What Is a Water Heater? A Complete Guide
When it comes to ensuring comfort in our homes, one of the unsung heroes is the water heater. This vital appliance plays a crucial role in our daily lives, providing...
Plumbing
Average Cost: $160 - $450
Here’s an in-depth review of Roto-Rooter, including its services, pricing, customer experiences, and how it compares to other plumbing providers.
Our Verdict: Roto-Rooter is a strong option for homeowners who need 24/7 plumbing and drain cleaning services with nationwide availability. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly specialized or low-cost plumbing repairs.
Roto-Rooter has been a household name in plumbing since its founding in 1935. What started as a drain-cleaning service has grown into one of the largest plumbing repair companies in the United States. Today, Roto-Rooter offers residential and commercial services nationwide, from routine maintenance to emergency plumbing repairs.
The company is best known for its quick response times, 24/7 availability, and wide service range, making it a reliable choice for homeowners who want immediate plumbing solutions.
| Best For | Top Service | Cost Installed | Standout Feature | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency plumbing for clients nationwide | Drain cleaning, leak repairs | $150 to $450 | 24/7 nationwide service with decades of experience | Limited guarantee, which varies by service |
At Modernize, we appreciate Roto-Rooter’s consistency and accessibility. With nearly a century of experience in the business, the brand has built trust by being available day and night when plumbing problems arise. Their large service network means you can find help almost anywhere in the U.S., which isn’t often true of smaller regional providers.
We also like that Roto-Rooter offers more than just emergency drain cleaning. They handle water damage cleanup, water heater installation, and sewer line repairs, among many other services, making them a one-stop shop for many plumbing needs.
With a scheduled appointment, Roto-Rooter will call or text 30 minutes before your appointment to give you a heads up. A licensed tech will arrive with proper identification to assess the problem and offer a written estimate before beginning the work. This lets customers decide if they want to commit to the cost before proceeding with the fix.
Before booking, homeowners should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of working with this brand.
Pros:
Cons:
Roto-Rooter provides a broad range of plumbing and water-related services, including:
Customer experiences with Roto-Rooter vary, but the brand generally earns praise for responsiveness and reliability. Negative reviews often cite cost or inconsistent quality across franchise locations.
“We had a great experience! They came out the next day after we called and got our problem fixed in a timely manner.” – Allison C., BBB
“Dispatch had someone at our house in under an hour on Saturday morning when no one else could. Broken water pipe had been spraying all night so we woke up to quite the mess. David from mitigation showed up, got us squared away with our insurance company and assessed the damage so their team could come start the cleanup. Chris showed up a few minutes later and had our issue fixed in short order. Can’t thank the team enough for their fast response and fantastic customer service.” – Brandon H, BBB
“The plumber was very helpful, however when I was going to get additional services you failed to help, meaning no one (supervisor) returned my calls or texts. Just very terrible customer service.” – William W., Google
Roto-Rooter tends to be rather affordable, with a visit costing between $160 and $450, on average. Some jobs might require more in-depth work and thus will cost more than this average range. Let’s look at a further breakdown of costs from Roto-Rooter.
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drain Cleaning | $150 to $450 | Most common service; cost depends on severity and pipe location |
| Basic Plumbing Repairs | $175 to $500 | Includes leaky faucets, toilets, minor pipe fixes |
| Water Heater Installation | $1,800 to $3,500 | Varies by size, brand, and whether tank or tankless |
| Sewer Line Repair/Replace | $3,500 to $10,000+ | Major project; costs rise with excavation and pipe length |
| Water Damage Cleanup | $1,000 to $4,000+ | Depends on square footage and severity of damage |
Some Roto-Rooter branches offer financing or payment plans, but availability for this service varies by location. Roto-Rooter often runs promotions and specials, including flat discounts on services such as water heater installation, draining cleaning, and sewer line replacement.
There are many companies vying for your business. So why would you choose Roto-Rooter? We took a look at some of the top plumbing companies for this Roto-Rooter review to provide a well-rounded view of what to expect from each competitor.
Mr. Rooter is available in almost all states and offers 24/7 services. Their pricing is transparent, and many customers report being charged the same amount as their initial estimates – even if those estimates were relatively high. The range of services Mr. Rooter offers will vary by location across the U.S.
ARS Rescue Rooter offers financing and payment plans, which is great, because they tend to be among the most expensive drain cleanup companies out there. On the upside, the company offers a guarantee on its work for up to one year, including full refunds if they botch a job. Their employees also undergo background checks and drug screens.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing shows up when they say they will or they’ll pay for your wait. The company also offers 24/7 emergency services, but their range of services also varies by location. The good news is that no matter the franchise near you, the pricing is very straightforward and customers report there are no hidden costs.
| Competitor Brand | Cost Range* | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Rooter Plumbing | Hourly and project based | • Transparent pricing and estimates • Flat rate pricing for many jobs • Trained and insured plumbers | • Often more expensive than local plumbers • Some customers report upselling or surprise costs • Delays during busy times |
| ARS / Rescue Rooter | Generally in similar or slightly higher price range compared to Roto-Rooter | • One-year workmanship guarantee on many jobs • Strong emphasis on emergency response • Financing and payment plans often available | • Among the more expensive options • Service availability may be more limited in some areas |
| Benjamin Franklin Plumbing | Prices generally at or slightly below average compared to national chains | • Known for punctuality and their on-time guarantee • Transparent pricing • Fewer emergency service fees | • Mixed customer feedback depending on franchise • Fewer services available • Less availability depending on the area. |
If you’re thinking about hiring Roto-Rooter for plumbing or drain services, you likely have questions about costs, service options, and availability in your area. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions homeowners ask about Roto-Rooter — from emergency repairs and maintenance plans to warranty coverage and local service details — to help you make an informed decision before scheduling your appointment.
Not always. Simple fixes such as replacing a faucet or handling a minor clog can be done yourself. But major clogs, leaks, or anything involving pipes and drains often require professional help.
Yes, most locations allow you to schedule online or by phone around the clock.
In many cases, a technician can arrive the same day, often within just a few hours for emergencies.
Yes. Like other plumbers, Roto-Rooter must follow local codes. Unpermitted or improper work can impact insurance claims.
Roto-Rooter is available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, though you may incur higher rates for services executed during those times.
Roto-Rooter is a dependable choice if you need quick, professional plumbing service and value the peace of mind that comes with hiring a nationwide brand. Homeowners should be mindful of costs, which may be higher than local plumbers, but the convenience and 24/7 availability often justify the price tag.
Ready to take the next step? Visit the Modernize Review Hub to explore vetted plumbing services, compare detailed brand reviews, and get the insights you need to choose with confidence.
Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.
