Frequently Asked Questions

Answers From Your Alexandria Plumbing & HVAC Specialists

How do you protect my home? And what is the "Mess Free or No Fee" Guarantee?

1. Security - All applicants at Kramer and Sons are subjected to drug testing and criminal background checks as part of our screening process. When our Service Technician arrives at your door expect to see him in full company uniform, ready to present you with his business card. For added peace of mind, we instruct our Service Technicians to park the company vehicle where it is readily visible, so you know who is at your door.
2. Property Protection - A Kramer and Sons Service Technician will arrive ready to protect your home with rubber gloves, shoe covers, drop cloths, vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies. With our "Mess Free or No Fee" Guarantee. You won't pay until the work area is as clean as we found it, guaranteed!
3. Training - Kramer and Sons constantly invests in continuing and advanced education and training for our Service Technicians. Educated employees have the technical skills to professionally complete the work and the customer service skills to demonstrate the highest level of respect for you and your property.

How long has Kramer and Sons Plumbing been in business?

Kramer & Sons Plumbing Services, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Martin & Pamela Kramer. We began as a family owned and operated business and have remained so up to today with Seth Kramer, the youngest son, now the Service Manager.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes & Yes! We are a licensed Class A contractor through the State of Virginia and maintain business licenses in all localities in which we provide services. As required, we carry Workers Compensation, General Liability, Auto and Property insurance.

Please feel free to contact our office if you would like our State of Virginia Contractor license number or the business license number for your locality. We would also be happy to provide a Certificate of Coverage for both our Workers Compensation and General Liability insurance if requested.

What are your service hours and service area?

Our phones are staffed by Kramer & Sons employees Monday thru Friday, 6:30am-5:00pm. Whether to schedule a service call, ask a question or make a suggestion; you will always reach a real person ready to take care of your needs.

If you would like to make an appointment for regular service, during or after business hours, click our "Schedule An Appointment" icon above and our staff will confirm your appointment when we reopen.

In case of emergency after-hours, our phone system will allow you to page a Service Technician who will contact you immediately to arrange service.

Kramer & Sons presently serves Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Arlington County, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, Town of Vienna & Prince William County (Dale City, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Manassas).

Do you offer warranties?

It is always our goal to ensure your complete satisfaction on our first visit. However, you can rest assured that your investment is protected. Our warranties and our long history can put your mind at ease that we will be here to take care of any concerns you may have.

New Installations

Many of the heating, cooling, and plumbing products we install have a lifetime manufacturer's warranty

• 1 Year Minimum Parts Warranty
• 1 Year Labor Warranty

Water Heaters

• 6 -10 Years Tank & Parts
• 1 Year Labor
• Repairs
• 1 Year Parts
• 1 Year Labor

Drain Cleaning

• 30 Days

Underground Water Service or Sewer Replacement

• 5 Year Warranty
• Water Service or Sewer Repair
• 1 Year Warranty

What is flat-rate pricing?

Flat Rate Pricing is the equivalent of Up Front Pricing. "Up Front" as in "before," not "after the fact." No unpleasant surprises.

A Kramer and Sons Technicians will perform a thorough inspection of the job, provide you with any options and the full price before any work begins. You approve the price before we do the work. You will never have to wonder "Are they using any extra materials?"; "What if they take longer than expected?"; "Are there any hidden charges or surprises at the end?". The price you approve is the price you are charged.

The Flat Rate pricing approach also means that customers all pay the same fair price for the same service. The guy across the street won't get a better deal because he's a more aggressive negotiator than you are.

It's a concept most people are familiar with in other aspect of their lives. Doctors, Dentists, even Restaurants use a form of Flat Rate Pricing. Have you ever been to restaurant, ordered without knowing the cost and received a bill for the steak, potatoes, green beans, rolls and salad separately, plus the labor to prep and cook your meal? No, me either.

VS "Time & Material" With the conventional "time and material" approach you won't know what the charge will be until the work has been completed. Yes, a company can quote a price based on T&M before doing any work, but it's only a best guess estimate. If they guess wrong, you pay more.

Speaking of guessing, we can only provide estimates in person. Kramer and Sons staff can't, and won't try, to guess how much your work will cost you over the phone.