A Pittsburgh-area plumbing and heating company will pay $700,000 to customers over allegations of unnecessary home repairs.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office says Gillece Services used a $93 drain-cleaning special to attract customers, then allegedly pressured some into paying thousands of dollars for unnecessary sewer line replacements.
The lawsuit also accused the company of using scare tactics, including claims of gas leaks and dangerous heating problems. Under the settlement, Gillece must improve technician training, document the need for certain repairs and follow stricter rules.
“Gillece pressured consumers to undergo expensive home repair work that was oftentimes unnecessary,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Gillece advertised specials that they knew they would not honor, leaving consumers on the hook for work they did not want or need. This settlement would not have been possible without the assistance of the consumers who brought this issue to the attention of the Office of Attorney General.”
Two of the former technicians are also banned from the plumbing industry for five years. Eligible customers will be contacted by the Attorney General’s office and do not need to take any action.
