Robinsons of Harrogate

Based on Waterloo Street in Bilton, Robinsons of Harrogate offers a range of services including general plumbing, contracting, and home goods. The company presents a complex picture for potential customers, with client feedback spanning the full spectrum from highly satisfied to deeply concerned. This analysis draws upon available customer experiences to provide a balanced overview of what you might expect when engaging their services.

Positive Customer Experiences

For some clients, Robinsons of Harrogate has proven to be a reliable and highly responsive service provider, particularly in urgent situations. One customer, undertaking a significant house renovation, noted that Jason and his team were instrumental in resolving several emergencies, including leaks and gas issues. They praised the company for its rapid response and quality of work, stating they would not use anyone else. Another positive account highlights the successful installation of a full central heating installation. This customer noted that the work was completed on time and that the team returned without issue to handle smaller follow-up jobs. In a standout example of positive service, the same client recounted how Jason responded to an emergency call at 6:30 pm on a Friday evening to fix a pipe they had accidentally damaged, completing the leaking pipe repair within the hour. These experiences suggest that the company can, in some instances, provide timely, effective, and crucial support, especially when customers are faced with an unexpected emergency plumber scenario.

Significant Concerns Regarding Workmanship and Safety

Despite the positive reports, a substantial volume of feedback raises serious alarms about the company's workmanship, professionalism, and adherence to safety standards. Multiple reviews detail significant failings, particularly in complex jobs such as appliance and boiler installations. One of the most severe reports involved a new boiler installation in September 2022. The customer stated that after the installation was complete and paid for, crucial documents, including the Gas Safety Certificate, were never provided, despite numerous requests. When the central heating failed months later, a different heating company was called to inspect the system. Their engineers reportedly condemned the installation within 15 minutes, noting that the boiler was "falling off the wall" and describing it as an "extremely poor install." The immediate fault was traced back to an inline valve that had not been removed during the initial fitting. This account raises critical questions about the qualifications and diligence of the installers and highlights the importance of always verifying that an engineer is Gas Safe registered.

Similar safety concerns were echoed in an account of a gas cooker installation. The customer reported that the installer, who arrived two hours late without notice, did not follow the manufacturer's manual, leaving a gas hose in an unsafe position over a hot part of the oven. The subsequent process to get the issue rectified was described as fraught with difficulty, involving two weeks of unfulfilled promises. When the engineer finally returned, his behaviour was allegedly aggressive and unprofessional. Worse still, the supposed fix was substandard, with a cut-down pipe and missing screws on a main gas joint. Such reports are deeply concerning, as they point to a potential disregard for fundamental safety protocols required for any plumbing services involving gas.

Issues with Reliability and Professional Conduct

A recurring theme across negative feedback is a perceived lack of reliability and poor communication. Several customers have reported instances of engineers failing to arrive at the promised time or not showing up at all. One review bluntly labelled the business a "rip off merchant" after an engineer allegedly arrived a day late, performed an inadequate job, charged the full price, and then became unreachable, forcing the customer to hire another of the Harrogate plumbers to correct the work. This pattern of unreliability and subsequent lack of accountability is a significant point of frustration for clients.

The professionalism of the staff, particularly Jason Robinson, has also been called into question. One detailed review described an encounter where, upon being challenged about an unsafe installation, the engineer allegedly began shouting and behaving aggressively, making the household feel uncomfortable. This conduct, combined with reports of slamming tools and leaving jobs incomplete, paints a troubling picture of the company's approach to customer service and dispute resolution when things go wrong.

Conclusion for Potential Customers

In assessing Robinsons of Harrogate, a potential customer is faced with a starkly divided set of experiences. On one hand, there are accounts of a responsive and effective team capable of handling large projects and critical emergencies. On the other, a significant number of reviews from multiple online sources detail severe issues ranging from poor timekeeping to dangerously substandard installations, a lack of essential safety certifications, and unprofessional behaviour. The weight of the negative feedback, particularly the reports concerning gas safety and condemned boilers, cannot be overlooked. Anyone considering engaging with local plumbers for significant work like a boiler repair or installation should prioritise safety and documentation. It would be prudent to request and verify Gas Safe registration numbers for any engineer attending your property and to ensure that all quotes, guarantees, and completion certificates are provided in writing before final payment is made.