Anyone seen James the Plumber

[sjsl]

After seeing various recommendations here we asked him to help with a leak in an external pipe and instal a replacement power shower pump. He quoted high (?500) for sorting the leak, which was below ground outside, and was keen to start straight away. He luckily found the leak quite quickly after digging a largish hole. We paid roughly half up front to cover materials etc. Long story short, he put in about a foot of new pipe, we paid up and off he went saying he'd be back to discuss the shower.

We now have a still-leaking pipe and a large hole in the front garden. I have asked him to fix it or refund but of course no reponse. I wouldn't normally fall for this but for various reasons, including a bereavement, I didn't ask enough questions as I really wanted the problem sorted.

So be careful who you use, and if anyone does know him I'm still up for a fix or a refund and would post a retraction (you never know, he might have a good excuse)!

[singalto]

Did you pay by credit card?

[sjsl]

Alas that wasn't an option. I do know I was a fool, which makes it worse, but still my trust in fellow man is somewhat shaken.