Mr. Rooter
Bait — Switch Coupon Scam

On Sunday 1/31/10 we contacted Mr. Rooter regarding a main line blockage due to roots that needed to be cleared. Our regular plumber had provided this service for the last 3 years using a 100ft Sewer Machine, so I told them they’d need a 100ft line and confirmed the special coupon price of $79.99. A technician named NShan showed up as promised, I handed him the coupon as instructed and confirmed the price, which he said was correct providing the blockage was not beyond 100ft. I told him our local plumber had cleared it every year with a 100ft line and we should be OK. The technician was unable to unclog the drain despite several attempts stating that the blockage was beyond 100ft, which seemed odd. He said we’d need to “double-drum” the cable to get 200ft and the cost would be an additional $294 or we could Hydro Jett the line for the special price of $650 (50% Off). We chose not to do this and decided to wait until Monday to call our regular plumber. He came out and with the same 100ft line he’s used in previous years (General Wire Speedrooter 91) was able to clear the sewer blockage, which he said was at about 70ft out. He showed me the extra cable still uncoiled inside the machine, which I took a photo of. I noticed his machine was bigger & wider than what Mr. Rooter used and was told he probably used a 50ft Machine used for Kitchen Drains. Suffice to say we immediately called our Bank to place a stop payment on the check to Mr. Rooter and called them to voice our displeasure. Based on my personal experience (YMMV) I believe Mr. Rooter Plumbing are dishonest and unethical, using bait — switch tactics designed to get them in the door via a discount coupon and then trying to up-sell you to more expensive services. Don’t be fooled; Use your local licensed plumber instead!

Company: Mr. Rooter
Country: USA
State: California
City: Sun Valley
Site: mrrooter.com

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