews suggest that LJB Heating and Plumbing could be a quick, efficient, and knowledgeable resource. The willingness to provide advice over the phone is a strong indicator of both confidence and a customer-centric approach for these types of jobs.
However, for anyone considering a significant project like a complete bathroom overhaul or a complex central heating installation, the negative reviews serve as a serious cautionary tale. These projects require not just plumbing skill but project management, attention to detail across multiple stages, and a commitment to a high-quality finish. The repeated, detailed complaints in this area, citing structural failures, incorrect installations, and subsequent damage, are substantial red flags. The financial and emotional cost of rectifying such poor work, as described by the reviewers, is considerable. It appears the core competencies of the business may lie in reactive maintenance rather than proactive, large-scale construction and renovation. Potential clients should weigh this evidence carefully, considering the scale and complexity of their own needs before engaging their services.
