Horrible experience
I recently learned that Rooter Hero (RH) settled out of court to pay $208,864 in restitution for scamming customers (See https://claremont-courier.com/latest-news/rooter-hero-settles-ordered-to-pay-209k-other-fees-57412/). Unfortunately, RH had already scammed me for $31,000.
On December 7, 2021, Rooter Hero falsely claimed that an auger could not clear the clogs in my sewer line, falsely claimed that I had three breaks in the line, and the repairs required a 3' hole be cut through my driveway "Because that's where most of the damage is". They initially estimated the cost at $45,000.00. After I declined, they lowered the price to $31K. Feeling desperate, I reluctantly agreed. RH charged me $7,000 for the down payment; but, the contract states "the down payment may not exceed $1000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less" meaning they overcharged me. I felt RH was doing unnecessary work because after RH dug up my driveway I noticed no damage to the exposed pipe. RH restored my use of water on Dec 10; but the installation of clean out pipes, the backfill, and the driveway cement patch was not completed until Dec 22, 2021, due to their numerous delays. Their cement work was sloppy; a cleanout cap was not seated properly and caused me to trip. The technician's incompetence convinced me that they were untrained and inexperienced. I contacted a reliable plumber to review the contract. After consulting with two additional plumbers, they all agreed that "everything about this seems suspicious … those people sound shady". I then researched "Rooter Hero Complaints" on the internet and found numerous web sites with dozens of customer complaints. On Dec 23, I complained to RH Regional Manager "Pat" about the sloppy work, and a list of itemized cost which I repeatedly requested but was never provided, and told him I wanted a refund. Pat responded "I'm not giving you any money". I advised Pat of the numerous internet testimonials where RH charged customers thousands of dollars for work not required, overcharged, that other plumbers completed repairs for much less money, and that RH guys are crooks, scammers, rip offs, etc. Pat responded in a loud voice "Well then you should have done your research first". "You're right; I should have" I responded, "because if I did, I would have never hired you". I want all of my $31,000 refunded, all of it.