iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%79+54.7Reliability 31%69+21.2Experts Score= 76Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.76SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#7 of 10 water heater repairiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 33%
4.8★★★★★23 Google reviews · 2 photos
96%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers frequently highlight the company's punctuality, often arriving within an hour of contact, and note that staff explain issues and pricing clearly before beginning work. Services range from emergency repairs and hot water heater replacements to drain cleaning and fixture installations, with many reviewers describing the costs as reasonable. One low-star review mentions communication difficulties, stating that the customer had to reach out multiple times for updates after a scheduling conflict due to illness.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 23 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 23 Google reviews (22 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 96% of reviews.
Most recent review: March 31, 2026.
Service: Water Heater Repair serving Bay City, Michigan.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other water heater repair
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
Tri-City Plumber Inc.Water Heater Repair median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Tri-City Plumber Inc.: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.B
79
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Tri-City Plumber Inc.: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 70.B
69
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 75.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Tri-City Plumber Inc.: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 84.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
23 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars2296%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star14%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 22 written reviews
96%praise
Praise5096%
Complaints24%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Speed & response1325%
Staff & attitude1019%
Quality & results917%
Price & value815%
Communication48%
Honesty & trust48%
Would recommend48%
What customers talk about
We read 22 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Called this company this morning, he answered promptly, got my address and was here within an hour.”
“Very reasonably priced as well, respectful, explained what needed done, gave options, etc.”
“Excellent job reconfiguring drain to accommodate new sink, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.”
“(Mobile home hot water heater pipes) Affordable & didn’t hesitate to return when we ran into a small issue after he’d already left.”
“Very professional on the phone, in person and answered all our questions in the process.”
“customer service was outstanding was told up front what needed to be down and was pleased with the job done.”
“I VERY highly recommend this company!”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
AAmber2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
We had a shut of valve fail and it caused the toilet bowl to overflow overnight. Called this company this morning, he answered promptly, got my address and was here within an hour. Bob fixed it and the job was done. Initial call to repair done was less than 2 hours!! Very reasonably priced as well, respectful,…
SSavannah12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Very quick both in response & fixing the problem, super friendly & talked through what the issue was & how he was fixing it. (Mobile home hot water heater pipes) Affordable & didn’t hesitate to return when we ran into a small issue after he’d already left. Would rather support small business over the national chains. Definitely give him a call!
NNancy6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Very polite and knowledgeable. Asked the right questions and was willing to take on a small job.
TTomLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★
Bob gave a quote, we accepted his price. He asked us to buy a faucet from Gerber, which I did promptly and he saw me purchasing it. He recommended the drain get cleaned, which we did get cleaned from Randy's sink and sewer, (Great guy!! ). When he was to start, he got sick, we understood. I had to reach out several…
MMichaelLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Was prompt, efficient, honest and friendly. Explains what and why he is doing his job. Everything you could expect from a local and experienced professional. Would definitely recommend.
BBrenda4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
Bob came out the same day I called. Changed a shower head in the bathroom at no charge. Great service. Will call again next time I need plumbing service.
We had a shut of valve fail and it caused the toilet bowl to overflow overnight. Called this company this morning, he answered promptly, got my address and was here within an hour. Bob fixed it and the job was done. Initial call to repair done was less than 2 hours!! Very reasonably priced as well, respectful, explained what needed done, gave options, etc.
I VERY highly recommend this company!!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you for the great review we always try to be prompt and professional and explain what we're doing
S
Savannah Lintz12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Savannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very quick both in response & fixing the problem, super friendly & talked through what the issue was & how he was fixing it. (Mobile home hot water heater pipes) Affordable & didn’t hesitate to return when we ran into a small issue after he’d already left. Would rather support small business over the national chains. Definitely give him a call!
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Thanks for the great review Tri-City plumber is always glad to have somebody happy glad we could help a
N
Nancy Rose6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nancy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Bob gave a quote, we accepted his price. He asked us to buy a faucet from Gerber, which I did promptly and he saw me purchasing it. He recommended the drain get cleaned, which we did get cleaned from Randy's sink and sewer, (Great guy!! ). When he was to start, he got sick, we understood. I had to reach out several times for updates and the new date he agreed to do the job, he came, stayed 5 minutes and left abruptly claiming he had a family emergency. He told my wife he would call me. Still waiting for that phone call after 9 days. I reached out to him with no response received even though my message shows it's been read. If he didn't want the job, simply say I'm no longer interested and we would have moved on. He knew we were unable to do laundry at home while awaiting his work. Very poor communication, very poor customer service. Will not recommend.
M
Michael BouckaertLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Was prompt, efficient, honest and friendly. Explains what and why he is doing his job. Everything you could expect from a local and experienced professional. Would definitely recommend.
Response from the owner · a year ago
At Tri-City plumber we are always happy to have a satisfied customer that's always our goal
B
Brenda Dutsky4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brenda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Bob came out the same day I called. Changed a shower head in the bathroom at no charge. Great service. Will call again next time I need plumbing service.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks for the great review we like making people happy at Tri-City plumber
M
Milo Williams7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Milo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I call them for everything. They are super helpful and kind. Honest man. I couldn’t recommend a different plumber. So glad I found them. Did a great job with the pipe bursting. Was very helpful with my shower. More currently I had water coming from my kitchen ceiling and they were so helpful. I strongly encourage calling for any plumbing issues!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks for the great review Tri-City plumber is always glad to help
A
Anne BoughnerLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Anne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Called for an emergency and the owner answered. He was boarding a plane and couldn't come right away. However he gave me great advice over the phone and thanks to that advice saved us repair costs and definitely saved a major potential clean up. Will absolutely be calling here in the future for any plumbing needs!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you for the great review was happy to help
J
Jim MassnickLocal Guide · 36 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Awesome! Great service and fast. Thank you for helping my mother inlaw. We all appreciate it.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks for the great review was happy to help your mother-in-law sorry about her last experience with a different company her experience with the previous company she can feel safe call and Tri-City plumber anytime
M
Mich All2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mich has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
