I recently called roto-rooter in Raleigh to fix a problem with my main sewer line. After supposedly unclogging the line (the pipe was actually completely blocked by a massive tree root) for $321, they gave me an estimate of $2200 to fix the problem. They said they would have to dig down 6 feet near the sidewalk to fix damage to the pipe. I ended up calling a different plumbing company for a second estimate. They informed me that since the block was after the last access point between my house and the main sewer, it was the city's responsibility. The city works people came out the next morning and fixed the problem for free. They even had to tear out the sidewalk in the process. When I called roto-rooter to complain about their failed unclogging and expensive estimate, manager Al Schupping (sp) told me that they frequently do estimates and jobs for customers that the city will do. He said that it's up to the customer to decide if they want roto-rooter to do the work. I'm sure just as in my case, they never mention that the city will do the work for free. This is a despicable business practice and Raleigh homeowners need to be made aware of this scam.
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