How much does Roto-Rooter cost?
How much does Roto-Rooter cost?
$100 – $400 average cost for minor repairs
$350 – $600 average cost for unclogging services
Roto-Rooter cost
Roto-Rooter costs $100 to $600 on average for minor fixture repairs or clogged plumbing. Roto-Rooter rates for fixing a toilet or sink are less than for unclogging drains and sewer lines. Plumbing services for emergencies like burst pipes cost $1,000 to $3,500. Roto-Rooter prices for major repairs cost $3,500 to $20,000.
| National Average Cost | $350 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $20,000 |
| Average Range | $100 to $600 |
Roto-Rooter price list
Roto-Rooter prices vary by location and type of service. The following table lists their pricing for common plumbing and sewer services.
| Category | Average cost | Service details |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | $100 – $400 | Toilet, shower, or sink repair |
| Clogs | $350 – $600 | Unclogging sewer lines or plumbing, or sewer camera inspections |
| Plumbing | $400 – $1,200 | Installing or replacing pipes |
| Emergency services | $1,000 – $3,500 | Burst pipes, flooding, or mold remediation |
| Major repairs | $3,500 – $20,000 | Busted sewer line, flooded basement |
Roto-Rooter drain cleaning
Roto-Rooter's most popular service is clearing sewer lines using an auger strong enough to cut through tree roots. This service typically costs $400 to $600.
Unclogging a branch line, or plumbing within the home, costs $350 to $500 on average. The technician uses a smaller auger to snake a drain in your home.
Most Roto-Rooter locations offer coupons based on your zip code. Visit the Roto-Rooter website to see what deals they offer in your location.
Roto-Rooter cost factors
The following factors impact Roto-Rooter's pricing:
Location – Roto-Rooter fees and guarantees vary by state. Most locations offer a guarantee on their work, but some may charge fees for travel, estimates, or after-hours calls.
Urgency – Emergency services like flooding or burst pipes cost more than minor dripping or a loose fixture.
Season – Roto-Rooter receives more service calls than average during the winter months, especially around the holidays. Prices may increase slightly due to higher demand.
Method – A traditional auger or drain snake costs less than heavy-duty machinery like a hydro jet, which is meant for extreme clogs or tree roots.
Pipe Shield – Some locations offer Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield, an enzyme-based product that prevents fats, grease, or soap from building up inside pipes over time.
Hard water – Some Roto-Rooter locations offer water softener installation services for $500 to $1,000. If your location has hard water, you may experience more mineral buildup than others.
To avoid frequent plumbing service calls, use drain strainers and pour grease into containers instead of the sink.
Roto-Rooter plumbing services
Roto-Rooter offers plumbing, sewer, and drain repair services, including:
Drain cleaning
Emergency plumbing
Toilet repair
Sink and faucet repair
Shower repair
Garbage disposal repair
Dishwasher repair and installation
Water heater services
Sewer line repair and installation
Leak repair
Sump pump work
Water damage cleanup
Basement flooding cleanup
Mold remediation
Roto-Rooter vs. other plumber services
Roto-Rooter charges flat rates instead of charging per hour like other plumbing services. Roto-Rooter pricing tends to be more expensive up front but sometimes ends up being more affordable because you pay a flat rate whether it takes 30 minutes or 8 hours to complete the job.
Most plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour or $125 to $350 for small repairs. Compare these common plumbing repair costs with the quote you receive from Roto-Rooter:
Drain cleaning costs $100 to $275. The average cost to snake a drain is typically lower if you hire a local plumber than Roto-Rooter.
A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 if you hire a local plumber or $295 to $350 from Roto-Rooter.
Cleaning a main sewer line costs $150 to $500 for snaking or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting, depending on the individual plumber's rates.
Roto-Rooter FAQs
What is Roto-Rooter?
Roto-Rooter is a plumbing company founded in 1933 that specializes in clearing blockages in plumbing and sewer lines. This company services all 50 states and Washington D.C. and provides 24/7 emergency coverage.
How long does it take for Roto-Rooter to unclog a drain?
Roto-Rooter takes about 30 to 60 minutes to unclog a drain on average. Roto-Rooter has a reputation for being efficient and fast. After a call, they usually send a plumber within 30 minutes to 2 hours instead of setting an appointment for days or weeks away.
How does Roto-Rooter work?
After you call Roto-Rooter, they'll send out one of their on-call technicians. For clogs and sewer cleanings, the technician will feed two different-sized augers through the line to break up the clog and fully clean the pipe.
During more complex jobs, the technician may suggest a video inspection service in order to accurately diagnose the problem.
Does Roto-Rooter give free estimates?
Yes, most Roto-Rooter locations give free estimates and flat rates. However, they don't give estimates over the phone or online. The technician will need to do in-person inspection before they can give you an accurate estimate.
Getting estimates from Roto-Rooter technicians
Before hiring a Roto-Rooter near you, follow these steps:
Get at least three estimates from other plumbers to compare.
Check out local reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify the franchise's insurance, license, and bonds.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and guarantee before any work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts.
Questions to ask Roto-Rooter technicians
Ask the technician the following questions before the service visit to ensure you have all the information needed to make a decision about repairs:
How long have you worked for Roto-Rooter?
Do you have any certifications for installing or repairing plumbing?
How long will this job take?
What piping material do you recommend?
Does this estimate include cleanup and travel fees?
Will you need to remove and replace any plumbing?
What does your guarantee cover?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.