Halpin Plumbing Inc
Plumber · Cincinnati, OH
Our verdict
4.9-star shop with 1,163 reviews; workmanship=26 and fast_response=19 in 100 analyzed, but 4 one-star Yelp reviews cite bait-and-switch pricing, surprise estimate fees, and a rude receptionist.
Scores are our editorial reading of published customer reviews — not a verification, license check, or guarantee.
Ranked #7 of 15 plumbers we've reviewed in Cincinnati, OH · compare all →
Our opinion, based on the 100 reviews we analyzed from Google, Yelp and BBB · Analysis updated Jun 2026 · How we decide ↗
What reviewers praise
Upfront pricing praised explicitly — one reviewer saved $1,500 vs. Apollo Home for a water heater repair; Charlie and Caleb 'upfront with pricing, no surprises'.
1 cited review
“Christian and Mason did an excellent job fixing my hot water heater. They charged $200 for a job that Apollo Home wanted $1,700 for (predatory pricing). I will always be recommending Halpin to friends & neighbors.”
Cited in 2 of the 100 reviews we analyzed — 1 cited review not excerpted here.
fast_response=19 in 100 reviews; emergency sewage backup on a Saturday evening handled promptly by Charlie and Jake.
2 cited reviews
“Charlie responded to an emergency call. We had sewage backing up into our basement. He and his associate, Jake, were prompt and efficient in diagnosing and solving the problem. We were fully aware of the additional charges for a Saturday evening call.”
“Christian and Mason did an excellent job fixing my hot water heater. They charged $200 for a job that Apollo Home wanted $1,700 for (predatory pricing). I will always be recommending Halpin to friends & neighbors.”
workmanship=26 across 100 reviews; water heater leaking on two-hour notice resolved quickly after identifying over-pressurized water line.
Cited in 2 of the 100 reviews we analyzed.
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
Yelp 1-star: charged $45 estimate fee without disclosure; reviewer was told no charge when they asked; reviewer refused to pay and immediately disputed.
“They immediately wanted to schedule it. I asked repeatedly if there was a charge for an estimate and said I did not want one if there was. They did not answer. When they arrived they said nothing about cost up front, but immediately gave an (inflated) estimate. After completing the estimate, the gentlemen gave me a bill for $45.”
Red flag
Yelp 1-star: 'Bait and switch' — work done with no itemization, bill arrived with no statement of services; reviewer links company to a second business (JPH Property Investments).
“Bait and switch. They came out to do an estimate, never gave me a price and then socked me an expensive bill when they did very very little work. Would not provide a statement of services or any type of itemization.”
3 Yelp 1-star reviews cite expensive and surprise billing — $45 charged for an estimate callers explicitly asked to be free; one received an inflated quote 10x DIY cost.
“Bait and switch. They came out to do an estimate, never gave me a price and then socked me an expensive bill when they did very very little work. Would not provide a statement of services or any type of itemization.”
1 more cited review
“They immediately wanted to schedule it. I asked repeatedly if there was a charge for an estimate and said I did not want one if there was. They did not answer. When they arrived they said nothing about cost up front, but immediately gave an (inflated) estimate. After completing the estimate, the gentlemen gave me a bill for $45.”
Cited in 3 of the 100 reviews we analyzed — 1 cited review not excerpted here.
Keep it in proportion: these concerns are cited in 3 of the 100 reviews we analyzed. Most reviewers report positive experiences — see the full rating picture below.
The evidence — in reviewers' own words
Critical
“Bait and switch. They came out to do an estimate, never give ,e a price and then socked me an expensive bill when they did very very little work. Would not provide a statement of services or any type of itemization (because they did almost nothing). Scam. This company also operates JPH Property Investments. Research both companies before doing any business with these people!”
“Where do I start? From the beginning it was a disaster. Receptionist is rude, service techs knowledge was entry level on a good day. Then the quote on something that didn't need done. Literally could have bought a car with that quote ($3500) and I personally fixed it for under $500 in 10 minutes. Smh”
“Called back in October to inquire about a possible estimate. They immediately wanted to schedule it. I asked repeatedly if there was a charge for an estimate and said I did not want one if there was (most reputable organizations give free estimates). They did not answer and proceeded to schedule someone. When they arrived, they said nothing about cost up front, but immediately began to give an (inflated) estimate …”
Positive
“Luke and Joe came back less than a week after installing a water heater that was now leaking. They quickly figured out that the water pressure was way too high, and were able to quickly replace the pressure regulator to fix the problem, very affordably. They were able to come on two hours notice, since they got a cancellation that day.”
“I recently had some extensive plumbing work done and I’m so glad I chose Halpin Plumbing. Charlie and Caleb were absolutely great to work with. They showed up on time, were professional, and were very thorough in their work. What I appreciated most was how clearly they explained everything they were doing and took the time to answer my questions. They were also upfront with their pricing, so no surprises at the …”
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: Mar 2026.
Across platforms
Google 4.9★ vs. Yelp 1★ reviews for 3 separate complainants citing billing disputes — Google volume (1,163 reviews) likely dilutes negative signal that Yelp surfaces more clearly.
Should you hire Halpin Plumbing Inc?
Hire if
- You need high-quality work that holds up over time
- You need fast same-day or after-hours response
Think twice if
- You need rock-bottom prices with zero flexibility on the quote
- You need detailed walkthroughs and written estimates before work starts
Look elsewhere if
- You're highly price-sensitive
Advice derived from the review analysis above — how we decide.
Own Halpin Plumbing Inc?
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