About three months ago my brother stopped by my house to borrow a book. Fortunately I was not at home because he and his wife were able to smell gas before even entering the house. Lacking an acute sense of smell I brought a couple friends who immediately validated what my brother had told me. I called the gas company but the gentleman who responded was unable to pinpoint the source of the leak. After about a thirty minute examination of the house he decided the only course of action available was to disconnect the gas. I would need to get a plumber to test the pipes and locate and fix the leaks before the gas could be reconnected.
Obviously some time was required to save up the necessary funds. So following several months of cool mornings and cold showers I finally managed to scrape together enough money to have someone come look at the problem. Now before disclosing the resolution of my tale, I should offer a bit of criticism of our dear inspector here in Tyler, who recently mandated that all gas plumbing be tested at a pressure of ten pounds per square inch, (p.s.i.), a very high bar considering the gas companies only provide their product at four p.s.i. The increased pressure actually creates a real problem for owners of older homes like mine. The higher pressure can actually create more leaks than would otherwise exist. Of course it could mean more work for area plumbers and local inspectors, but I’m fairly sure the high standards are merely a means of increasing safety, and not a city make-work program… right?
All this being said; after briefly speaking with a number of area plumbers, I settled on a good company. The guys at American Plumbing Company did a great job for me. They climbed under my house, diagnosed the problems, removed some unnecessary plumbing under the house, and fixed some leaks that were very difficult to reach. They did all this while I was on a tight budget, helping me keep track of the money I spent on labor and materials. Most importantly, they were honest, keeping me informed of everything they had done, and advising me on what they needed to do. At the end of a long day the pipes were fixed and I enjoyed the first hot shower I’d had at home in weeks.
For more information on American Plumbing Co. call their office at (903)592-5508. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed.
It’s been about a year and a half since I wrote my original article on Southern Utilities Water Company in Tyler, and still their service has not improved. Their unhelpfulness, and extremely poor customer service has made this company a source of real frustration for Tylerites like myself. Unfortunately, their lack of concern for customers is not limited to the company’s owners. Evidently the employees who work there are tired of the complaints of unhappy patrons and now make a point of maintaining a sarcastic and superior attitude.
So why am I returning to this topic? Because; I’ve had yet another disagreeable encounter with the business just today. When I arrived at the drive through window, (which by the way I did before four in the afternoon because that is when they close), I realized that I’d forgotten my bill. I explained to the girl what had happened and she responded with a blank stare and a “you’ll have to go inside for that.”
Now I realize that this in itself would not be a huge issue but I had my three year old with me, which was why I selected the drive through in the first place. I let slip a rye chuckle and asked “don’t you have a computer there that you can just pull it up on?” She responded with slightly more emphasis and a great deal more sarcasm: “You’ll have to go inside for that.”
So what she successfully communicated to me is that the kids working at Sonic have greater technology, and probably knowledge of that technology than one of the oldest utility companies in the Tyler area. I won’t detail the story of my encounter inside the building, but while I was not disruptive I did make it clear that I didn’t appreciate the company’s complete disinterest in the satisfaction of its clients. “As far as I can see there’s not a single thing this company is willing to do to make its patron’s lives easier.”
There are two ways to pay your bill with Southern Utilities: a check through the mail, or cash or check on location. There is still no website (which seems unheard of in today’s business climate), there’s no phone payment method, and they don’t even accept check or debit cards. The lady behind the desk didn’t care. Big surprise. Is there anyone in the East Texas area who wants to start a new business? I suggest servicing water to those who don’t qualify for city water. I can give you the names of numerous folks in our area who quickly sign on to your service.
For those readers who’ve been following my Tyler Texas Suddenlink saga I would like to offer this afterward. (Sorry Donny, I just want to be sure to offer our readers some proper closure). I eventually contacted the Suddenlink rep who offered to assist me in negotiating a better deal on my cable and internet service. After pulling teeth to get to talk with someone with decision making authority, I appreciated that a representative of the company was taking an interest in my case. Fortunately, most of the conversations took place via e-mail as well, so as not to take up any more of my time. The central problem I had was that each person I spoke to seemed to tell me something different. (I must have talked to five or six different people). This seems to be symptomatic of dealing with a large company like Suddenlink, with so many separate departments and entities, that they tend to function like separate businesses. The trick is to find someone who can cut through all little bureaucracies and make a definitive decision. Admittedly this is much easier said than done.
After a couple of emails I was told that a local supervisor would contact me to discuss my service. I spoke to the local super briefly over the phone and we came to an agreement. First off she compensated me for my time. Secondly, she offered to look at my account and see whether or not I could be given the advanced tier like I was originally offered by the disembodied voice I spoke of in my last article. As it turned out she was unable to offer that package at my current rate, but she did offer me thirty days free trial. I thanked her but declined. I’d rather not get used to having the additional channels and then have to either let them go or start paying eleven dollars a month more for them. With my tendency toward procrastination, I’d probably just end up keeping them. So in the end I didn’t get everything I wanted but at least I received satisfaction.
What does the future hold for Suddenlink and me? Long term it’s difficult to say. Having found some people there who are willing to assist me has made it easier to consider sticking it out and acquiring additional services over the long haul. If my service continues as it is now, I may be a Suddenlink customer for a while. To review my story, look for the following titles in this order, on this site: Direct TV or Suddenlink, Which One, Hard to Decide Hmmm? and Suddenlink Internet Service in Tyler Texas. Also, visit Suddenlink’s website at www.suddenlink.com.
What is more uncomfortable that a dentist office? Nothing comes to your mind? Well, it doesn’t has to be that way. Smith Dental Care is known for its comforting care for their patients. They not only have options for pain relief through “laughing gas” or I.V. but they also have other ways to make you feel comfortable, even through the pulling and drilling. When you first walk into the Tyler Dentists clinic you are greeted by smiling faces and entertaining conversation. You may be use to the uncomfortable, uncushioned chair.
As you sit expect to be surprised when they ask if you would like the massager on or off, or if you want a pillow and blanket. And expect to feel pampered as they hand you your own remote and head phones to control your personal television. As the doctors come in to work on your teeth prepare to be entertained by delightful conversation, even though you probably will just be listening. They have very easy payment plans and are always eager to work with you no matter your situation. Satisfaction is a guarantee. Its is easy to set up new appointments and reschedule old appointments. They even have a follow up phone call to check on their patients recovery.
The dentists at Dr. Smith’s office and their assistants are professional and always friendly and understanding. Whatever you need they are willing to help you, and answer any questions.
Smith Dental Care maybe more expensive than other dental offices here in Tyler, but I assure you that you will have a very satisfying dental experience with comfort and in a clean friendly environment.
About three months ago my brother stopped by my house to borrow a book. Fortunately I was not at home because he and his wife were able to smell gas before even entering the house. Lacking an acute sense of smell I brought a couple friends who immediately validated what my brother had told me. I called the gas company but the gentleman who responded was unable to pinpoint the source of the leak. After about a thirty minute examination of the house he decided the only course of action available was to disconnect the gas. I would need to get a plumber to test the pipes and locate and fix the leaks before the gas could be reconnected.
