We had a heating element out in our water heater-a $10 part which we purchased. We turned of the water and power to the water heater, drained the tank and could not find the right tool to get the old element off. So we called a plumber. We were quoted $85 but we wanted it done on the weekend so we called roto rooters-assuming it wasn't a big difference in price since the last 8 plumbers we called were all the same. The first day the guy did not show up. The next day he showed and never gave a quote. He fixed the part and then didn't even accept the $40 off coupon I printed off the website. BTW, I had called before they sent someone out to make sure there were no "restrictions" on the coupon and was assured they would take it. The plumber refused and charged $204.95. He stated that he does not charge extra on the weekends, and that the job is usually $300 but we had the part ($10). Wow. My boyfriend did all the work and all this guy did was lend the right tool. What a joke. This company needs to be put out of business, I could have bought a new water softener for the cost to replace a $10 part. Plumbers are a joke...especially the a**holes at Roto Rooters.

Called Roto Rooter on Friday, Jan 4 at about 3 pm to schedule an appointment for the next day, if possible to fix a busted water pipe. I had no water in the home. Appointment was made for Saturday between 12-4. At about 2:00 on Saturday, I received a call that they couldn't make it out that day but assured me that on Monday a repairman would be there between 8-12. Needless to say, no one showed up and no one from the company called to tell me about a delay. I called them about 1:00 only to be told that the technician was tied up but I was next in line for service. 3:30 a dispatacher calls to say that they wouldn't be able to make it, and assured me that on Tuesday morning (4 days from first call) someone would be at my home between 7:30 and 8:00am. At 8:10 I called inquiring about the status of the repairman. After waiting on hold for 5 minutes, I was told "he's on the way". By 9:05 no one showed up so I left for work; enough time had been wasted. Finally at 9:30 the dispatcher calls to say the repairman is at my home. I spoke with the repairman and he quoted a price of $375 to replace a connector pipe that had burst. I had already priced the part anf knew it wasn't more than about $20.00. Then he went on to say that he had to figure out how to tackle the problem and the repair would take a few hours. I'm disappointed that it took 4 days to finally get someone out to the house and that was only after numerous calls back and forth. The repairman seemed unsure of himself. I chose a different company to do the work. I've used Roto Rooter in the past and was pleased. This time I'm very, very, disappointed. It'll be a while before I use them again!

Roto-Rooter sends Unlicensed Plumbers to do work requiring a Licensed Plumber.
http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?A=3618&Q=450806

We called them into our Newmarket Ontario business to evaluate a plumbing problem, 2 toilets not draining properly. Offering a free estimate, they sent in their franchisee who checked things out and charged us $100.00 plus taxes when we refused his estimate of close to $400.00 to simply change a toilet (and that did not include the toilet!)

We called head office and they supported his fees.

AAfter checking out complaint forums (we should have done this first) we discouvered this is typical. They over charge for what they do.

Forget about using these guys! Try a local independant pumber and use references.

Called Roto-Rooter to unclog kitch sink pipe. Figured a big company would be less likely to take advantage of you. Had area easily accessible. Plumber took off one nut and ran snake down and back and replaced nut. Charged me 345 dollars. Total time from time he arrived in my driveway to time he left was 30 minutes, total work time 15min. No supplies. This amounts to over $600/hr of work. Neither the plumber or roto rooter was willing to reduce charge.

MY Mistake was not asking for estimate immediately upon his arrival; would have asked if he encountered anything more major and couldn't imagine paying more than 100-200 for 30 min of work.

The company was unwilling to even return calls; The plumber tried to blame the "company sets the price" and the company states the plumber comes up with the price. Obviously, the plumber makes up prices when he sees what kind of house you have.