Member in the News: Vigilante Plumbing & Heating

Paying it forward is alive and well in Brooklyn...Vigilante Plumbing and Heating Help an Elderly Man in Need

A service visit on February 11th turned into an amazing act of giving back when Vigilante Plumbing and Heating’s Home Comfort Advisor, Vincent Rizzo responded to a call for help.

Vincent found Edgar Ballance, an elderly man, alone in his apartment, freezing and clearly in distress. This gentleman needed help ... and he needed it immediately.

A New York City agency had been called on January 26th because the building had no heat, but they could not gain access. Anthony Vigilante, owner of Vigilante Plumbing and Heating, did not find out about this situation until February 11th. Mr. Ballance had been without heat and hot water for weeks, perhaps longer. Temperatures were frigid and this man was cold. He was wearing six sweaters and could barely walk.

“When Vincent told us about the situation, we made an immediate decision to help,” said Anthony. “There was not time to waste. When you have the time, you can reach out to different programs for help. There was no time for that. Fortunately, we had the equipment on hand and were able to do the work immediately. We replaced the hot water heater and boiler and had everything up and running in under 24 hours. Afraid for Mr. Ballance’s health, Vincent also followed up with Senior Services to make sure the elderly man was okay.”

To replace the appliances, Anthony took advantage of the Ordinary Plumbing Work provision of the Code. This provision provides a licensee with the ability to immediately undertake work, streamline the process and keep compliance costs to a bare minimum.

Edgar Ballance was in no financial position to pay for the equipment and installation, which is valued at about $12,000. But how can one compare any dollar value with the value of someone’s life and wellbeing? There is no comparison.

The story about Mr. Ballance and Vigilante Plumbing and Heating appeared on Eyewitness News on February 16th. “I really didn’t expect any recognition for helping Mr. Ballance,” commented Anthony. “We did it because it was the right thing to do. If you can help someone in need, you should reach out and do what you can. During the Covid pandemic, or any other time, we are here to help one another. That’s what really matters.”

Featured in the Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber, Spring 2021