Réseau Tubulure on TF1: We highlight plumbing scams in Paris
On January 18, 2025, Réseau Tubulure appeared on the program “7 à 8" on TF1. Not to praise our services. Not for advertising. But to unmask the plumbing scams that are ruining the lives of Parisians and polluting our profession.
TF1 was looking for honest plumbers to show what the real work of plumber is, in the face of scammers who pretend to be professionals. They chose us. And we are proud.
Why did TF1 choose Réseau Tubulure
At the end of November 2024, the editorial staff of “7 to 8" contacted us. Their mission: to set up an investigation into the plumbing scams that are exploding in Paris. False diagnoses, crazy prices, techniques that don't exist, psychological pressure on vulnerable customers.
They were looking for a network of trustworthy plumbers to:
- • Testify what the real job is
- • Help set up traps with hidden cameras
- • Show the difference between an honest pro and a scammer
Why us? Because at Réseau Tubulure, we post our prices, we explain what we do, and we have nothing to hide. Transparent prices, written quotes before intervention, systematic photo reporting. No call center that takes you around, real artisans who sign their work.
We said yes. Because these scams revolt us. They destroy trust in our profession and make it appear that all plumbers are thieves.
3 weeks of shooting in December
December 2024. Three weeks of shooting in several Parisian apartments. Hidden cameras, hidden microphones, fake plumbing problems. The TF1 team has set up three separate operations to document the methods of scammers.
Operation 1: The victim of the nocturnal scam
Even before filming, the crew met a real victim. A Parisian woman who was swindled from €980 at 11 pm, during a “visit” by so-called plumbers.
Their method: They show up urgently, invent technical jargon (“cold welding” — a technique that simply doesn't exist in plumbing), ask for an immediate deposit, and promise to come back the next day. Of course they never come back.
980€ for nothing. A pure breach of trust, based on urgency, fear, and complicated words to impress.
What Réseau Tubulure would have done:
- • Free diagnosis the next morning (not at 11 pm to put pressure)
- • Clear explanation of the real problem
- • Written estimate BEFORE any intervention
- • Consistent price: 150-300€ depending on the repair required
- • Payment after work done, never a deposit
-
Operation 2: The siphon trap that goes wrong
First trap set by the TF1 team. Simple scenario: a siphon under the sink that leaks slightly. A minor problem that can be fixed in up to 30 minutes.
Scammers are coming. But quickly, they spot the hidden cameras.
The situation is getting out of hand. They understand that they are trapped, becoming aggressive. The TF1 team must leave the building from the back for security reasons.
This moment shows just how dangerous these networks can be. They're not just “smart guys” who overcharge.
Operation 3: The water heater trap (successful)
After the first trap fails, the team sets up a new operation. This time, the storyline revolves around water heaters — a classic playground for scammers.
The trap works perfectly. The cameras document everything:
False diagnosis:
“Your water heater is dangerous, it should be replaced immediately”
→ Total lie. The device is working perfectly.
Delusional price:
“We would be at €3,380 including VAT”
→ For a water heater that costs 600-800 € and a maximum of 2 hours of installation.
Psychological pressure:
“It's urgent, it could explode, you have to sign now”
→ Classic technique to prevent the customer from thinking or comparing.
The real price of replacing a water heater in Paris: 600 to 2,000 euros depending on capacity
The price gap speaks for itself: €3,380 vs €1,200 on average = scam of €2,000
What it says about our job
These images are hard for us plumbers to see. Because they show how our profession is marred by scammers.
Plumbing is a real technical profession:
- • Years of training
- • Strict standards to be respected
- • Legal responsibility for installations
- • Know-how that is passed on
Scammers have nothing to do with our profession. They're pretending to be plumbers, but:
- • No verifiable SIRET
- • No ten-year insurance
- • No real technical skills
- • No ethics
At Réseau Tubulure, we select our artisans on:
- • Their qualifications (CAP, BP, BTS)
- • Their insurance (pro + decennial liability)
- • Their verified customer reviews
- • Their price transparency
Result: When we intervene, you know who is coming, how much it costs, and what will be done. Point.
How to protect yourself from these scams
The 5 warning signs:
1. Unsolicited or overly rapid intervention
You didn't call, they were “passing by the neighborhood” → run away
2. Deposit required before work
A real pro gets paid later, not before
3. Immediate catastrophic diagnosis
“Everything has to be redone, it's dangerous” in 2 minutes → beware
4. Price that doubles or triples compared to the ad
€39 on Google becomes €500 on site → classic scam
5. Pressure to sign right away
“If you don't sign now, I'm leaving” → let him go
Good reflexes:
✅ Require a written estimate BEFORE any intervention
✅ Check the SIRET on societe.com
✅ Compare with market prices
✅ Never pay cash without a detailed bill
✅ Apply for decennial insurance
Tubulure Network: plumbers and proud of it
This participation in “7 to 8" has reinforced our approach from the beginning: total transparency.
Our commitments that differentiate us:
- • Prices displayed on our site (no “starting from...”)
- • Free quote within 24 hours
- • Rapid response (same day if emergency)
- • Photo report of each intervention
- • Warranty 6 to 12 months depending on the type of work
- • Local artisans identified (no anonymous call center)
We don't promise to be the cheapest. We promise to be honest, competent, and to live up to our word.
The plumber profession deserves better than these scams. And you deserve artisans who sign their work.
See the report
The complete report of “7 to 8" is available in replay on TF1.
Watch “7 to 8 Life” - Plumbing Scams Investigation
Need a real plumber in Paris?
Tubing network: transparent prices, qualified artisans, rapid interventions.
We'll call you back within 2 hours. Free quote. Price fixed in advance.
Area of intervention: Paris (75) • Hauts-de-Seine (92) • Seine-Saint-Denis (93) • Val-de-Marne (94)
