OK, so what's the problem? Old sewer lines in my old subdivision were clay. Most of them ended up being replaced while I lived there during a four year period due to root intrusion from all the now-mature trees planted back in the day. Yeah, it cost a pretty penny but the clay pipes only last for so long. And at least where I lived, if you had root intrusion cleared out you had to replace the pipes or be in violation of groundwater protection ordinances.

Shocking. Had a guy come out and quote me $700 to replace a sump pump, I told him no thanks. Then he said would come over on Sunday "off the clock" and only charge me $500, I told him to GTFO. Then on the way out he said he could flood my kitchen and make it look like an accident and then I could get insurance to remodel the kitchen, I told him I'd think about it.

/too old for this shiat

Speaking of Roto-rooter and frauds:

I am not surprised. Tried these jokers once, got over charged for a simple blockage removal (vitimous clay pipe knuckle disintigrated and tree roots moved in), would never use them again. Did not diagnose the problem correctly. Quote for fix was way more than it should have been.

Find a honest plumber in your area and get the job done right.

The city forced the homebuilding company to replace the sanitary lines in half our subdivision because they used clay pipes. We've used a plumber to root out our lines twice since we moved into our house 10 years ago. One time was because of roots. The second was because of grease build-up.

Roto-rooter quoted $1,000 to run a cutter through it plus another $6,000 to replace 100 ft of line (we only have 40 ft to the sewer) before even inspecting it. And, it had to be done within the month or "very bad things" would happen. The plumber only wanted $300 once he got there and saw the problem. He mentioned that the roots will grow back eventually but there was no emergency. He also gave us some information on a program where the city assists homeowners with clay pipes. The plumber said it shouldn't cost more than about $2,600 plus permits to replace everything.

Mr. Rooter offered to sell us a subscription plan. You know, to defray the cost of having a plumber come by multiple times in a year.

These chain places are great for the 24-hour no-overtime I need someone to tell me wtf right meow service calls. If it can at all wait - and if you own a torch, pliers and a few towels it probably can - go to bed and call an established independent in the morning to have it done right.

"Agent Hurly, I want you to give this scumbag a cavity search. I'm talking Roto-Rooter. Don't stop until you reach the back of his teeth. "

/it's hot

Oh crap!

...and we can also help with an impacted bowel.

I like how the robot plummer is fat.

Peter Rooter, that's the name. Just flush your troubles down the drain. Rotten peter...rotten peter...

Earlier this spring my basement backed up. Dude shows up at 2:00 a.m. and charges me $200 to run a snake out to the road. So far, so good. Then he runs a camera down the pipe and tells me I have roots growing through the pipe and that's my problem. He needs to get some bs machine and run it through for the low sum of $800. I tell him I just bought the house last year and a brand new pipe was installed (to pass inspection) so I don't see how a tree could grow through brand new pipe in less than 6 months (bacon grease will, however, completely fark a drain). He runs it again and this time I watch over his shoulder - what a surprise. No roots. You know why? He guessed the camera must have pushed them through on the first pass. I bought my own 75' snake for less than $200. Now I'm just waiting for another bacon fark-up. If you've read this story all the way through, you are seriously bored (like me).

Too Pretty For Prison: bacon grease will, however, completely fark a drain...now I'm just waiting for another bacon fark-up.

Save the grease and make either candles or fragrant fire starters for the fireplace or grill.

My tenant called Roto-Rooter to my house to clear a drain blockage and they told me I had to have an $8,000 repair to my old clay pipes within the month otherwise I would have a major problem. Told them to GTFO, called the company I've always used and they charged me $185 to cut the roots. Their tech explained that while it would be ideal to replace the pipes, I could prolly have them come out twice a year for the next decade without much of an issue, and at half the cost of the Roto-Rooter repair.

I wouldn't say it was fraud, but I wouldn't use Roto-Rooter again.

It was just a tampon in the pipe.

I've known a few Roto's. Each has been a sketchy character. That may be a hiring requirement.

Don't remember which chain I used. Guy told me it would be $250 to unblock the line. I told him landlord only approved $150, so he made an exception for me... took him a good hour when he only planned for 15-minutes, so I felt better about that. Kind of a dick though.

Similar story here. Had roto come out when the drain backed up, they said $800. Called the landlord to see if he would pay or help or whatever, and he said "Your house, your problem, but get that guy the F off my property and watch. Suddenly it will be $600, and then when you tell him no again, the price will magically drop to $400."
Sure enough, he was right. The guy was down to $300 by the time I was ready to call the police to get rid of him.

Borrowed a 100ft snake from work and cleared it myself for the cost of a new wax ring and a shower.

Meh.