Melissa D.
09/11/2021 12:00:00 SA
I had a fast leak in my tub and the tub was clogged the water was coming out at about 4 gallons every 5 minutes. I've heard of Roto Rooter, I've seen the $99 special that was posted online & I also saw that you guys also was offering a $60 coupon. And although one of my neighbors warned against me using Roto-Rooter service because of the high price, I needed a professional service. We scheduled online, waited a couple of hours for confirmation, and nothing. So I called myself and ask them when I can expect the technician because I spent the better part of the day scooping out water from my bathtub into my toilet to avoid a flood. I was called back and told that he would send someone over as soon as he had a technician available. We waited another couple of hours and finally the technician came. He wore a mask but nothing covering his work boots & I just cleaned my carpet from a the fire in my building last Wednesday that caused all this. He barely looked at anything and quoted me a price of $587 to just to snake the drain. I found that price to be exorbent and insultingly high just to remove a clog. I told him that is way too much money. I apologized for wasting his time and invited him out of my apartment. He then immediately offered to do the job for $300. Which was also too high, I again thanked him for his time and he then asked how much I was willing to pay. I told him the going rate in this neighborhood is $49.99 - $149.99 to clear a clogged drain. But since I was desperate I offered $200 if he can complete the job. He then went back downstairs to his truck and came back with an electrical auger one I had used myself to no avail, I thought he'd bring some big professional auger or other drain opening tool
Then proceeded to turn off the cold water from under the sink which started a leak under my sink. I scrambled to remove all my personal items from under the cabinet and please a bucket under that leak So now, I have an added repair to do. After he began, I tried to accommodate him by giving him something to drink since he said he was getting a headache do to the noise coming from the auger. I thought he would leave without finishing the job so I was trying to be pleasant and level headed. Although I was losing my patience by the minute. He sat there for about an hour and a half trying with that little electrical auger to clear the drain and then came out and told us he couldn't do it and started packing up his stuff. I ended up giving this guy a $40 tip just for the effort. Between my buildings handyman and this guy I wasted $80. I then called another company who unfortunately didn't have anybody until today. He sent his guy over who quoted me a solid price of $200 and an extra $100 if he had to open up my pipes which he didn't he came up with a big industrial size auger and cleared the drain in 20-30 minutes. I still think it was pricey but it was an emergency and I was quoted a solid price without any games or surprises. I am very disappointed by the lack of integrity I was shown by your company. I should have been given a price over the phone or at least an estimate so I know what to expect. And as far as the $99 drain cleaning offer and $60 coupon I found to be all bait and switch gimmicks. Not cool for a company that's supposed to be completely professional, guarantees the job to be done, tries to shake down their customers in time of need, then leaves without completing the job. And creating extra problems to fix in addition to the already existing nightmare. Very disappointed
