A montage of the Essig team going out into the field to handle their customers HVAC and plumbing services. Their van pulling up to their customers homes. Since our humble beginnings in 1938, the Essig Plumbing & Heating team has delivered a level of service you just can't beat. As a trusted name for plumbing, heating, and AC repairs in Reading, Berks County, Lehigh County, and the surrounding areas, our expert technicians are on a daily mission to handle every service call effectively and efficiently.
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Since opening its doors in 1938, Essig Plumbing & Heating continues to be Reading's most trusted service team. From plumbing repairs and installations to HVAC service and replacements as well as air quality solutions, Essig makes it easier for all our customers. Our family-owned company is highly experienced, professionally trained, and well-equipped to accomplish any plumbing or HVAC job right the first time.
At Essig Plumbing & Heating, we consider customers like you as the most important member of our winning team. In our effort to make you a raving fan, we always strive to do right by you and that includes giving you all the information you need about your plumbing and HVAC systems. As a veteran in the trade industry, our professional plumbers and techs have gathered some of the most frequent questions we hear from past customers.
In business since 1938, Essig Plumbing & Heating is the trusted name in Eastern Pennsylvania for all things heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Offering a wide range of professional, affordable solutions, our goal is simple: to provide you with top-quality services that you're guaranteed to love. We take pride in getting the job done right the first time!
Do you want to work at a growing, thriving plumbing and HVAC company with a high level of expertise and professionalism? Then join our team at Essig Plumbing & Heating today! We've been the most trusted plumbing and HVAC service in Berks County for over 80 years and we're looking for more people to join us to maintain a legacy of top-notch service.
Reviews (47)
Kathiann Spurgin
Jun 25, 2022
Kim Harding
Jun 19, 2022
A. A.
Jun 18, 2022
Linda Jones
Jun 13, 2022
Delbert Berger
Jun 07, 2022
Allen Hudson
Jun 06, 2022
Robert Nser
Jun 05, 2022
Colleen Stoudt
Jun 03, 2022
Eagle Ray
Apr 25, 2022
Cris Webb
Feb 27, 2022
Eight years ago we purchased a furnace and a/c unit from Essig. We are the second owners of our house built in 1985. The furnace we replace had been installed when the house was built. So it had lasted almost 30 years. Within the last two years we have had the a/c repaired and most recently, about 2/1, we had a part malfunction in the furnace which repaired replacement.
When we complained about it being relatively new but breaking down, the repairman lamely stated that things weren't made like they used to be! Today, 2/17, the furnace was leaking gas. Turns out the Essig guy didn't tighten the pipes back up properly! Really! Very disappointed I their product and service.
When we complained about it being relatively new but breaking down, the repairman lamely stated that things weren't made like they used to be! Today, 2/17, the furnace was leaking gas. Turns out the Essig guy didn't tighten the pipes back up properly! Really! Very disappointed I their product and service.
J. Kelchner
Oct 19, 2021
Naomi Sensenig
Oct 01, 2021
ON 8/18/21 WE NEEDED A NEW KITCHEN "SWIPE SIMPLE FAUCET" WITHOUT SPRAYER INSTALLED. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN "EASY PEASEY" 30 MINUTE JOB FOR YOU TO INSTALL THIS $40 FAUCET, YOUR PLUMBER THOUGHT HE HAD ONE ON THE 2 TRUCKS SENT OVER, BUT AFTER LOOKING SAID HE HAD TO GO PICK ONE UP. HE WAS GONE FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS WHILE HIS APPRENTICE WAS TOLD TO STAY AND GET THINGS READY. IT TOOK HIM ONLY A FEW MINUTES TO GET IT READY, THEN HE WENT AND SAT IN HIS TRUCK FOR OVER 2 HRS. WAITING FOR YOU TO BRING THE FAUCET OVER. WE WERE CHARGED $499.38 FOR THIS SERVICE TO HAVE A $40 FAUCET INSTALLED IN LESS THAN 15 MINUTES ONCE THEY BROUGHT THE FAUCET OVER 2 HOURS AFTER ARRIVING! RIPPING OFF MY 92 YR OLD MOM! IF YOU HAD ANY DECENCY YOU'D REFUND HER AT LEAST $300. SIGNED HER SON! THANK YOU FOR REFUNDING 200.00.
Karin K.
Aug 26, 2021
Michelle Carver
Jun 16, 2021
Had Essig out last year because we needed a new furnace, the AC unit is older but it was working with a simple maintenance fix. This year our AC unit wasn't working so we just had them out to check it. Before even looking at the unit the tech was talking about replacing it and putting in a new unit. He didn't even look at it yet but was pushing for. a new unit.
Once I called him out on it he started to back pedal his sales pitch. Honestly, if I need a new AC unit fine but don't start pitching it to me until you check the system. It seems like you are just looking for a sale instead of coming for a maintenance call. This does not sit well with me at all. And this is after receiving great service last year and referring others to Essig. I am highly disappointed right now.
Once I called him out on it he started to back pedal his sales pitch. Honestly, if I need a new AC unit fine but don't start pitching it to me until you check the system. It seems like you are just looking for a sale instead of coming for a maintenance call. This does not sit well with me at all. And this is after receiving great service last year and referring others to Essig. I am highly disappointed right now.
Mike Noon
May 17, 2021
Lizabeth Stavenski-Bell
May 16, 2021
Carlene Grainger
May 14, 2021
Ashley Bennett
May 07, 2021
Crys
Apr 15, 2021
Candy Kerchner
Apr 15, 2021
John H.
Feb 13, 2021
I've waited years to give this review to show just how unethical this outfit is. In either 2013 or early 2014, after a routine heat pump regular cleaning and maintenance call, the technician informed me due to a faulty heat exchanger, we would need a new heater. He then called several "sales" people from their office to come out and give us an estimate.
By the time these so called sales reps (3 of them) were finished, they determined we also needed a new water heater and a new AC unit as well as the heat pump. Their estimate exceeded $14,000 dollars. Knowing full well a scam when I see one, we paid the outrageous $500 fee for services for that day and immediately cancelled some "diamond plan" we were in with them and HAVE NEVER used them since.
The kicker is our original heater and AC unit are still functioning fine 7 to 8 years later. We have replaced the water heater. Whenever I see their trucks, I fear someone might be being told they need something they don't. People need to get several estimates. I have never since had any experience similar to the one from Essig.
By the time these so called sales reps (3 of them) were finished, they determined we also needed a new water heater and a new AC unit as well as the heat pump. Their estimate exceeded $14,000 dollars. Knowing full well a scam when I see one, we paid the outrageous $500 fee for services for that day and immediately cancelled some "diamond plan" we were in with them and HAVE NEVER used them since.
The kicker is our original heater and AC unit are still functioning fine 7 to 8 years later. We have replaced the water heater. Whenever I see their trucks, I fear someone might be being told they need something they don't. People need to get several estimates. I have never since had any experience similar to the one from Essig.
Malarie Jean Nelson
Feb 08, 2021
Mary Clare Herforth
Jan 02, 2021
I have no heat in my home. Called Customer Service, have a service contract and they can't come out until MONDAY. What's the point of having a service contract when it isn't honored. They don't care. Customer Service people read from a transcript and are horrible. Disgusted! They are getting the bills for the heaters I had to purchase and my gas bill for running a gas fireplace.
Rick Dietrich
Sep 29, 2020
Donna DeLong Schaeffer
Sep 24, 2020
Fran Musto
Sep 15, 2020
Austin and Justin were extremely professional and personable. They explained everything to me to make sure I understood the installation process and the equipment. They were very responsible in maintaining cleanliness as well as current COVID-19 precautions. I would highly recommend this company and these gentlemen!
Fred S.
Sep 05, 2020
We required emergency call on a Friday afternoon and was given appointment between 2-4, then got call couldn't come until Saturday. Worker came to repair well pump assessed the situation and called for another worker to bring equipment that was needed. Workers were very professional and did a great job. Done in4 hrs. The negative is the company's one flat fee instead of basing it on labor and parts needed. Did contact company and made management aware of my disappointment in price. States he would a credit but not done as of now.
Anthony Re
Aug 17, 2020
Sheila Tulli
Aug 14, 2020
Morgan S.
Mar 30, 2020
On a Friday morning my main shut off to the house was leaking a good amount. Because my township told me that if it wasn't turned back on before 2pm I would be without water till Monday morning, I called Essig. They said it was a $59 fee to have someone come out and look at it and a flat rate for whatever job they had to do. When the plumbers got there they said they would take $200 off since I already had the water turned off. $200 to turn off the water?!? Yo replace the valve it took them less than 45 minutes and let than $100 in parts.
My final bill was almost $500. I will not be using then again because that is outrageous pricing. I had no choice. Either let it leak all over my garage and pay an obnoxious water bill all weekend, go without water for almost three days, or pay this ridiculous amount. I will be calling to complain about this
My final bill was almost $500. I will not be using then again because that is outrageous pricing. I had no choice. Either let it leak all over my garage and pay an obnoxious water bill all weekend, go without water for almost three days, or pay this ridiculous amount. I will be calling to complain about this
Bryan M.
Aug 30, 2019
A couple of years ago I had an issue with my air conditioner in a recently purchased house. Essig HVAC did a fantastic job setting me up with a new system for what I feel was a reasonable price. So I decided to purchase membership and became a Diamond Member for $27/mo. This past January, the plumber came for my routine inspection of my system. He told me my water softener and conditioner were getting old and needed to be replaced.
He quoted me a new system for a few thousand dollars. A couple months later I went on a little vacation and the water system sat dormant for about a week. When I came back I noticed them at the water pressure on my house wasn't right. If I ran the washer machine and flushed a toilet or turned on another faucet, there was zero water pressure in my shower.
Today I realized that the reason my system wasn't running correctly was because somebody switched the water conditioner off so that it would regenerate automatically. The last time anybody touched the control panel is when Essig's plumber came to my house to try and sell me a new system. Maybe an accident. It feels more malicious. I have cancelled my membership with Essig since I can no longer trust them.
He quoted me a new system for a few thousand dollars. A couple months later I went on a little vacation and the water system sat dormant for about a week. When I came back I noticed them at the water pressure on my house wasn't right. If I ran the washer machine and flushed a toilet or turned on another faucet, there was zero water pressure in my shower.
Today I realized that the reason my system wasn't running correctly was because somebody switched the water conditioner off so that it would regenerate automatically. The last time anybody touched the control panel is when Essig's plumber came to my house to try and sell me a new system. Maybe an accident. It feels more malicious. I have cancelled my membership with Essig since I can no longer trust them.
Eric S.
Aug 21, 2019
Similar experience as others with regards to quotes being insanely high. Water heater needed to be replaced. Quoted over 3000$. Called for breakdown. Water heater was about 1000$. The rest was labor, profit and misc. told them it was way higher than others and they took off 500$ with no hesitation. Still too high. Feel for those who don't know any better and pay these prices.
Look around there are equally as reputable companies who are more fair in prices. The tech and sales manager were both very nice and professional and I had no problem getting an appointment.
Look around there are equally as reputable companies who are more fair in prices. The tech and sales manager were both very nice and professional and I had no problem getting an appointment.
Pablo N.
Jul 10, 2019
Sad to say this because it's literally a stone throw away from where I live. I've had essig come out twice to do their special summer AC unite tune up. First time it was a pleasant experience. Took care of what they needed to do and where on their way. Second time around now.not so much. Technicians came in and went right to work. Came back up with in twenty minutes and informs me that I have a leak somewhere and that I would need to replace coils in my unit, but if I wanted to make sure the problem was fixed a hundred percent that I should replace the inside and out outside unit completely.
He gives me estimates for both jobs and they are both well over three thousand dollars. I told him I would have to discuss with my wife, he didn't seem to eager to hear that and just like that he was on his way. Never showing me where the leak was exactly at or even charging me for him coming or leaving any paperwork stating the work that he did.
Just up and left. I called UGI to have a second opinion on it and UGI could not find any form of leak in the unit after spending and hour plus inspecting the whole system. It wasn't till he went outside and found the caps where they fill the coolant didn't have any gaskets. Potential reason by the coolant was low. small consistent leak through the caps.essig was the last company to touch those caps. in all Essig it's a shame to be writing. I hope you guys work this money grabbing problems out of your company.
He gives me estimates for both jobs and they are both well over three thousand dollars. I told him I would have to discuss with my wife, he didn't seem to eager to hear that and just like that he was on his way. Never showing me where the leak was exactly at or even charging me for him coming or leaving any paperwork stating the work that he did.
Just up and left. I called UGI to have a second opinion on it and UGI could not find any form of leak in the unit after spending and hour plus inspecting the whole system. It wasn't till he went outside and found the caps where they fill the coolant didn't have any gaskets. Potential reason by the coolant was low. small consistent leak through the caps.essig was the last company to touch those caps. in all Essig it's a shame to be writing. I hope you guys work this money grabbing problems out of your company.
Maya K.
Jan 30, 2019
Was charged 350 dollars to get a new thermostat. They charged 250.00 for the thermostat which I just looked up at Home Depot and it is a 25.00 thermostat. Also, I contacted them yesterday they said they would be there that day, they canceled. I was told they would wave the service fee- they didn't. I have two small children, under he age of 4 and waited over 24 hours with no heat just to be charged the service fee anyway.
If I had known all I needed was a new thermostat I would have just bought one and installed it myself. That way I wouldn't have had to bundle my children, but space haters and be charged an arm an a leg for a service technician to spend less then a half hour in the house installing a cheap thermostat that isn't even programable. This company is awful.
If I had known all I needed was a new thermostat I would have just bought one and installed it myself. That way I wouldn't have had to bundle my children, but space haters and be charged an arm an a leg for a service technician to spend less then a half hour in the house installing a cheap thermostat that isn't even programable. This company is awful.
Kris K.
Mar 12, 2018
R. Kelsey S.
Nov 08, 2017
I have a severe plumbing problem. I was charged $122 for someone to come out who was completely clueless to spend the entire time of the visit speaking to a "supervisor" on the phone. I had to suffer through another week with the problem for an appointment with a "supervisor." My appointment window was between 11 A.M. and 1P.M. I called in three times awaiting my visit.
On my final call was I was informed in an extremely rude fashion that no one would be coming because they could not get hold of me on the phone. Great inner office communication folks. Think of Essig Plumbing, think of the old Steve Miller song, "Take the money and run". So I lost a day off without pay, still have my problem, and am out $122 for absolutely no professional services rendered, not to mention being insulted by the rude woman on the phone. Great professionalism folks.
On my final call was I was informed in an extremely rude fashion that no one would be coming because they could not get hold of me on the phone. Great inner office communication folks. Think of Essig Plumbing, think of the old Steve Miller song, "Take the money and run". So I lost a day off without pay, still have my problem, and am out $122 for absolutely no professional services rendered, not to mention being insulted by the rude woman on the phone. Great professionalism folks.
John B.
Sep 20, 2017
Rich T.
Sep 20, 2017
Unfortunately, I seem to have to call Essig at least once a year to come and take care of some malfunctioning or broken essential item in my house - water heater, toilet, AC unit etc. Joe Wolf has been out a couple times and has been very professional and helpful. He seems to know our house at this point and makes a thorough diagnosis. The cost may be a little more than if you shop around but I like knowing they come out quickly, do a good job and warranty their work.
Wanda W.
Aug 06, 2017
Our air conditioner wasn't working so we called them. I saw a tv ad and what they said is exactly a business I want to align with. Honest, won't gouge. Well. Don't believe their ad. They are exactly the opposite. They came out quickly (for $175). The tech wasn't there to diagnose. He didnt even take the cover off. He quickly told my husband we needed a new air conditioner and a new heater.
My smart, mechanically inclined non HVAC husband could actually hear things that the young salesman blew off. He was clearly there to sell. We moved on to another local business. An honest one. While we may need to replace our air conditioner the other company actually diagnosed the issue and agreed with my husband where the issue is and said "no way do you need a new furnace". Well Essig, you may have raked us over for $175, but you lost more in a sale and reputation. We know lots of people.
My smart, mechanically inclined non HVAC husband could actually hear things that the young salesman blew off. He was clearly there to sell. We moved on to another local business. An honest one. While we may need to replace our air conditioner the other company actually diagnosed the issue and agreed with my husband where the issue is and said "no way do you need a new furnace". Well Essig, you may have raked us over for $175, but you lost more in a sale and reputation. We know lots of people.
K. H.
Jul 06, 2017
I've used Essig several times already in the past we always ask for the same technician he always did great work but this time they sent someone different so I figured ok if he's as good as Phil were golden well not this time I always come home from work and look at there work cause I'm always impressed by the quality of there work I had them come out to fix my tub faucet and drain and replace my outside faucet when he fixed my tub faucet he broke the cover and instead of saying something he filled it in with silicone and never replaced the outside faucet I'll still use Essig as long as it's Phil assuming he still works there
Kyle S.
Mar 26, 2017
We contacted them for emergency water heater replacement at 9:00am. I was quoted around $1200 on the high end for replacement and $189 for SATURDAY service call. We were OK with that. Repair person was running behind and asked about doing repairs on Monday. OK no big deal. He asked which water heater we wanted and told him nothing special but something with decent warranty.his response $2500 and best price was $2000 without warranty.
So since this is robbery they pretty much blew our chance of having the work done by another company that day because it was now 5:00. I believe this is a common scam tactic and I feel very bad for the elderly people who are abused by companies like this. We have another company coming Monday and it's $1150 for 10 year warranty 50 gallon tank. STAY away.you will be played with and ripped off! ESSIG should be ashamed!
So since this is robbery they pretty much blew our chance of having the work done by another company that day because it was now 5:00. I believe this is a common scam tactic and I feel very bad for the elderly people who are abused by companies like this. We have another company coming Monday and it's $1150 for 10 year warranty 50 gallon tank. STAY away.you will be played with and ripped off! ESSIG should be ashamed!
Gary D.
Aug 01, 2015
Called them today to ask about helping with my broken A/C. They told me $189.00 just to come out and LOOK at it and then pay for service and parts. Total Joke! I called a local company in Birdsboro. Came out at 7pm on a FRIDAY Night. Not a penny to look at it and it cost me just $3 (THREE) dollars more than the ESSIG "look at it" price. Fixed and running in under an hour. Don't waste your money with bigger companies, go with the small local guys. they appreciate your business more. Oh the name of that local company? Al Boughter Heating and A/C located in Birdsboro.
Rob B.
Jul 15, 2015
I recently purchased a new house. Two months after being in the house my water pressure dropped drastically. It is on a mountain and I have a well so I was a little concerned that maybe it was the pump. Please keep in mind I have no idea what I am doing. My wife called the plumber to come look at the set up and figure it out. The plumber that came out from Essig said that since everything was 15 years old it should probably all be replaced.
The total was a little over $12,000. Instead of going for the $12,000 option since we need a quick fix and family was coming in from out of town we went with a $541 quick fix. After contacting the previous owners of the home they said that the water filter gets very dirty very fast and needs to be replaced every single month. I replaced a $17 fucking water filter and everything works fine.
I am really glad that I did not give you motherfuckers $12,000 to replace everything like you suggested to my wife. It's people like you that don't fucking try at life that fucking suck. I fucking hate you you fucking suck. If you wonder who writes his review google my fucking name if you have issues come and fucking see me I want my $500 back.
The total was a little over $12,000. Instead of going for the $12,000 option since we need a quick fix and family was coming in from out of town we went with a $541 quick fix. After contacting the previous owners of the home they said that the water filter gets very dirty very fast and needs to be replaced every single month. I replaced a $17 fucking water filter and everything works fine.
I am really glad that I did not give you motherfuckers $12,000 to replace everything like you suggested to my wife. It's people like you that don't fucking try at life that fucking suck. I fucking hate you you fucking suck. If you wonder who writes his review google my fucking name if you have issues come and fucking see me I want my $500 back.
Cathy B.
Apr 01, 2015
I called them for a vent fan failure on my hot water heater. I googled the part for $220. Finally when he came he checked the tank and also noticed my high pressure overflow tank had also failed. So he said for two parts they always recommend an entire new tank. I said what would the parts and repair cost. He said $550 for the fan( the one I saw for $220) plus the overflow tank that would be $1000-$1200.
But for a new system $2700! I started to cry and said I could barely afford the $65 walk through the door fee. Told him also I saw the part for $220. He was kind enough to just charge me $30 for the appointment and said if I needed further help to call. I asked hourly fee he said they don't charge that way and if I order the parts online they were basically a snap in part. (Really?) so I ordered the parts. Amazon, $196 for the fan $37 for the overflow tank. Did it myself with some you tube instruction. Quite a price difference. I think they are big rip off up sale scammers. Shame on them. I gave them more stars so they wouldn't remove my report.
But for a new system $2700! I started to cry and said I could barely afford the $65 walk through the door fee. Told him also I saw the part for $220. He was kind enough to just charge me $30 for the appointment and said if I needed further help to call. I asked hourly fee he said they don't charge that way and if I order the parts online they were basically a snap in part. (Really?) so I ordered the parts. Amazon, $196 for the fan $37 for the overflow tank. Did it myself with some you tube instruction. Quite a price difference. I think they are big rip off up sale scammers. Shame on them. I gave them more stars so they wouldn't remove my report.
Bradley R.
Dec 18, 2014
First off we had them come to our house to fix a leaky faucet it turned into wanting to replace the entire thing with a 700.00 faucet. All in all we paid roughly 250.00 for the guy to replace a washer that took him about three minutes to complete. They also wanted to install an entirely new softener system, When all we wanted was a dripping faucet fixed.
We weren't sure how we got from replacing a washer to replacing our entire water system and a 700.00 faucet. Needless to say we over paid on fixing a washer.by about 200.00 and we won't ever call them again. We went with local thinking we would be taken across. Next time our faucet leaks we will replace the entire mechanism for less than what the essig contractor was trying to take us across for.
I am interested in a straight up honest contractor that isn't going to try to sell me thousands of dollars of things that I didn't even call them for. We were a bit embarrassed by the fact that we paid so much but I felt that the review was necessary.
We weren't sure how we got from replacing a washer to replacing our entire water system and a 700.00 faucet. Needless to say we over paid on fixing a washer.by about 200.00 and we won't ever call them again. We went with local thinking we would be taken across. Next time our faucet leaks we will replace the entire mechanism for less than what the essig contractor was trying to take us across for.
I am interested in a straight up honest contractor that isn't going to try to sell me thousands of dollars of things that I didn't even call them for. We were a bit embarrassed by the fact that we paid so much but I felt that the review was necessary.
Warren L.
Oct 22, 2014
Ed K.
Nov 04, 2011
I called for service of a clogged sewer line at 7:15 pm on a weekday evening. I spoke to an answering service, and I received a return call at 7:42 pm. The person who called me said there was a large additional fee for after-hours service, but suggested if I could wait until early morning that there was a special promotion with great pricing. She said she could get me an appointment for the first or second call slot of the day, which would have someone to my house no later than 10 am.
She would call to confirm my appointment by 8 am. 8 am comes and goes. At 8:30 am, I call the office number and speak to Steve Essig, who has no record of my call, and tells me they are booked solid for most of the day. He would do his best to get me an earlier appointment and would call me back. I call the person directly that I had spoken to the night before, and she tells me she's just arrived at the office and will go inside and get more information and call me back.
Nobody calls me back. I call a competitor at 9 am and they say they'll have someone out by 10 am. The technician arrives at 9:35 am, does an excellent job with no extra charges, and I'm back to work at 11 am. This is my second bad experience with Essig. I thought I would give them another try. Calling them was a mistake.
She would call to confirm my appointment by 8 am. 8 am comes and goes. At 8:30 am, I call the office number and speak to Steve Essig, who has no record of my call, and tells me they are booked solid for most of the day. He would do his best to get me an earlier appointment and would call me back. I call the person directly that I had spoken to the night before, and she tells me she's just arrived at the office and will go inside and get more information and call me back.
Nobody calls me back. I call a competitor at 9 am and they say they'll have someone out by 10 am. The technician arrives at 9:35 am, does an excellent job with no extra charges, and I'm back to work at 11 am. This is my second bad experience with Essig. I thought I would give them another try. Calling them was a mistake.