As a name that Idaho Falls residents have been counting on for over half a century, we pride ourselves in providing all of our customers access to the best home services available. We believe in the power of honest workmanship, straightforward pricing, and good old-fashioned customer service, and that's what we aim to provide on every job we undertake.
From plumbing repairs to HVAC maintenance, electrical installations, and beyond, our technicians are fully trained to provide all the services you need to keep your home safe and comfortable.
From plumbing repairs to HVAC maintenance, electrical installations, and beyond, our technicians are fully trained to provide all the services you need to keep your home safe and comfortable.
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In 1947 shortly after the war, Al and Jewel Bidstrup started a small electrical contracting company named Jewel Electric. The original name was planned to be Gem State Electric but when they went to register it, the name was already taken in Idaho. The fact that Jewel was Al's wife's name was more coincidental.
Sometimes paying for a heating or air conditioning install or repair can be costly. To help provide the best service and options for our customers, we offer financing through Wells Fargo! Get in touch with our team today to learn more by sending us a message online or calling (208) 328-4636 to speak with a live team member.
When plumbing issues pop up in your life, there's no need to panic - First Call Jewel is here with all the parts, products, and services you need to get things flowing smoothly again in no time. Our family-owned and operated Idaho Falls plumbing company is in its third generation of quality service, and we make sure that every member of our team has what it takes to get the job done right with no mistakes or missed details.
A broken water heater can throw your entire routine into chaos. When you can't rely on a reliable supply of hot water, you lose the ability to effectively and comfortably keep yourself and your home clean. A broken water heater means that you need solutions ASAP, and that's where we come in. First Call Jewel has been helping out neighbors in Idaho Falls get their water heaters fixed fast since 1947, and with our extensive training, modern equipment, and three generations of experience working for us, we have everything we need to get the job done right.
Reviews (26)
Mike M.
Jun 16, 2022
Gregory Johnson
Apr 11, 2022
My experience with First Call Jewel was fantastic. From project kickoff to completion was quicker then expected, and the work performed was fabulous. Their employees are professional and courteous. They quickly came back to resolve a minor issue. I recommend, and would use them again! Thanks for taking care of the customer!
Michelle Anderson
Apr 10, 2022
We paid $79 for a service call and the service rep. said after talking to his advisor, it would cost us $12,000 to $20,000 to tear out the basement floor to replace a pipe to the street. This is without even looking in or snaking the leaking interior pipe going to the wall drain. My son and husband replaced the pipe for $45 in parts and less than an hour's work.
Jeff Ekl
Mar 28, 2022
The service team was great. The new heating unit went in just fine. There was a little trouble getting the humidifier working properly but since then it has worked just fine. The estimate was terrible. He constantly tried to sell me more than I wanted. I just needed a new heating unit. When discussing finance options he totally blew it. Sold me on a system that was in my budget but when it was all said and done, my first payment was 100% increased. The payment doubled. Now I'm stuck with a bill I can barely afford. The service is great but beware of the estimate.
Richie Turnbeaugh
Feb 25, 2022
I am a contractor who has used them several times for some of our clients. Firstly, I think it is absolutely necessary to acknowledge the things they do very well as I am never a fan of leaving a negative review as I understand the variables and difficulties of running a business. But sometimes that feedback is absolutely necessary and healthy. Their techs are good at communicating.
They generally do good work. They have a very professional image that represents their company well and I am a fan of the system they use to confirm appointments. The issues we have had with them are firstly their prices. They are statistically overpriced for the markets they serve (not that this is illegal, but perhaps, unethical in some regard).
One of my guys called them to set a bathtub for us and explained everything that he was going to need to complete the job so that we could get it done quickly. They showed up unprepared to set the bathtub (as it turned out, this saved us a lot of money) and then quoted us several thousand dollars more to set the bathtub than what our other plumber was able to complete it for soon after.
I reached out to them numerous times because they still billed us for that visit, even though no work was performed. I understand that service charges are necessary, but when you work with a contractor on a regular basis, and when your techs come unprepared, I think some consideration should be given as to the ethics of that visit. None was given and they are demanding payment, even though their invoice states they set the bathtub and fixed the drain--which they did not.
We attempted to use them once more after that on another project, but it was a similar experience. Their techs showed up unprepared and told us they would have to come back because they couldn't repair a furnace unit. I think this company has potential to be a market leader in all of the areas they serve if they will make several adjustments to their services and costs.
They generally do good work. They have a very professional image that represents their company well and I am a fan of the system they use to confirm appointments. The issues we have had with them are firstly their prices. They are statistically overpriced for the markets they serve (not that this is illegal, but perhaps, unethical in some regard).
One of my guys called them to set a bathtub for us and explained everything that he was going to need to complete the job so that we could get it done quickly. They showed up unprepared to set the bathtub (as it turned out, this saved us a lot of money) and then quoted us several thousand dollars more to set the bathtub than what our other plumber was able to complete it for soon after.
I reached out to them numerous times because they still billed us for that visit, even though no work was performed. I understand that service charges are necessary, but when you work with a contractor on a regular basis, and when your techs come unprepared, I think some consideration should be given as to the ethics of that visit. None was given and they are demanding payment, even though their invoice states they set the bathtub and fixed the drain--which they did not.
We attempted to use them once more after that on another project, but it was a similar experience. Their techs showed up unprepared and told us they would have to come back because they couldn't repair a furnace unit. I think this company has potential to be a market leader in all of the areas they serve if they will make several adjustments to their services and costs.
Cindy Southwick
Feb 06, 2022
Cody came to my house to do a water heater flush. He was on time, polite and friendly. Upon inspecting the water heater before the flush, it was determined that because of the age of the heater, a flush was not the best idea. Cody then worked up a quote for a new water heater to be installed and sent it to my email so that I can discuss it with my spouse this evening. I really appreciated his honesty in this matter.
Sharlena Stanley
Jan 26, 2022
Got a flyer in the mail for a flush of the water heater. And felt that after 2 years in the home we felt this was a great preventive measure. Zach was on time and very personable. He didn't mind me standing over his shoulders and learning. The flush went well and he educated me as to things to look for. So now to decide to buy a water softener or not lol. Very impressed with the service Zach provided. They used shoe covers when coming into the home which was a nice gesture.
Ginger Bradley
Jan 25, 2022
We had Jewel scheduled for a furnace tune up. We have been in this home for two years and we weren't sure when the furnace was last serviced. Our service man was Mac and what a wonderful, thorough job he did. He explained parts of the tuneup process in understandable terms and suggested some improvements that would benefit our older system. He showed us how to change our filters and suggested some other services that we might consider in the future. We would recommend First Call Jewel and our service man, based on our experience.
Chris Lenda
Jan 19, 2022
I've used First Call Jewel many times in the past. They installed our AC unit in two different homes, and have been very responsive to the unplanned/unscheduled breakdowns that come with owning a home. This most recent issue involved our furnace breaking down in the middle of the winter. My assessment was that it was something simple, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
First Call Jewel is one of the only service providers in this area that provides after-hours calls. I phoned around 4pm and they arrived around 6pm. I had intentionally left my UPS deliveries on the front step that day, because the furnace wasn't working and I didn't want to open the front door too many times. When the Jewel technician arrived, he brought the packages in with him!
I don't want to mention him by name, but he was incredibly polite and let me look over his shoulder as he did the repair. It literally took him 5 minutes to diagnose and make the repair, and then another 20 minutes of letting the furnace run just to make sure it was in good working order. First Call Jewel is not the cheapest outfit in town, but the quality of service they provide is far outweighed by the minimal additional cost.
First Call Jewel is one of the only service providers in this area that provides after-hours calls. I phoned around 4pm and they arrived around 6pm. I had intentionally left my UPS deliveries on the front step that day, because the furnace wasn't working and I didn't want to open the front door too many times. When the Jewel technician arrived, he brought the packages in with him!
I don't want to mention him by name, but he was incredibly polite and let me look over his shoulder as he did the repair. It literally took him 5 minutes to diagnose and make the repair, and then another 20 minutes of letting the furnace run just to make sure it was in good working order. First Call Jewel is not the cheapest outfit in town, but the quality of service they provide is far outweighed by the minimal additional cost.
Brett Jacobson
Dec 24, 2021
First Call Jewel has been to my home twice in the last month and each time they have provided excellent service. They are on time, professional and their prices are fair. Jesse fixed our internet connections inside the house and at the source where it entered by the garage that had been restricting our download speeds and Wi-Fi signal strengths for several years. We are beyond pleased with the results.
Dave Faber
Dec 23, 2021
Elizabeth Springer
Sep 21, 2021
Jeff Broncho
Jul 27, 2021
Anthony M.
Nov 05, 2019
Five Stars because Yelp don't offer SIX! Sent a picture of the tech, told us when he was to arrive. He found the previous tech had left something that was blocking the fireplace fan from turning. He could have kept that a big secret, but he didn't. A stream of appologies and he fixed it without a charge, not even a housecall. Integrity COUNTS!
Kenneth D.
Jul 23, 2019
Pam L.
Aug 16, 2018
Keri K.
Jul 31, 2018
My parent's basement in Rigby was flooded on a Saturday. I live out of state, and quickly found myself at the mercy of whatever plumbing company would be kind enough to pick up a frantic phone call on the weekend, and not only agree to help, but know how to repair the leak. Enter First Call Jewel and Amazing Bruce! Thank you for quickly coming to the rescue, and even calling me after the repair to assure me that things were under control. I'm keeping you on my speed dial!
Jim S.
Jul 11, 2018
Please hire competent people to answer the phone. Tried to call but got a know-nothing-can't-understand-anything-girl who somehow got disconnected and never called back. I needed some service in the reasonable future but couldn't even get any attention or answers for 2 more weeks, so I went elsewhere. If business is that good, why not hire a few more people?
And train the phone answering girls - let them know what kind of business you do, some clue about how much different services may cost, and how to operate the phones so they don't disconnect or cut off callers. You probably lose a alot of business & alot of new customers as well as old ones, but hey I guess you save alot on office girl training.
And train the phone answering girls - let them know what kind of business you do, some clue about how much different services may cost, and how to operate the phones so they don't disconnect or cut off callers. You probably lose a alot of business & alot of new customers as well as old ones, but hey I guess you save alot on office girl training.
Joni B.
Oct 05, 2017
I needed a kitchen faucet installed. The tech was good, but the constant upsell attempt was completely annoying. I didn't want my line snaked or whatever all the way to the street for $1,000, and I didn't want a new garbage disposal either. I just wanted my faucet installed. And since I opted for the minimum package of services the work is guaranteed for just 30 days.
I think the tech said if I opted for the $1,000 package the work is good for a year. That is utter BS. What kind of a reputable business sets up a warranty schedule like this? I will likely use a different plumber next time. On a positive note, my new faucet works great and does not leak! So, overall, the work this company does is solid, but no thanks to the hard sales technique.
I think the tech said if I opted for the $1,000 package the work is good for a year. That is utter BS. What kind of a reputable business sets up a warranty schedule like this? I will likely use a different plumber next time. On a positive note, my new faucet works great and does not leak! So, overall, the work this company does is solid, but no thanks to the hard sales technique.
D. W.
May 17, 2017
We found a leak in our basement on a Friday evening as we were getting ready to go out of town. Cleaned up the water, spread everything out to dry and on our return home my husband priced out the parts he needed to repair the leak. This was a repair my husband could have done, except the brand of part he wanted to use was not available in town without ordering it even from the big box stores. Shipping lead times of one week to five weeks.
Plus because of our deck being above the faucet outside, all the work needed to be completed in the basement, without removing part of the deck or crawling under it. Engineer husband was overthinking the job. ehhhhh! I called 1stCall Jewel. For about $25 more than we had priced out with the quickest shipping time, the repair was done within two hours of the call.
With the same part my husband had priced out and the deck intact. From taking the call to the service person the personnel were friendly and professional. The service person called about 15 minutes prior to showing up so I could put my dogs upstairs to keep them from barking too much. He did notate a needed repair to our turn off valve which doesn't completely turn off, meaning the water was slightly dripping the entire time he worked on the broken pipe. We were already aware of that need.
Plus because of our deck being above the faucet outside, all the work needed to be completed in the basement, without removing part of the deck or crawling under it. Engineer husband was overthinking the job. ehhhhh! I called 1stCall Jewel. For about $25 more than we had priced out with the quickest shipping time, the repair was done within two hours of the call.
With the same part my husband had priced out and the deck intact. From taking the call to the service person the personnel were friendly and professional. The service person called about 15 minutes prior to showing up so I could put my dogs upstairs to keep them from barking too much. He did notate a needed repair to our turn off valve which doesn't completely turn off, meaning the water was slightly dripping the entire time he worked on the broken pipe. We were already aware of that need.
Judy C.
Dec 19, 2016
We had LEd ceiling lights in the kitchen and the first bathroom I guess when they start to go they flicker. Called first jewel they came out right away he didn't charge the service call fee because we needed to go and buy the lights a few weeks later called he was here right away put up the lights no fuss, absouletly wonderful people including the girls that answer the phones in the office.
Jesse S.
Nov 21, 2016
Came home, furnace would not run. Called Jewel first thing Friday morning. Took care of me same day. Tim was professional, on time and completely open to answer all my questions. First rate job. Had several option of what was to be performed. Explained all well. Will continue to use Jewel for all my needs.
Keith P.
Oct 11, 2016
Willy G.
Oct 02, 2016
Called to look at water leak under fridge in a rental home. Tenant had permission to make repairs in his lease and from text message from me. Guy showed up, declined to do any work due to not speaking with me (owner directly). Said problem wasn't plumbing, but with fridge. I asked to have broken ice maker supply valve fixed. Well he didn't end up fixing that one, but just put a new one in and left the busted one. OK, no problem.
But he billed 293.00 for the repair plus 129.00 service call. Part was all of 5 or 10 dollars. Total time for competent plumber should have been 30 min on the job. This is the 3rd and last time I will use Jewel. Every time the bill is about double what the cost is. Make sure to look around at other urgent services before using Jewel.
But he billed 293.00 for the repair plus 129.00 service call. Part was all of 5 or 10 dollars. Total time for competent plumber should have been 30 min on the job. This is the 3rd and last time I will use Jewel. Every time the bill is about double what the cost is. Make sure to look around at other urgent services before using Jewel.
Dan O.
Sep 06, 2016
We found ourselves with no water on a Saturday and were thrilled to find out that they could help us out. Even more thrilling was how outstanding the customer service was, both on the phone and in person. The work was professional and the feedback during the repairs was awesome. We will definitely be back when the time comes, as it always does with an older home.
Mary O.
Jul 01, 2015
Our air conditioner died. We called on a Sunday and had someone at our door within an hour. He checked everything and showed my husband the meters and all to prove what he was saying was the truth. They couldn't do much for the unit without it costing a lot and it would have been just a band aid type treatment so, we decided for the consultant to come out and figure out what size and all would be needed. (Note:When you buy the air conditioner they deduct the service call too.) They have ordered the unit.
I have to acknowledge how professional, clean, and respectful these people were. If something like this happens it is very stressful and they respect the fact that it will be, in our case, thousands of dollars. They were not pushy and knew what they were talking about. I will keep you posted when the AC unit arrives and is installed.
I have to acknowledge how professional, clean, and respectful these people were. If something like this happens it is very stressful and they respect the fact that it will be, in our case, thousands of dollars. They were not pushy and knew what they were talking about. I will keep you posted when the AC unit arrives and is installed.