Oscar Hernandez Plumbing

We live in Ladera Heights in West Los Angeles, and for the past 5 years have used Oscar Herandez exclusively starting with replacing our main water line. Since then he and his team have solved our plumbing worries many times to annual clearing of the outside drains in the yard and around the pool, to the periodic unclogging of drain and toilets. They are reliable, responsive, and competent. We are very happy.

I had a pipe bust in wall and contacted Oscar Hernandez Plumbing. They were in my home and repaired the pipe in matter of a few hours from my initial call. I’ve heard horror stories about plumbers and their prices. When they told me how much it was, I was more than happy to pay it. It’s nice to know I have a local business like Oscar Hernandez Plumbing I can trust and do the job right.

When reviewing, I do so without being bias but putting the facts out there. I do agree with a fellow Unilocaler here that he is nice and professional when he explains things to you which is always a plus. I went to him as a referral from a coworker who has used him for a long time. So I thought I couldn’t go wrong. I used him to twice for a clogged kitchen sink which was fine, good service and fee was somewhat reasonable.
The 3^rd time, I had clogged and broken/​leaking pipe under the kitchen sink that needed attention and replacement asap. Good part is, he came within the hour. Now here is the bad part. I’m not sure if its because its an emergency or because he obviously know we need this fix that this is the time to pretty much charge whatever the heck he wanted. I’m sure everyone have had a time they feel they may be ripped off but when its literally obvious, it pisses you off. For example, a $ 5 bottle of water may seem costly but what about $ 20 water just because you just ran a mile, had no water and this guys stands there with one for $ 20? Charging a bit more is fine but don’t overdo it!
We didn’t fix the whole pipe but just the broken section in the kitchen and guess what he charged when he was done? $ 850!!! I was like what?! They (2 guys) took literally 30 minutes to change it and he wants to charge me $ 850!!! At that moment, it is what it is and we didn’t have a choice anymore. Lesson learn to ask for the cost before the job. Never assume, even though you have used them in the past that they cant rip you off on another job.
We decided to re-​pipe and remodel this year and the new contractor we used now said if i had paid more the $ 400 for that kitchen pipe he did, it was too much. I wanted to cry! Yes, some will say its his quality of the work but its not. My current contractor explained clearly to me how its usually done and the way he did it was incorrect considering the small section he did. If it was the whole system then its ok. The way Oscar did it would clog up easily again and would have to call them again to unclog the drains in the near future. Ironic don’t you think?
Generally though, I am not here to ruin a small business but to state the facts of an experience I had. He still has good customer service, tries to get to you as soon as he can and was professional. Just what he did the last time upset me (pretty much felt robbed) and will never use him or refer him to anyone again.

One of the greatest things about Unilocal is that it helps the small business owner grow their business through providing great customer service,
We first met Oscar 6 years ago when our water heater broke. And we had the opportunity again this past week when we had a gas leak and Oscar came to replace the water heater. He’s very knowledgeable, sweet and VERY clean. I have to say, he’s the first plumber to EVER shake my hand.
He fixed the water heater very quickly and now he’s back again fixing the toilet (when it rains, it pours right?) I really like that he explains everything in detail instead of just DOING it.
He is a one man operation so he is super busy, and you know EVERY plumbing emergency is an EMERGENCY, and he doesn’t always have a lot of parts with him like some of the bigger companies but he gets the job done. Usually when you call his wife does his booking and she’s very nice and hey, a warm, calming voice on the phone when you’re knee deep in water is always a plus.
He’s a good man with good ethics and great skills. Give him a try next time you need a plumber. You won’t be sorry.