Woman with plumber complaint reaches out to Action News

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Sometimes you've got to hire a professional when there's an emergency at home. But it's important to do some research before hiring the help.

When a valley woman had a disagreement with her plumber, she reached out to Contact 13's Call For Action volunteers for help.

"When I went to take a shower, I opened the shower door and half the desert was in there," said Lee Mendell.

It was just three weeks ago when Lee said she discovered her plumbing was backed up,"It was about this much of dirt or debris."

She said she had a $79 coupon for a local plumber. So she decided to call that company for help, and they came out right away.

"He had a small snake and tried it two times and said it's not working. I have to go get another one," said Lee.

She was told that because the plumber needed bigger equipment, that would raise the price. But she wasn't told exactly how much.

"He came back and it didn't take him very long to open up the main line. That's all he did. And he said that would be $1,127. I said you got to be kidding," said Lee.

On top of that, she said the plumber wouldn't accept the coupon. Lee said she told the plumber she couldn't afford the final bill, and called the company's manager.

"So then he said well what could you pay? I was so stressed out I said you know what here's a $400 check, I'm out of it. I don't want no more of it," said Lee.

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Woman with plumber complaint reaches out to Action News