Hiring a Roto-Rooter specialist typically costs between $160 to $450, with no additional fees
Since 1935, Roto-Rooter has provided plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services to people all over the U.S. Today, the company is the largest plumbing service provider in the country, offering flat-rate pricing and plenty of name recognition.
But if your drain is clogged or your sink is leaking, you may wonder how much Roto-Rooter will charge for your specific project. This cost guide helps you get a better idea.
How Much Does Roto-Rooter Cost?
Your plumbing needs will dictate price, but the average cost for a Roto-Rooter contractor or independently owned business is $160 to $450. This includes drive time for a technician or plumber to come to your home.
Unlike many plumbing services, Roto-Rooter charges a flat rate instead of by the hour. This could make Roto-Rooter a more affordable plumbing solution in many cases, as you won’t get stuck with a higher bill if the job takes longer to complete. Most locations offer same-day services, too.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Roto-Rooter Specialist Near You?
While the cost to hire a local Roto-Rooter specialist will mostly depend on the nature of the job, where you live could also influence the price.
State
Roto-Rooter is a national service available in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Flat-rate pricing might be slightly higher in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, but most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.
The flat-rate quote you get over the phone will tell you how much your plumbing job is going to cost. Roto-Rooter also offers coupon incentives through their website based on the state you live in.
Rural vs. City
Across the U.S., homeowner services tend to cost more in cities and metro areas. This could be the case when hiring a Roto-Rooter specialist as well.
In areas with high-tree densities, sewer problems are more common due to tree roots interfering with sewer lines. You might pay less for the work in a rural area, but there’s a slightly higher chance you’ll need to hire a plumbing specialist if you live in an area with lots of trees.
What Roto-Rooter Services Can I Get on My Budget?
From routine plumbing work to emergency services, here’s a breakdown of what Roto-Rooter services you can get at different pricing tiers.
$400 or Less
In this range, you’re looking at common plumbing issues, such as clogged drains and toilets, line repair, or dripping or leaking faucets.
Roto-Rooter offers 16 different services under their Plumbing and Drains section, many of which will fall into this price range. Some examples include toilet, shower, faucet, and sink repair, as well as dishwasher installation and checking for high water pressure.
$400 to $1,000
The cost to install or replace plumbing pipes after leaks or bursts could fit into this price range, so long as they aren’t extensive.
By comparing Roto-Rooter's pricing to other pros' estimates, you can determine if this will fit your budget or if hiring a local plumber would make more sense.
$1,000 to $3,500
Beyond the $1,000-mark, you’re looking at extensive work or emergency plumbing services. Unlike some local services, Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 repairs. But whether you’re calling them out in the middle of the night or during the day, a burst pipe or damaged sump pump is going to cost you.
Auxiliary services, such as water damage remediation, flood servicing, and mold remediation, could also fall under this category.
$3,500 or More
A busted sewer line needing replacement could cost between $3,500 and $20,000 for plumbers to repair.
Basement flooding can also easily exceed this price point. If flood remediation and cleanup services are needed, they could cost as much as $10,000. Fortunately, homeowners' insurance should cover much of this.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Roto-Rooter Specialist by Type?
Like many plumbing companies, Roto-Rooter's plumbing service costs can be broken down into three categories.
Standard Plumbing Services
Less than $1,000 is a good estimate for standard plumbing issues, no matter if you call Roto-Rooter or another local plumber, with the national average being about $305. If the issue is a simple clog or leak, you could pay as little as $150.
Emergency Plumbing Services
Roto-Rooter does not charge extra for late-night or immediate services. But because “emergency” implies you're dealing with a serious plumbing issue, you could easily pay $1,000 or more for a burst pipe or serious leak.
This may seem steep, but failing to act quickly during a plumbing emergency will ultimately cost you more.
Remediation Services
If your basement floods or water damage has led to mold or rot in your foundation, a Roto-Rooter Specialist can help. On average, mold remediation services range between $500 and $6,000, depending on the size and severity of the damage. Please note that this pricing range is the average for this service generally, and you should talk to a pro about what you'll actually pay for your unique job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roto-Rooter hourly rate?
Roto-Rooter does not charge by the hour, so the quote you get over the phone will cover the whole project. This includes the time it takes a technician to get to your house and the time it takes to complete the job.
For context, a plumber will typically charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour, but you may also pay a service fee or flat fee.
Should I hire Roto-Rooter or a local plumber?
If you know the job is going to be extensive (and you don’t like surprises), hiring a Roto-Rooter specialist may make sense for you. You’ll know how much you’re going to pay right away.
That said, hiring the best plumber isn’t solely about price. If you've worked with a plumber you trust before or have a list of plumbing services you need tackled at your home, working with a plumber might be a better choice for you.
How do I find a Roto-Rooter specialist?
Read reviews and grades on Roto-Rooter specialists in your area online. Their website also lists all the professionals in your area by state. Sites like Angi can help connect you with local plumbing professionals, which may include Roto-Rooter.
