Roto-Rooter is a leading provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water damage restoration services across North America. In this guide, we’ll break down customer reviews, explore the company’s service offerings, discuss pricing factors, and examine availability to help you determine if Roto-Rooter is the right choice for your home or business.
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Background and Availability
Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter has hundreds of independently owned locations across North America that provide plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services. Roto-Rooter is available in all 50 U.S. states, including Washington D.C.
Though services, pricing structures, and guarantees vary by location, many Roto-Rooter locations are available 24/7 and offer a no-hassle guarantee and upfront pricing. Continue reading for more details on this company.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Has 85 years of experience |
Services, pricing structure, and guarantees may vary by location |
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Most locations don’t charge trip fees or for estimates |
Customer reviews on BBB webpage are mostly negative |
|
Available 24/7 and provides emergency services |
Roto-Rooter Coverage
Roto-Rooter offers services in two core verticals: plumbing & drains and water damage restoration. Here are the specific services offered under each category.
Plumbing & Drains
- Drain cleaning
- Emergency plumbing
- Toilet repair
- Sewer lines and excavation
- Faucet repair
- Sink repair
- Sump pump
- Garbage disposal repair
- Shower repair
- Dishwasher installation
- Video camera inspection
- Leak repair
- Washing machines
- Pipes
- Commercial services
- Water heater
Water Damage Restoration
- Water damage cleanup
- Water removal
- Emergency flood services
- Basement flooding cleanup
- Mold remediation
Note: Many Roto-Rooter locations offer a no-hassle guarantee, which states that the company will return to fix anything that breaks after the company works on it. Contact your local Roto-Rooter location to see whether this guarantee is offered.
How Much Does Roto-Rooter Charge?
Roto-Rooter’s pricing depends on the complexity of the job, the type of repair or replacement needed, and your location. For minor plumbing issues such as dripping faucets or frozen pipes, plumbing costs typically range from $160–$450. More extensive repairs, such as sewer line replacements or septic tank installations, may be significantly higher. Roto-Rooter provides upfront pricing after assessing the issue, so you’ll know the cost before work begins.
Roto-Rooter Coupons
Many Roto-Rooter locations offer special deals and discounts to help lower service costs. These may include coupons for specific services, seasonal promotions, or discounts for seniors and military members. To find out if there are any offers available in your area, visit the company’s website and enter your ZIP code in the coupons section.
Customer Service
Roto-Rooter provides 24/7 emergency service in most locations. Unlike many competitors, most Roto-Rooter branches don’t charge extra for service on nights, weekends, or holidays, making it a reliable option for urgent repairs outside of regular business hours.
When you contact Roto-Rooter, a plumber typically arrives within two hours or less, depending on location and demand. Upon arrival, the technician will assess the issue, discuss potential solutions, and provide a detailed estimate for repairs or replacements. Most Roto-Rooter locations offer free estimates without a trip charge, so you can make an informed decision before committing to any service.
Roto-Rooter Reviews
Roto-Rooter received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is accredited by the organization. Negative reviews often mentioned technicians trying to upsell customers and that the company provided poor customer service. In contrast, there were several positive reviews from customers who felt that they received quick and professional service from Roto-Rooter.
Here’s a sampling of Roto-Rooter reviews:
“Do not use Roto-Rooter. Use an honest plumber who won’t try and sell you something you don’t need.” — Anthony S. via BBB on August 8, 2020
“My technician busted my sewer line, releasing sewage into my crawl space. He didn’t even tell me. I had to find out from the next technician.” — https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-finances/reviews/choice-home-warranty-vs-first-american-home-warranty D. via Yelp on June 3, 2020
“I called Roto-Rooter and the same day, the job was completed in two hours from when I called for an appointment. [My technician] was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything he did. I was impressed with the services I received.” — Terry M. via Yelp on January 8, 2019
“[A technician] came to our house on Sunday for a total sewer blockage while we had six house guests. We were stressed! He remained pleasant and courteous and did a great job!” — Linda E. via BBB on February 19, 2020
Our Conclusion
With its industry experience and a wide variety of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services, Roto-Rooter may be an option worth considering. Because the quality of service may depend on local management, we recommend reading third-party reviews of independently owned Roto-Rooter businesses closest to your residence and getting quotes from companies in your area.
Roto-Rooter Overview
- Company name: Roto-Rooter
- CEO: Spencer Lee
- Years in business: 85 years
- Headquarters: Cincinnati, OH
- Phone: 800-768-6911
- Website: https://www.rotorooter.com/