FOX31 Denver

Woman pays hundreds for water heater repairs she never received

Faith Adams

AURORA, Colo. — Faith Adams of Aurora found a leak in her home’s water heater. She did a quick internet search to find what she thought was a local plumber, and invited him to her home for an inspection.

“You try to trust the people that you go to for help and hope that they’re telling you the truth,” Adams said.

She was told that a new expansion tank would not fix the leak, and she should buy a new water heater.

So she wrote a check to Daniel Murphy on March 28th for a $700 deposit and was told the water heater would be installed in a week or so.

More than two months later – her water heater is still leaking and despite multiple attempts she hasn’t received her money back.

“He’s messing around with people and thinks he can keep getting away with it,” Adams said.

The Problem Solvers uncovered documents showing Murphy’s company, All Phase Home Repair, received a cease & desist order from the Department of Regulatory Agencies in 2015. And that Murphy’s plumbing license expired in 2013.

“I know it’s my fault I should have made sure he had a license at hand,” Adams said. “We’ve been dealing with this water heater and wanted to get it done and save a little money.”

Adams has contacted the BBB – which shows several complaints and an F-rating for “All Phase Home Repair” – the police and even a lawyer, but still can’t get her money back.

The Problem Solvers talked to Murphy over the phone. He said he would return the $700 to Faith within a week and that he’s no longer in the plumbing business.