E F Laudenslager Inc.

Called in early AM and had service prior to lunch. Technician was very courteous and helpful. Thank you.

Their plumbing group read and fully answer emails and return calls.
They read and then responded to detailed email / voice mail questions. They do not seem to mind answering simple relevant technical questions.

They read, understood and followed the installation instructions for the water heater and expansion tank installation.

They understand what are the up to date building code rules for installing / venting water heaters.

They provided a free written quote that actually describes concisely with detail in a couple of lines - the work that they will do - and were happy to slightly edit this short work description to clarify details and part numbers that were important to me.

Given the present shortage of water heaters due to covid etc, ( few month waiting times) they were able / willing to search for alternate suppliers in order to immediately get me a particular unit.

Replacement 50gal atmospheric vented natural gas Bradford White RG250T6N water heater - and replace Amtrol ST12 vertically mounted expansion tank - replace old cold water shut off valve with 1/4 turn valve.
Use existing flue/chimney pipe.
The warranty is 12 months on the installation (labor) as well as the 6 yrs parts only and 6 years tank only ( no labor) from Bradford White, 7 years (parts only) from Amtrol.

Three people - took from 9am -11.30am.

I set the water heater to "pilot" only - ie "off" the night before so that the water in the heater was not very hot - though they said this was not necessary.
The next morning they arrived and pumped out the water from the old heater through a long hose up the basement stairs and out the front door because the bug screens on the basement windows are not removable.
They took the time to correctly measure the house water pressure with a gauge and had an air compressor to pump the expansion tank to match this (+5psi).
The expansion tank is mounted vertically so that it is correctly supported.
They leak checked the new black pipe gas line joints.
The copper connections were made with Pro-press crimped fittings ( no torch).
The T/P relief valve pipe is copper and cut 5 inches above the floor, to code.
They re-used the existing 3inch diameter flue/chimney pipe because this was in perfect condition and old/new water heaters are the same height.

They are actively licensed as plumbers in Lower Macungie Township (LMT) as legally required for doing any plumbing work here ( similar to many other PA townships requiring individual local registration where they check insurance and plumbing/electrician training/qualifications etc - different to PA state HIC registration which doesn't mean very much because technical qualifications/training are not checked at all).

This LMT registration means that I could get a permit ( as legally required) for the replacement fuel fired water heater and can get it inspected as required by my homeowner's insurance - and also avoid the potential ( but apparently not enforced) $1000 fine listed in LMT ordinance § 13-206 for using an unregistered (LMT) "plumber ".

I added a picture but it seems to be in the main site rather than attached to this review - need to click "see photos" .

Pricing was competitive. $1600 for the water heater + piping/ quarter turn shut off valve, another $150 for the expansion tank / piping.
Online Water heater costs approx $700, Expansion tank is $50, parts/fittings /pipe about $100. So labor/overhead and the 12 month labor warranty is the balance of approx $900. Not cheap.

Quotes from competitors varied from about this figure to about $2K+ and one $3K+ quote - but with much less confidence in my mind that the work would be done properly even with the great expense. Some wanted to charge $90+ just to visit and only then quote.

With some competitors I had great difficulty getting anything in writing ( aside from a price ) - no clear written description of work - with what components - with what ( if any ) labor warranty - and some were without LMT active registration so the work would be technically illegal and getting a permit / inspection not possible.

Service man Terry made the experience great. Easy to talk to,and informative. Will do business again with EF Laudenslagers again cause of Terry.

I just installed propane heat at my home this winter. I asked some friends who they recommend, and one friend recommended Laudenslager. I called them up, and I am telling you, what a pleasure it was to deal with a true family business. They installed my tank very quickly and there was no need to follow up with anything. It was done right the first time.

I've had nothing but a positive experience in my dealings. Every time I call, I get friendly people eager to help me. I get quick propane delivery, and with this past winter, I certainly have needed it.

This is a good company. You'll be pleased if you choose them for your heating needs.

Terry came out to do repair. Very efficient and knew exactly what to do to restore heat.

We are very satisfied with EF Laudenslager plumbing and gas division. The team was very professional and showed up on time with steady work ethic.Steve, Justin, Luke and Greg performed a very quality installation. I would recommend EF Laudenslager to my family and friends.
Bob Brobst

It's so nice to speak to folks with a personality. Every time I call for a delivery, they are not only prompt , but also helpful. They leave the propane and a bill, and if we're home, they offer to relight the pilot. Each employee I've dealt with has been happy and that should be true of more companies. Whatever they've done to instill a customer service mindset in their employees is top-notch.

Extremely impressed with the install of new boiler and removal of old one. From the salesman, Chris Hardy to the installation crew, excellent customer service and experience overall. Would highly recommend!

Fast and VERY friendly service with every visit. The installers do a great job and clean up after themselves. Been using them for all my propane needs for a year and couldn't be happier. I recommend them every chance I get.

Always professional and informative. Would highly recommend EF Laudenslager. Luke serviced our water heater today and was very helpful.