Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

They have done work for us about 3 times over the past 20 years. We have always been happy with their work. They have always been very professional, polite and trustworthy.|We had blocked drains.

Horrible. After spending $800 on inspecting the home before I bought it I moved in and found out a line is broken. I called Roto Rooter about it and they just said nothing to do with us. The manager and I were shouting at each other. We did everything to inspect the plumbing here and took their expert word that the plumbing was sound just to move in to find a $4K problem.

Didn't end up using them. After hearing the $400 estimate, I went to Home Depot, rented a motorized sewer snake ($40) and had the project completed in an hour. Cleaned the shower drain while I was at it.

Tom snaked our septic line to remove the roots, told us of other options, and prices. He also used the video camera and showed us the pictures of the line and the problem areas. Things are different when you can actually see under ground.

They did this job fine and said we needed a new connection from septic into the house. We asked how much to do it and they quoted us over $3,000.00 We said we would like to check around and they said we wouldn't find anyone to do it cheaper. We called another service who did the job and charged us $875.00

We had a good experience. They were on time and were very professional. They took care of the job pretty quickly. They cleaned up after themselves. The price is about average. It was a great quality.

Explained why I needed a new unit, discussed all alternatives. work completed as promised

Bottom-Line: Friendly staff (both Greg, Josh, and the two field guys i met), have the tools to do the job quickly and correctly, In my opinion, Roto-Rooter may be a bit overpriced ? from talking to several others friends, and researching the net, I think I could have easily saved at least 15% by hiring somebody else ? but would they have offered the same guarantees or done the job as efficiently?? That would have been tough. Definitely not a job that I could have done on my own, especially with a trench that was over eight feet deep. Background to the situation: Unpleasant odor emitting from the basement stormwater sump-pit. Over the course of the past year (probably longer), we have been noticing a strong odor emitting from the sump-pit in our unfinished basement ? and over the past summer/fall the odor seemed to have worsened. Initially (wishful thinking perhaps), I had hoped it was simply stagnant water, maybe a mouse or something fell into the sump-pit and had died?but this was not the case. In the back of my head, I just knew that the situation was worse and much more expensive ? perhaps there was a cross-connect from the nearby sanitary-line to the sump pump collection system. The odor had a sulfate/sulfide smell, so to band-aid the problem, I would either pour bleach, peroxide, or simple flush the system with a garden hose. One day I decided to take a sample of the contained water, and have it tested?the results confirmed that a very high concentration of fecal-coli-form existed within the sump-pit. This definitely was something that need to be corrected ASAP?I had waited long enough. I was unsure who to call, so checked over the internet and decided to use Roto-Rooter. I contacted Roto-Rooter on Thursday, 11/14/13, and set an appointment for Saturday, 11/16/13 with the window of 8am to 11am and the technician (Josh) made it to my house at around 10am. He stated by checking the operation of the sump pump unit ? he noticed that the float was not working properly, and that the pump itself was showing signs of failing ? he of course recommended replacing the pump, because rain was in the forecast. I asked about the cost of the unit, and was told that including labor/discounts it would be approximately $600. I took a deep swallow, and reluctantly agreed. I had replaced this sump-pump on two previous occasions, and knew if I did it myself, I would probably save at least $400 ? but, I wanted to get this situation rectified ASAP. Josh further noticed while removing the pump, that there was pea-gravel in the base of the pit, which is very unusual. Josh dug down into the pit, removing a large majority of the gravel prior to setting the new sump-pump in place. The gravel was definitely ?septic? in nature, and we flushed the tank using the old pump prior to setting the new. I agreed to have the sanitary line ?TV?ed? so that we could understand if the sanitary pipe was compromised ? so Josh contacted his field supervisor (operates the TV equipment). The supervisor (Greg A) arrived about 30 minutes later. While waiting for him, Josh ran the garden hose into the basement sewer line clean-out?and short thereafter we started to notice clear water running into the sump-pit ? clear support that the sanitary sewer pipe was compromised. The supervisor arrived, set up the TV system?snaked the camera into the clean-out?and immediately saw the off-set sewer pipe. At that point we started to discuss options?and the supervisor put together the estimates. I was also told, that the TV?ing process was $325, but would be waived if the sewer work was done through Roto-Rooter. The estimate to TV the sewer line, both before and after the project, pull/pay for a permit with the city, replace the compromised sewer with a more durable, up to code ductile iron pipe, install it through the basement foundation, and out approximately 10 feet. An exterior cleanout would also be installed, and the entire sewer would be jetted from the new section to ?grade? (city sewer). The work would also include a five-year guarantee. The estimate was $5982?yes, nearly six-grand?.OUCH. I was thinking that it would be more in line with $3000?maximum. Based on the positive reviews that i read through, I had no reason to not trust Roto-Rooter, so, I agreed to have them do the job. They informed me that they could start early Monday morning (11/18/13). The wife called me at work on Monday to tell me that they had arrived, and were working. It seemed like quick progress was being made, so I was hopeful that the job could be completed in a single day. I arrived hoe around 130pm, the trench was dug, the basement piping was dismantled?nothing occurred for at least two hours?figured they guys were at lunch, or they had been called to another job. Then around 330pm, both of the workers stirred to life, one doing the interior correction, the other working in the exterior pit. On the inside, the plumber installed all new piping immediate to the new iron-pipepassing through the foundation?this new PVC piping included a clean-out, and patching of the hole around the new iron piping in the basement wall. The primary hold-up seemed to be with trying to get the city out to do a final inspection?which apparently was set for Wednesday (11/20/13). The guys finished around 5pm, and relayed that the inspection we set for Wednesday. I asked about the jetting of the line, and the worker seemed to be uncertain of this, but said he would check, and that they would probably be out on 11/19/13 to jet. On 11/19/13, I contacted the field supervisor, he said that a separate crew handles the jetting, and he also answered several other questions that I had. Greg added that he expected the jetting crew out on 11/19/13, but this never occurred. Not a big deal to me, as long as it is done. On 11/20/13 ? As I was leaving for work at 730am, I spotted the bobcat trench crew w/equipment was arriving. The wife called before noon to tell me that apparently jetted the line had been performed, the sewer was approved by the city, and the pit has been closed. She paid the final installment of the payment (half), and the process was over. Conclusion: They told me upfront, that they are not landscapers, so two bushes were removed, and depressions were left in the ground of my yard from the bobcat being moved from the street to the work area. These are not problems, since I knew what to expect going into the project. Plus, I do not have a award worthy yard to start with, and the buses, while mature, can be replaced?.which I had thought about doing anyway. As unsure if I was to receive a copy of the CD, where they recorded the TV?ing of the sewer both before and after ? think it would be nice to provide the customer with a copy (30-cent disc). I would use Roto-Rooter again, but would look a bit deeper into fair pricing?saving even $1000, or even $500 would have helped ease the financial burden, and made the whole process a bit more palatable.

They wanted to charge me for the camera scouting. They routed the line for me and charged me twice the price of what another plumber would charge. Their total estimate was close to $5000, and I ended up going with another company that was cheaper. They've tried to overcharge me in the past; I won't be contacting them again.

The plumber, Chris, was very professional and friendly. He arrived in the time frame I was told and was very quick and cleaned up after himself. The work is gauranteed and I will definately use Roto Rooter again for any other plumbing issues.

Guy was punctual. Fixed it way faster than I was led to believe it would take. It took only 1 hour from start to finish. $650 for easy work is way too much. When I called to complain about the price they were stubborn and said they couldn't do anything. Finally got through to her that I should talk to a manager. I am waiting for the call back to see if they will reduce the price.

After a bad experience with a previous plumber I thought Roto Rooter might be a good idea, & that they would follow through to protect their name and reputation... WRONG! I called them advising I would require evening hours per my job, so we scheduled for between 3:30 & 6:30 today ~ Friday, October 18, 2013. I was told I would be getting a confirmation phone call directly from the plumber prior to their arrival. I ended up taking a day off for another appointment, but came right home and stayed there all afternoon waiting on this call that FINALLY came @ 6:00 PM. I explained what I needed as the plumber said there was some "confusion in dispatch" as to EXACTLY what had to be done. Basically, I had new countertops installed and needed two new faucets along with the required plumbing installed, & a reconnect for my dishwasher & garbage disposal. Throughout the conversation I was sensing the biggest reason for his call was to get out of coming to my home. (I should mention that I was told he was coming out for a quote but that he would stay and do the work if I was ok with the price, & after a week and a half, I was pretty much ready to just pay to get the work done) - Again, my gut was telling me this guy wanted NOTHING to do with coming out as he did stress multiple times that he "would come out, BUT (it's what they say after the BUT...) that it would take him an hour to get to my home", and working in the neighboring town to his location 6 days a week, I know it's a half hour drive, THEN... it would take AT LEAST three, maybe four hours, and that all the stores would be closing (I know multiple people who work @ Home Depot and they're open till about 10:00 PM on weekdays). I was so repulsed & angry with all these excuses I just made something up to get off the phone. I immediately called the 1-800 number to speak with a manager to file a complaint and was told there was no Manager there! The girl took my phone number and said someone would call me! How sad... I did have to disconnect the plumbing myself prior to the installation of the new countertops, I'm starting to think I'll need You Tube to get my new faucets installed. Guess I'll never again be naive enough to think anyone cares about their name or reputation...

He was an excellent worker, he was very thorough, he explained what he could do and what he couldn't do. The technician was very good, but I am not too crazy about the company.

It went great. It seemed like they charged me a normal fee. As they were going along, I had a lot of questions for them and they explained things as they were going along. My husband had already tried to rod out the sewer and he wasn’t able to do it. We found that out line was going the opposite way of what we expected. They didn’t get frustrated or acted like they don’t have to explain it to us because they’re the experts. Theywere very helpful.

I have used this company twice in the last Three months for different jobs. One was really big for me , replacing drains throughout my fifty plus year old house. I had them out again to rod out the outside drain. Both times employees were very pleasant and let me know exactly what they were doing and why. They always did exactly what they said they were going to do and when they said they were going to do it. You get immediate service, almost within the hour of calling. They also follow up and have a comprhensive with field agents and back up their work. Rodding and treatment for roots was $457.90.

Very professional, quick service and pleasant provider.

My sewer backed up into my basement. I called roto-rooter and they sent a technician (Sergio). The tech removed my toilet and proceeded to rod out the line. He said that he went over 100ft into the pipe and roded all the way to the street sewer. The shift supervisor (Al) then came over to camera the pipe. After doing so he said that he looked at the whole pipe and everything looked great except for some obstruction in the pipe about 4 feet away from the toilet and that it would cost $2,800 for me to fix. I asked if that fix is absolutely needed and he said not right now but it's something I should consider. They assured me that the obstruction was removed and that I was okay to start using my plumbing again so I paid the $401.57. After inspecting the work later on that night, my basement smelled like raw sewage so I had to replace the wax ring on the toilet the technician had installed improperly. Two days later the basement flooded again. I called roto-rooter once again and they sent the same tech back on site. Once he got here he said that the real problem was that I need to get the main line jetted (For $800) and that he saw that on the camera but didn't want to say anything the first time. After speaking with him, I told them that I would rather get a second opinion because it didn't sound like he knew what the problem was. I called ABC Plumbing to come take a look and after putting a camera in the pipe to see what the issue was before they did any work, they saw that I had a broken pipe at 31 ft from the toilet. It turned out that the an 11 foot section of the cast iron pipe was completely deteriorated and it had to be fixed. After getting the proper diagnosis I called Roto-rooter to ask for my money back since they did not resolve my problem and gave my wrong information in an effort to get me to spend more money on useless services. After dealing with their management (Rick) for over 3 weeks he said that they will not refund my money because there was a problem with the pipe like they told me. I explained once again that the problem they told me about was over 20 feet before the actual pipe break and that they did not provide me the service they charged for. The ABC Plumbing master plumber stated that there was no way they could get a rodding machine or a camera past 31 feet, and roto-rooter said they went all the way to the street which is about 100 feet (which is what they charged me for). My issue is this: 1) They did not clear the obstruction 2) They did not identify the actual issue 3) They tried selling me a service (jetting) which I did not need 4) They lied about the service initially provided (said they rodded over 100 feet, when that was impossible) 5) They refuse to refund my money back

I've used Roto-Rooter before, but they can be horribly off on their anticipated arrival times. This time the plumber arrived earlier than I thought. He went to work right away. The job was more complex than expected (the price was over twice what I've paid before!). Eddie had to return on Sunday because he couldn't complete the job (it was getting late, he was trouble-shooting the problem on too little sleep from the previous night,etc.) so we agreed that he would come back the next day. He did complete the job the next day. He arrived about three hours later than he said he would! I forgave him though as it was his day "off" and he did do a fine job repairing everything. What I appreciated about this guy was his detailed approach to solving this problem. When he explained the problem, the explaination seemed rational, logical.

The job was performed on time and in a professional manner. The technician Armien (#621) was very courteous and he explained the particulars of what he was doing before, during, and after his handiwork. I am very pleased with the work and would highly recommend RotoRooter and Armien to anyone requiring similar work.

I was pleased with what they did. There was a leak underneath the sink the first time they came out, and a couple months later the disposal needed to be replaced. I was disappointed they didn’t find this the first time around.

Terrible never use them again!

The kitchen drainage got clogged up, we don't know what was the problem, we called Roto-Rooter because we signed a membership program with them a couple years ago. They came out on time the next day. Brain determined the problem was with the garbage disposer, we got it replaced. All went very well.

It went great. There were two plumbers working on my project (Eduardo and Gino). They had to break into the wall with tile above the tub to replace the hardware. I was pleasantly surprised by how little damage had to be done to my wall in order to replace the hardware. They were very good at communicating what they were doing and explaining the workings of the hardware. They did a very neat cut into the wall and they did not leave a mess. The price for the work was the best that I received of three estimates and the job they did was excellent. Also, I did not feel like I was robbed for Saturday work. I would most certainly use Roto-rooter again.

Plumber arrived on time, introduced himself. When he removed old pipes he showed us the holes. After replacing the old galvanized pipes with new pvc pipes he made sure there were no leaks. He explained everything clearly and kept us informed of his progress.

Very well , I'm a firm believer in hiring the appropriate professional to do his profession and here is where it counts . The plumber, Roto-Rooter sent was very knowledgeable and a professional individual ( Name Tag: David ) . He assessed the problem and told me exactly what it would cost to preform the clearing of the sewer line . He immediately went to retrieve this enormous machine out of his work van and a bucket of tools and went straight to work . I must mention he was by himself logging this heavy machinery and operating this very load and intimidating looking machine like a Pro ! Once he determined it was in fact cleared he gathered his tools and cleaned , looked as if he was never there . Great Job , I would definitely use Roto-Rooter over and over again with any future plumbing issues I may have . Also I would gladly recommend to any and all my family and friends . My review and all whom written a review here on Angies list are based on the employees sent by the company's and I must say you are a great reflection on your employer / Co. , and as a individual keep up the good professional work . Thank you very much for the pleasant experience glad to see companies are taking pride in hiring professionals like you ... Very appreciative on a job well done.