SMITHY'S PLUMBING
Plumber · Cincinnati, OH · Open 24 hours per Google listing
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Our verdict
91% 5-star ratings out of 98 analyzed for SMITHY'S PLUMBING; Al Smith's 30+ year expertise cited in multiple reviews, but 3 of 12 evidence quotes document a stolen-deposit incident and hostile escalation behavior.
Scores are our editorial reading of published customer reviews — not a verification, license check, or guarantee.
Our opinion, based on the 98 reviews we analyzed from Google, Yelp and BBB · Analysis updated Jun 2026 · How we decide ↗
Lists 24-hour service on its Google profile — and reviewers describe after-hours calls.
What reviewers praise
Al Smith's diagnostic accuracy saves customers money — solved clogged drain without demolition that another plumber quoted at $7k
1 cited review
“Al was able to clear the clog without any demolition, and he explained exactly how he was able to do that. I was impressed with Al's expertise, ability to arti”
Same-day responsiveness in 6 reviews including same-morning toilet repair and emergency weekend sewer dig in freezing weather
1 cited review
“Not only did they squeeze us in same-day, but Al was able to consult on ongoing basement drainage issues. He went above and beyond in every way.”
Cited in 2 of the 98 reviews we analyzed — 1 cited review not excerpted here.
Transparent communication: work completed in less time than quoted, pricing explained upfront, and installation walkthroughs provided even to elderly clients
1 cited review
“Work was done in less time than quoted. Communication from beginning to end was top notch. Easy pricing and worked with our schedule.”
Cited in 2 of the 98 reviews we analyzed — 1 cited review 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
Alleged theft of $8,000 upfront payment — tech started job 3 days late, worked sporadic 2-hour sessions, then went silent after customer asked for timeline
“He showed up 3 days later than he said he was going to start and then only stayed for about 2 hours and left. Two days later he came for about 2 hours again and left and didn't come back for almost a week later.”
Red flag
Hostile communication escalation documented: customer raised billing concern, was talked over, yelled at, and sent multiple defensive messages without resolution
Cited in 1 of the 98 reviews we analyzed.
Red flag
Invoice mismatch: in-person price did not match original quote; pipe left leaking after service without customer notification — tech texted babysitter instead of owner
Cited in 1 of the 98 reviews we analyzed.
Payment-upfront model creates risk: one customer paid $8,000 upfront for a 2-week job and reports tech stopped showing up and stopped answering calls
“He showed up 3 days later than he said he was going to start and then only stayed for about 2 hours and left. Two days later he came for about 2 hours again and left and didn't come back for almost a week later.”
Keep it in proportion: these concerns are cited in 3 of the 98 reviews we analyzed. Most reviewers report positive experiences — see the full rating picture below.
The evidence — in reviewers' own words
Critical
“AVOID AVOID AVOID. Had him in there to fix change a 3 handle shower to a new standard. Should have avoided from the get go and read the Better Business Bureau reviews. First the quote didn't match what the in person price was, happens, but it's a red flag in hindsight. Day of service he was 5 hours late and showed up at 6pm. We had a concert and had to leave Smithy with the baby sitter. When we get back we find …”
“Extremely poor communication and an unwillingness to take responsibility. When I raised concerns around undisclosed fees I was charged and explained that the original issue (a dripping tub spout) was still not fully resolved, the company refused to listen and instead repeatedly defended themselves using the plumber’s perspective to override my experience. Rather than asking clarifying questions or working toward …”
“work performed satisfactorily. billing was a huge lack of communication and I was told its my fault for not knowing their hourly rates and not knowing their time anf a half rates and hours...mind you I called on a monday and got late service on a thursday, nothing was emergent. when I asked the plumber at my house about the cost he said he didn't know what it would be until the office did the billing. I was required …”
Positive
“Great experience with Smithy’s Plumbing—especially Al. He came out in freezing cold weather when we urgently needed our sewer line dug and handled everything with professionalism and hard work. We’re very grateful and would highly recommend Smithy’s Plumbing, and Al in particular.”
“Had a stainless steel utility sink installed. Removed the old mounted unit. Work was done in less time than quoted. Communication from beginning to end was top notch. Easy pricing and worked with our schedule. While I don't look forward to any future plumbing needs I do rest easy knowing who I will call when those needs present themselves. Great job Smithy's!!”
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
Our sample skews heavily toward critical reviews — it disagrees with the Google average shown above.
Newest review in our sample: Feb 2026.
Across platforms
Should you hire SMITHY'S PLUMBING?
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 want detailed upfront explanations
- You need airtight scheduling and guaranteed arrival times
- You need rock-bottom prices with zero flexibility on the quote
Advice derived from the review analysis above — how we decide.
Own SMITHY'S PLUMBING?
You can respond to our analysis, correct business facts, or dispute the accuracy of a quoted review. Responses that check out get published on this page, and factual errors get corrected — see our corrections policy. We don't remove accurate quotes, but we'll re-run your assessment as your reviews change.
Find plumbers near you
SMITHY'S PLUMBINGisn't in one of our ranked city guides yet — the nearest covered markets are below.
Nearby: Cincinnati · Hebron · Hamilton · Goshen