Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Baltimore
Plumber · Baltimore, MD · Open 24 hours per Google listing
Our verdict
Excellent plumbing work and emergency response, but Yelp complaints about HVAC upselling and a documented billing dispute suggest inconsistent service quality across service types.
Scores are our editorial reading of published customer reviews — not a verification, license check, or guarantee.
Our opinion, based on the 92 reviews we analyzed from Google, Yelp and BBB · Analysis updated Jun 2026 · How we decide ↗
Advertises 24-hour service on its Google profile — no reviews we analyzed mention after-hours response either way.
What reviewers praise
Same-day and weekend emergency response: 6 reviews explicitly mention rapid scheduling or weekend/after-hours availability for burst pipes and major leaks
Cited in 6 of the 92 reviews we analyzed.
Transparent pricing and options: 9 reviews highlight multiple price-point options, upfront quotes, and no pressure to upsell
2 cited reviews
“VERY reasonable price. From start to finish, consummate professional.”
“He explains everything and gives you different options.”
Cited in 9 of the 92 reviews we analyzed — 7 cited reviews not excerpted here.
Expert diagnosis and thoroughness: 5 reviews praise detailed troubleshooting, identification of root causes, and preventive suggestions
1 cited review
“He checked the site, the toilet and main water line and suggested roof leak.”
Cited in 4 of the 92 reviews we analyzed — 3 cited reviews not excerpted here.
Standout technician Ira Miller: 13 named mentions with consistently excellent feedback on professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency
1 cited review
“He explains everything and gives you different options.”
Cited in 13 of the 92 reviews we analyzed — 12 cited reviews not excerpted here.
What reviewers report — the concerns
Other directories bury these. We think you should read them before you call. Every concern below comes from the reviews it cites.
Red flag
HVAC service failures and aggressive upselling: 2 separate Yelp reviews document oversized HVAC system installation with wrong specifications, 2+ years of failed service calls, and alleged upselling tactics; customer pursued $10K replacement and legal action
Cited in 2 of the 92 reviews we analyzed.
Red flag
Upselling accusations on HVAC: Second Yelp review alleges pushy technician attempted to scare customer into unnecessary unit replacement and monitoring devices for a minor drainage/refrigerant issue
Cited in 1 of the 92 reviews we analyzed.
Documentation delays: One review reports waiting several months for a receipt after plumbing work, creating insurance claim complications
Cited in 1 of the 92 reviews we analyzed.
Keep it in proportion: these concerns are cited in 4 of the 92 reviews we analyzed. Most reviewers report positive experiences — see the full rating picture below.
The evidence — in reviewers' own words
Critical
“Failed in EVERY ASPECT! Installed an HVAC system while I was at work-- TOO LARGE for my ductwork. The system short cycled for 2LONG years ( where my car was warmer than my home) Sure , they would show up w/in 24 hrs -- performing scam measurements that NEVER fixed the problem!! Finally I was able to afford 10K to replace their system with one from Michael and Son, which has operated PERFECTLY!! I'm STILL in …”
“i previously reviwed ben franklin--- giving them a generous 3 star rating for a thourough assessment of my hvac/ plumbing HOWEVER, once i signed a contract, andagreed to the start date (a day i was at work) i came home to an unrecognizeable situation: there was , indeed, a new hvac system installed with ABSOLUTELY NO manufacterer's paperwork and NOT EVEN the manufacterers label indicating make and model! There …”
“In May 2023 I've had an absolutely bizarre experience with this Ben Franklin location and their plumber Chris B. and office staff. He came out as requested but they have REFUSED - after texts, phone calls, and emails - to simply send me the estimate as promised. And they won't explain why. This could be because I (peaceably) questioned the proposed price of a 40-gallon water heater replacement ($3,300?) or …”
Positive
“Ira did a fantastic job closing off the pipes and drain for an old sink that was removed. He explains everything and gives you different options.”
“Arrived on time (Isreal) very professional explained everything in great detail. Offered maintenance tips. Completely satisfied our plumbing concerns. Would highly recommend this company.”
Quotes are reproduced verbatim from public reviews on the platforms shown; we select which to feature, and selection reflects our editorial judgment. Report a quote that doesn't match its source ↗
The rating picture
Newest review in our sample: Feb 2026.
Across platforms
Severe gap: Google 4.9/5 (330 reviews, all plumbing praise) vs. Yelp 1/5 (4 reviews, all HVAC failures/upselling complaints). Company appears to perform well on plumbing emergencies but has documented systemic failures in HVAC installation and service.
Should you hire Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Baltimore?
Best for
- Water heater install/repair
- Whole-house repiping
- Emergency and burst pipe repair
- Bathroom and kitchen remodel plumbing
Hire if
- You need high-quality work that holds up over time
- You need a plumber who actually shows up when scheduled
Think twice if
- You need predictable, consistent service across every visit
- You need rock-bottom prices with zero flexibility on the quote
- You need detailed walkthroughs and written estimates before work starts
Advice derived from the review analysis above — how we decide.
Own Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Baltimore?
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Find plumbers near you
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Baltimoreisn't in one of our ranked city guides yet — the nearest covered markets are below.
Nearby: Pikesville · Baltimore · Sparks Glencoe · Annapolis Junction