Harris Plumbing

contracted Harris Plumbing North in 2008 to install a pump, filters for my lake side near Parry Sound. Steve Harris gave the following quote.

To supply install (1) Goulds "Bruiser" pump #10SB05412C sub, water pump, pump crib, 300' 12-3 pump wire and other electrical components 75PSI poly, 200' heatline, 1" foam pipe insulation and 4" flexible pipe conduit. To supply and install (1) pressure tank, (1) 10" big blue filter housing and cartridge (1) 12 gpm wedco UV sterilizer. Price include labor to set pump and piping in lake and run to pressure tank electrical to disconnect near equipment, installation of (1) filter and UV sterilizer.

Total Cost $8,735 5% GST Extra.

The quote was later extended to run a 200' line from the main cottage to a near by Bunkie for an addition $1,500 plus tax.

Last summer we started to notice a gradual deterioration of the water quality and pressure. We did not take it too seriously until later in 2009 and the season ended. In 2010 spring we knew something needed to done and engaged my cottage keeper to take a closer look. His investigation showed the following flaw in the initial installation by Harris plumbing.

1) The pump was NOT placed in a crib or stand as per the quote but simply lowered causing the pump to sink in mud over time which in turn caused bad quality of water and lack of pressure.

2) The pipe and the line are NOT in 4” conduit as stated in the quote.

3) There also questions about the size of the pipe and the pump although some say it just about adequate. Not something I would have wanted when paying premium price.

Several e-mails and phone calls to Harris Plumbing remain mostly unanswered except for one e-mail response stating that the conduit was not used because it would have looked ugly (No point made that I was billed for it). He also claimed that a crib was placed. I have third party evidence and photos to show that no crib or stand was used but the pump was simply laid at the bottom of the lake.

I am having to spend more dollars to now take the pump out place it in a stand and cover the piping in conduit.

Based on this story my take on this company and its owner Steve Harris is that they will cut corners given the opportunity. He can not be trusted as acting in the interest of the customer.