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Written byBrenda WoodsUpdated 02/02/2024
Brenda Woods
Brenda Woods is an accomplished writer and managing editor with more than two decades of publishing experience. She has spent over 10 years covering home services and home improvement projects. Brenda supports her team in evaluating dozens of home service providers, surveying and speaking to hom…
See full bioRoto-Rooter is the largest provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services in North America. In this guide, we share Roto-Rooter reviews and examine the company’s services, cost, availability, and more.
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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 |
|---|---|
Has 85 years of experience | Services, pricing structure, and guarantees may vary by location |
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
- Basem*nt 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.
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How Much Does Roto-Rooter Charge?
The cost of Roto-Rooter services depends on the repair or replacement needed. Pricing may also be impacted by where you live. According to Angie’s List, Roto-Rooter typically charges between $160–$450 for common plumbing issues such as dripping faucets, line repairs, or clogged drains.
Roto-Rooter Coupons
Many Roto-Rooter locations provide local coupons and deals that may be able to save you money on your service. To find out whether there are any deals specific to your location, enter your zip code, city, or postal code in the coupons section of the company’s website.
Customer Service
Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 availability in most of its locations, and most locations don’t charge extra for service on nights, weekends, or holidays.
After you contact Roto-Rooter, a plumber will usually be able to visit your home or business in two hours or less. Once the plumber arrives, they will assess the problem and provide an estimate for making necessary repairs or replacements. Most Roto-Rooter locations don’t charge trip fees for estimates.
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.
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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/
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
