Analyzing 8,495,3378.5M ReviewsFor 24,12024.1K Experts

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup logo

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

Plumber · Rockville, MD · reviewed since 2019

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%80+43.6Reliability 24%74+17.9Value 14%50+7.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty87−1.3Momentum penalty82−1.8Experts Score= 73Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.73SCORE
BGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#68 of 82 septic tank servicesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 17%
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,238 Google reviews · 24 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.71★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
100%reviews answered by the owner
$786typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
📞 Call (301) 755-2939Request a call backWebsite ↗

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup at a glance

Customers frequently cite punctual arrivals, clear explanations of plumbing issues, and professional conduct as key positives for services like drain clearing and leak repair. However, lower-rated reviews highlight significant concerns regarding high costs for basic repairs, missed appointment windows during emergencies, and instances where diagnostic findings were disputed or unresolved. The business maintains a high average rating with consistent owner responses to feedback.

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 1,238 reviews (92% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 1,238 Google reviews (978 with written comments, 12 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 17, 2026.
  • Service: Septic Tank Service serving Rockville, Maryland.

Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.

Score profile vs other septic tank services

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: replies to reviews and craft & service; weakest: value.

Satisfaction80Reliability74Craft & service87Value50Momentum82Replies to reviews100Satisfaction: 80 (median 91)Reliability: 74 (median 87)Craft & service: 87 (median 96)Value: 50 (median 100)Momentum: 82 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 100 (median 77)
This companySeptic Tank Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.A
80
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: 74/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.B
74
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
87
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: 50/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.C
50
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
82
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.A
100

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

1,238 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars1,13592%
  • 4 stars444%
  • 3 stars131%
  • 2 stars111%
  • 1 star353%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 978 written reviews

  • Praise1,72796%
  • Complaints714%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price2114%
  • Reasonable8659%
  • Overpriced2014%
  • Not sure1913%
$786+88% vs typical septic tank services

Middle half of what 131 customers paid ($454–$1.1k) · gold mark = category median.

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude52129%
  • Speed & response40923%
  • Quality & results36120%
  • Communication19511%
  • Would recommend1609%
  • Price & value1106%
  • Honesty & trust422%

What customers talk about

We read 978 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “The technician was on-time, very nice, knowledgeable, did a complete job.”
    “Customer service hung up on me in mid conversation.”
  • “Marvin the plumber was absolutely PROFESSIONAL and FAsT.”
    “If I decided to no call/no show at my job, and couldn't even be raised for an explanation, I'd get fired.”
  • “Hasan came within 10 minutes and did excellent job.”
    “I had to hire another licensed plumber, who identified that the pipe behind the wall was still damaged.”
  • “Min explained everything very well and was very quick.”
  • “Saia is an Amazing guy, very professional highly recommended tag# 7078”
    “I had an absolutely terrible experience with Roto-Rooter and cannot recommend them.”
  • “Serviceman arrived on time and fixed the issue that evening at a fair price.”
    “Overcharging Issues: The total charge for their services was a staggering $36,000, a figure that not only vastly exceeds the norm for similar work (as…”
  • “The technician was professional, explained the issue clearly, and gave me upfront pricing before starting any work.”
    “…we have now leaking from the ceiling ~ how could he do that to me he lied to me and crooked me of my hard earned money…”

People customers mention

  • Jeff 17 reviews
  • Abdel 15 reviews
  • Vicente 13 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent priced reviews

maxLocal Guide · 50 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

The service and technician were aplomb!!! I appreciate the expertise in explanation allowing for a more collaborative and understanding experience for decision making…

Paid $1,000–1,200Reasonable priceToilet repair
Desiree3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

Marvin the plumber was absolutely PROFESSIONAL and FAsT.!!!!! Thank you Marvin!!!!

Paid $1,600–1,800Great priceToilet repairDrain cleaningPlumbing leak detection
MireilleLocal Guide · 19 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Roto Rooter responds to my call late afternoon. They send me the best agent Victor. He resolved my issue very quickly. I will recommend Roto Rooter to everyone.

Paid $400–600Not sureGarbage disposal installation
Jim1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Israel did excellent work. Fixed the problem and cleaned up everything. Also explained the issues-very helpful.

Paid $1,000–1,200OverpricedDrain cleaning
Nan5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★

Very happy with the plumber you sent and how quickly you responded to my drain clog. But the price was double what you charged for the same service in the recent past. $800. is too high for the service on one drain.

Paid $800–1,000OverpricedDrain cleaning
Caroline8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★

The plumber Mia was great. Was able to diagnose fix problem quickly and not too expensive. Very happy with them.

Paid $1–200Reasonable pricePlumbing pipe repairFaucet repair

Jobs customers hired them for

JobReviewsCategory typical
Drain cleaning105$228–$493
Toilet repair68$216–$593
Plumbing68—
Plumbing pipe repair44$322–$1.1k
Plumbing leak detection37$104–$618
Plumbing leak repair21$271–$1.1k
Water heater installation17$1.2k–$2.4k
Faucet repair13$295–$680

Compare with

Photos

Customer reviews

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,238 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Edward YanowitzLocal Guide · 16 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Edward has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

he did a greayt job of snaking the clogged drain

  • Services: Drain cleaning
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Thank you, Edward! We're glad to hear that you were satisfied with the job done on your clogged drain. Your feedback means a lot to us! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Nickey JonesLocal Guide · 310 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Nickey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The technician was on-time, very nice, knowledgeable, did a complete job. He didn't rush it. He showed me what was the problem. I'll definitely recommend him and his company. Im satisfied and happy. Thank you

  • Price assessment: Not sure
  • Services: Drain cleaning
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Thank you, Nickey! We're glad to hear the technician provided a thorough and friendly service. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

max -Timothy - levLocal Guide · 50 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews max has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The service and technician were aplomb!!! I appreciate the expertise in explanation allowing for a more collaborative and understanding experience for decision making…

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Price: $1,000–1,200
  • Services: Toilet repair
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you, Max! We appreciate your kind words about our service and technician. It’s great to hear that the expertise provided made your experience more collaborative and understandable. Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Robert CarsonLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Robert has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Aung was great!!!

Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you, Robert! We're glad to hear that Aung made a positive impression. Your feedback is appreciated! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Desiree Andrea3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Desiree has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Marvin the plumber was absolutely PROFESSIONAL and FAsT.!!!!! Thank you Marvin!!!!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Price: $1,600–1,800
  • Services: Toilet repair, Drain cleaning, Plumbing leak detection
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Desiree! We're glad to hear that Marvin provided such professional and fast service. Your appreciation means a lot to us! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Venkatesh Batni3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Venkatesh has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Min and Dejion were amazing! Our water has never been this strong and they saved us a lot of money!

Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you, Venkatesh! We're glad to hear that Min and Dejion made such a positive impact and helped you save money. Your satisfaction means a lot to us! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Cheryl PomeroyLocal Guide · 53 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Cheryl has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Our sewer backed up after a few weeks of living in our 1965 home. Roto Rooter unclogged the sewer all the way to the main line for about $900. Then their tech called his supervisor who came out with a camera and said we had a "belly" near the foundation wall and would need to replace the entire cast iron sewer line from inside -- tearing up 2 newly installed tile floors -- and through the front yard to the street. Cost would be $20k with senior discount. They would come tomorrow. We got that postponed to get a second opinion from a sewer contractor. The 2nd contractor descaled the cast iron, opined that only the front yard needed to be dug up and sewer line replaced, for around $8k. ("You can't have a 'belly' in a cast iron system.") As it turned out, the cast iron pipe at the foundation wall was in poor condition and they re-scoped the line and estimated 10 ft of basement flooring needed to be trenched. Once they found solid cast iron, they stopped. About 12 ft in. Total cost for everything from the second company was a little over $11k. I cannot recommend Roto-Rooter.

Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Cheryl, I appreciate you sharing your experience with us and understand how frustrating this situation must have been, especially with the significant costs involved. It's important for us to ensure our customers feel confident in their service. Please email [email protected] with your service address, ZIP code, and a copy of this review so we can work to improve your experience. Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Mireille El KhazenLocal Guide · 19 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mireille has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Roto Rooter responds to my call late afternoon. They send me the best agent Victor. He resolved my issue very quickly. I will recommend Roto Rooter to everyone.

  • Price assessment: Not sure
  • Price: $400–600
  • Services: Garbage disposal installation
Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you, Mireille! We're glad to hear that Victor was able to resolve your issue quickly. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to serving you again! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Moliere PatriceLocal Guide · 37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Moliere has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Saia is an Amazing guy, very professional highly recommended tag# 7078

  • Price: $1,200–1,400
  • Services: Plumbing leak detection, Plumbing pipe repair
Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you, Moliere! We're glad to hear you had a great experience with Saia. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Shawn Hall2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Shawn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Min explained everything very well and was very quick. Thanks Min!

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you, Shawn! We're glad to hear that Min provided clear explanations and was quick to assist you. Your feedback is appreciated! Thank you, Pat Swanson Customer Satisfaction Manager [email protected]

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup on Google Maps →

Business details