Rooter Man GTA

We had a sewage back-up in our basement, and it destroyed all of our furniture and carpeting. I found Rooter-Man on Google and called them for an estimate. They sent out a plumber named Ryan, and was able to tell me the problem, and the cost to fix it. He provided me with a detailed invoice, and really held our hand through the process. Rooter-Man’s excavation crew did a splendid job and cleaned up our front yard nicely when they were finished. I would like to thank Rooter-Man for a job well done! Lisa in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

I called this company because I received their flyer for a backwater valve. They sent a plumber out who explained where they had to dig to install the backwater valve, and they were at my house and working two hours later. They responded promptly and were in and out quickly. They were a pleasure to deal with.

Holly, Etobicoke

Do Not Hire this company. We have hired this company to investigate a leak in our basement. their sales rep Steve came over to assess the problem and recommended a solution. Solution was to install a sump pump and back water valve and that will take care of our concerns with minimal disruptions to our basement. We were concerned, but Steve assured us that they are a reputable company with ties to the city of Toronto and that he has completed these jobs in many homes. Work was completed within three days as promised; however, their contractor caused damages to our front yard due to excessive drilling, destroying bricks on our house wall as well as our interlocking bricks and flower beds. the sump pump was installed incorrectly and flooded the entire basement ruining carpets, drywall, doors, and furniture. The leak that was the original issue was still not repaired, and we began a four month long journey to have them fix the problems that they have created. both Steve and the Manager Rob assured us that this will be looked after. they have attempted to address the problem with leaking by doing interior waterproofing and in the process ruining our drywall even further, and also not completing the waterproofing as the leaks are still present. at this time they refuse to answer any calls, nor are they willing to address the problem or provide insurance information that they claim they have.

Run, do not walk away from this company! They have never once responded to any of my concerns regarding my collapsing retaining wall (which they under-cut, did not shore-up and left uncovered for 4 months. This left me open to a law suit if someone had fallen into the hole. They told me that they had filled the hole and the mounds were the soil that needed to settle once the temperatures got warmer.

Here is the story: we had a sewage back-up and engaged Rooter Man to come do the necessary repairs. It turned out that they had to dig relatively close to our brand new retaining wall which was completed less than one month before. Naturally I raised this as a concern but was told that all would be fine. I raised it again when I saw how close they were digging and again was assured.

Well, it turns out that they under-cut the retaining wall by at least 18 inches and of course, it started to collapse in the spring. The main issue was the under-cutting which was not supported in any way except the "key stone" effect of the stones and the fact that they left a 3 foot deep hole in my front yard for 4 months. No caution tape, just a tarp. I was told that they had filled the hole and that the soil would settle when the snow melted and it warmed up. Well, the snow melted and the tarp blew off revealing a 3 foot hole! This is a health and safety nightmare! I could have been sued if someone (like the mail carrier or paper boy often do) had trudged across my lawn thinking it was a pile of snow.

This company also refused to honour the discount coupons from their web site because I would be entitled to a rebate from the city for the back-water valve. The paper work they provided to us to submit to the city was also entirely wrong (said we had an illegal parking pad rather than a private drive). They didn't get anything right!

Run as fast as you can. I would have rather had sewage in my basement than deal with this company again.

I called Rooter-Man after the flood because my insurance required a backwater valve. Rooter-Man came out and gave me a free estimate that was lower than everyone else so I decided to use them. They sent an excavation crew and began the same day, and the job was finished and inspected by the City of Toronto by the end of the week. What impressed me the most about this company is that they filled out all the paperwork for the City Rebate, and all I had to do is wait in the mail for my rebate cheque to arrive. I would definite tell others to use this company, as they made the process relatively easy.

Kevin from North York, Ontario

The worker who gave me the initial estimate, Steve, misled me, I believe deliberately, by giving me a quote that I thought was for the whole basement which was supposed to take a week: to be completed on Friday, he said. The estimate I signed said, "Waterproof at basement." He told me I would never have to worry again about leakage or flooding. I was ill at the time and told him so, which put me in a vulnerable position he took advantage of.

Then on Tuesday I was told they were done. Half the basement had been waterproofed. The guy who gave me the estimate said that is what he had "meant". I had to pay extra to get them to complete the waterproofing. In addition, other things he said, like returning to check things on certain days, did not happen. He was a spinmaster. Whether the work that was completed was done properly or not, only time will tell.

When I wrote the owner relating the full story, and asking for the extra money back, he refused to give it to me, nor did he address the problem of faulty communication. I would never recommend these people again.
The previous owners of the company, who I had hired several times, were honourable and did good work. The new owner is quite another story.

Called this company about 4:15pm and spoke to a friendly gentleman. He assured me that a plumber will be at my location between 6pm -8pm. At 7:30 when the plumber did not arrive, I called Rooter-man and was told the plumber was busy and I wasn't guaranteed to get a plumber. It was recommended I call another company. I did call another company and was provided prompt efficient service. The friendly gentleman was concerned and did call later that night to ask if I got a plumber.

Overcharged for service by approximately $450. Five weeks and 20 phone calls later we received a refund. Heat tracer service installed to keep pipes heated does not meet electrical code according to our electrician and confirmed by the firm. This had to be redone and the firm was very unresponsive. My impression was that they were hoping I would give up calling and just go away. I have never been more displeased with the overall professionalism of a firm.