LRB Plumbing and Heating
BackBased in Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, LRB Plumbing and Heating is a family-run business that presents a complex picture to potential customers. While the company's own website and some customer testimonials paint a picture of a reliable and high-quality service, public reviews tell a starkly different story, creating a significant divide in reported experiences. This analysis seeks to provide a balanced view based on all available information, helping homeowners make an informed decision for their plumbing and heating needs.
On paper and according to its own marketing, LRB Plumbing and Heating offers a comprehensive suite of services. The company states it is staffed by Gas Safe Registered Engineers and Part P Qualified Electricians, covering all areas of domestic plumbing and heating. Their listed services are extensive, including central heating and boiler installations, servicing, and repairs for both gas and LPG systems. They also handle the installation of cookers and fires, full bathroom installations, and provide CP12 Landlord Certificates, indicating a broad range of expertise aimed at homeowners, landlords, and letting agents. The business highlights its work with a returning customer base, suggesting long-term satisfaction for some clients.
Positive Customer Experiences
Several positive testimonials support this professional image. One customer, Siobhan Stoker, rated the service five stars, describing it as "Really professional at all times. Great value for money and completely satisfied with work carried out." Another happy client, Chris Speed, also gave a top rating, noting "Great service and price. Very helpful with radiator choices." These comments suggest that, for some, LRB Plumbing and Heating delivers on its promises, providing professional service, competitive pricing, and helpful advice. The company's own website features reviews praising their efficiency and clean work on boiler installations, with one client stating they would not hesitate to recommend the firm. More recent reviews on other platforms, like Checkatrade, from 2021, echo this sentiment, with customers describing the team as "efficient and tidy," "friendly and courteous," and noting that quotes were "extremely fair." This positive feedback focuses heavily on boiler repair and installation, suggesting this may be an area of strength for the company.
Significant Concerns and Negative Feedback
However, a significant portion of publicly available feedback raises serious questions about the company's competence and reliability. The Google review profile is particularly concerning, with two out of the four reviews giving the lowest possible rating of one star. One reviewer stated, "Would give NO STARS if I could! I don’t know how this man even calls himself a plumber!" The review goes on to claim that the work on a bath and shower was so poor that it "cost a fortune to fix mistakes made by this man!" and ends with a strong warning: "Avoid avoid avoid!"
This sentiment is mirrored in another one-star review from Thomas Royle, who warns others to "AVOID AT ALL COSTS!" He reports being left with a leaking bathroom that required further expense to rectify, labelling the work as "Totally incompetent!" These reviews directly contradict the positive testimonials and are highly specific in their criticism, focusing on fundamental errors in bathroom installations that led to leaks and additional financial burdens for the homeowners. The fact that these negative experiences are from several years ago might suggest past issues, but their severity is difficult for a prospective customer to ignore, especially when looking for a reliable emergency plumber.
A Divided Reputation
This sharp contrast in customer feedback creates a confusing landscape for anyone considering LRB Plumbing and Heating. On one hand, there is evidence of satisfied customers who praise the company's professionalism, particularly in relation to heating services like boiler installation. They are described as a family business that has built a base of returning customers, landlords, and letting agents across the North East. They offer a wide array of plumbing services, from fixing leaks and relocating pipes to complete bathroom fits that include tiling, flooring, and ceilings.
On the other hand, the negative reviews are severe and specific. They don't just mention minor issues like tardiness or mess; they allege a fundamental lack of skill resulting in significant property damage and further costs. The accusation of incompetence in fitting a bath or shower is a serious one for any plumbing contractor. For a potential customer, this raises a critical question: which experience is more likely? Is the company highly skilled in heating but less so in bathroom plumbing? Or have there been intermittent issues with quality control?
Conclusion for Potential Customers
When evaluating LRB Plumbing and Heating, it is essential to weigh both sides of the story. The business, located at 20 Ashbrooke Dr, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9QG, clearly has the capacity to perform well, as evidenced by positive feedback on pricing, professionalism, and heating system work. Many customers, particularly those requiring boiler services, have been left satisfied.
However, the alarming negative reviews regarding bathroom installations cannot be overlooked. The claims of incompetence and costly mistakes are a major red flag. Potential customers, especially those seeking a complete bathroom installation or complex plumbing work, should proceed with caution. It would be prudent to seek more recent, independent reviews if possible, and to ask for specific references or examples of similar work they have completed. While some may find LRB Plumbing and Heating to be a source of great value and service, the risk of a negative outcome, based on past customer experiences, appears to be significant.
