Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

Rachel H.

The shower in my master bathroom was not draining water so I called Roto-Rooter. They showed the same day within a reasonable time. The technician barely looked at the problem and told me the break line needed to be snaked which would have cost $742. I told him I did not feel comfortable with that rate and would need to think on it. I called another company (Mr. Rooter) that also looked at the issue on this same day and they were able to fix the problem for $89 and without a lot of work. I'm so glad I found another company with more experienced staff. That saved me hundreds of dollars.

Kevin S.

Like Jazz S from Arnold, I think nearly $1000 to snake the sewer drain and replace a supply valve is exorbitant. I didn't understand it was only for running the snake. I also did initially get the ""run around"" that they were trying to free up a tech. A very nice and knowledgeable plumber showed up and was a pleasure to work with. He did quote the price up front but I feel that it was money wasted because the line needs to be ""descaled"" per RR but they want to charge an additional 7K for that, ""is not responsible for unforeseen circumstances"" and offers a 6 month warranty. The terms 50% at signing and 50% on completion. The scoped the line with a camera but would not give me the video a week later telling me it was against company policy. Away goes money down the drain.

Jazz S.

Very professional. Covid protocol sensitive with mask etc. Unplugged my Kitchen drain pipe with Auger effectively. Others only wanted to do Hydro cleaning these days at high prices on time and material basis. They gave me fixed price upfront , even though a little expensive but with coupon it reduced cost. Didn't make a mess of the kitchen, like others did. Left it clean and in good condition.

Ed P.

I found Roto-Rooter online.
I live in Northwest Washington, DC. I called Roto-Rooter around 10:30 am on Dec 31, 2020 for clogged kitchen drain. They scheduled free on-site estimate between noon and 4 pm. Hours later I was called twice with delay notices. A third call around 4:30pm told me plumber ""on his way, in about 30-45 min"". The plumber came to my home at about 7:15 pm. He took look at my sink problem and asked for a ""flat rate"" of $689.10 (before tax). He would not negotiate.
He finished the job in less than an hour.
I shared this experience on my social media. I received many comments on such ""horrible ripping off"". I responded to Roto-Rooter's customer satisfaction survey email, along with copy of these social media comments. I CC'ed a few Roto-Rooter top management persons.
On January 3rd evening, I received a call from a gentleman who claimed to be manager. He said the plumber charged me their ""book price"". He asked if $100 money back would make me happy and would make me change my mind.
I said no. He thanked me for my feedback.
What really made me sad is the whole process. They quickly scheduled appointment. They followed up with delay notice calls. I started to trust them. Then when the plumber finally showed up after 7:00 pm, he charged me such ridiculous ""book price"". When I told him that sounded too high, he slightly turned to the door, signaling me his leaving.
I feel betrayed. I started to re-interpret their marketing strategy:
They called me to make me stay with them, so that I would not try other plumbers. When finally showing up at 7 pm New Year Eve, realizing we hadn't had diner and the next day was New Year, the plumber was firm on the price, because I essentially run out options.
Lessons I learnt:
1. Shouldn't hesitate to call more than one plumber, demand pricing details up front, at least an acceptable range.
2. I should not have trusted them simply because they kept calling me, updating me.
3. I removed Roto-rooter from my future list once for all.
4. Still, I did think about saying no and letting the plumber leave. But he came all the way for the job on New Year Eve!
As of the plumber work - He was quick. He opened my clogged drain, but he also soiled my new rug and floor.