On May 11, Roto-Rooter analyzed and repaired a leaking laundry tub faucet at my residence in Minneapolis. The hot side was leaking so much that water pressure could not be maintained throughout the house and enough water was being wasted that it was necessary to use the main valve to turn water off for the whole house. The service was performed about 9 am. The washer on the hot side was bad and the stem cup that holds the washer was partially broken. Prices quoted were $200 to fix the faucet and $500 to replace it. My son’s fiancé who is living in the house after consulting with my wife decided to have the faucet repaired. (My son is out of country and I was on a field trip with students and could not be reached.) The technician replace both the hot and cold washers and the faucet does not now leak.
If $200 sounds reasonable to replace two washers then Roto-Rooter should be fine. Otherwise I suggest looking for a more reasonably priced provider.
A note on the repair. The technician noted that the faucet should probably be replaced due to the broken stem cup. Another way to fix this is to use a washer retainer. This can replace the broken cup and makes a fairly good repair. I have had several old faucets repaired in this manner and have found that the washers last about as long as usual for this type of faucet. I was disappointed that for $200 I did not get someone more knowledgeable about plumbing.
I contacted Roto-Rooter and received the following response.
Mr. Wozniak, My name is Dave and I am the plumbing department manager at Roto-Rooter Services Co. in Minneapolis. I was contacted to resolve a concern of service provided on 5/11/11 at 3515 Washburn Ave No. My plumber offered options of repairing or replacing the laundry faucet. Repair was the choice and after reviewing the invoice I find the cost and the positive result of repair to be a fair charge for the service agreed upon. The faucet is functional and not leaking according to your e-mail message.
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