Root-a-Way Review for service on 23 December 2014 When I called on Monday morning the Root-a-Way owner answered the phone quickly and politely. He gave me a firm quote over the phone for cleaning a clogged lateral with a ground level access. However they said they couldn't get to my job until Tuesday morning. I said I'd call back if I couldn't get someone to do it on Monday. I called four competing plumbers that advertised drain cleaning. 1. Roto-Rooter would not quote without first sending a truck out. 2. First Priority's phone went to an answering machine that was full. 3. Drain Team gave a not less-than cost estimate that was twice the cost of Root-a-Way's quote. 4. Al's Plumbing gave a firm quote that was $20 more than Root-a-Way's quote and said they could probably get to it the same day (Monday). I asked Al's to do the service. At about 3:30 Monday afternoon I called Al's for a estimated time of arrival. They said it was unlikely they would get to me before 5:00. Since we were entertaining at 5:00 I said that was unacceptable. I cancelled the appointment with Al's and called Root-a-Way. Root-a-Way called at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning and said they were on their way. They arrived promptly. They were professional (and perceptive) in diagnosing the two underlying causes of the drain backup and they were proficient in getting the drain cleaned. I would recommend Root-a-Way to a friend. They had integrity about not overpromising their availability, they were respectful of not tracking, they were the low bidder, they were well spoken and polite, they were good at their job, and they have a Better Business Bureau rating of A+. They've been in business over 50 years and have no complaints for the current reporting period (3 years). read more

We have called Root-A-Way many times and they never disappoint. Steve does a great job. He knows what he's doing, gets it done quick, and charges a reasonable price. His dad, Larry, is really funny and provides entertaining conversation while we wait. They have cleared our pipes between the house and the street many times, and today Steve was up on our roof an hour after my wife called him and solved our clogged kitchen sink. (Yes, she peeled two packages of carrots into the sink, stuffed them into the drain, ran the disposal, and caused a nice clog down the line.) No problem for Root-A-Way! We are always satisfied with the quality work, reasonable price, quick service, and friendly father-and-son team. We've used a few other plumbers, and ended up with something broken, a cranky, unfriendly guy doing the work, and a big poopy mess for us to clean up after they left. None of this has ever happened with Root-A-Way. They are professional and pleasant. No matter how messy the job is, they leave the workspace spotless. We are always glad to see the Root-A-Way truck pull up to our house because we know the job will be done right. The bonus is that Steve and Larry always leave our family in a great mood. read more

I was floored by the service I got. My kitchen sink backed up. I got under the sink, took off a pipe, snaked down the pipe, it was still clogged so I called Root-A-Way. Boy was I impressed. He came in, had my wife and I describe the problem, took a look at the access panel to the pipe in my basement and immediately went outside to go on the roof and snake down the pipe from up there. He got it unclogged in minutes. I was floored. He knew exactly what the problem was from my wife and my description of the incident, he avoided snaking downstairs so that it wouldn't ruin the wood flooring and got it done in minutes and for a great price. I can't say enough about the technician and the experience I had with this company. I would give it 10 stars if I could :) read more

I could not recommend this company more highly. We called Steve on a Friday to address a backed up sewage line leaking into our basement and he came out immediately. He was professional and friendly and the by far the most reasonable quote we had received. Steve also gave us a clear and understandable explanation of what happened and how to better prevent the issue going forward. If you are considering this company, do not hesitate - do not waste time looking for a better option. You will get honest and very affordable service from a family owned (not Private Equity) business. We will be using Root-a-way exclusively from this point forward. I am not someone who leaves reviews but this experience warranted the praise without question. 6 out 5 stars. read more

I had a HORRIBLE smell coming from my basement (floor drain). For 3 weeks I poured hot water, cold water, "drain treatments", etc, etc, etc.... without improvement. Even-though the drain was not blocked I called my reliable drain specialist / Root-A Way! They had been to the home 5 years before to clear a root filled line. Upon arrival the specialist reviewed the situation inside and out - from a plumbing point of view - "everything seems to be working properly". But that smell persists. So together we reviewed the area. Is it possible an animal could have crawled into the wall and died? (NO).... With a highly sensitive nose - he zeroed in on the source of the aroma.. OMG - it was a bag of rotten potatoes.... Thank you, read more

Root-A-Way Plumbing appears to be a small family operation. Mr. Wilson and his son are great! The main ingredient/tool that we took note of with them is their honesty and integrity. A family-run business can certainly have it's disadvantages by NOT having a large staff of plumbers available any time of day; however, the perk of such a business is that they know 100% about the character of all employees, and they know DIRECTLY what's up with their business and can stand by their work, and they CARE about their work. They specialize in drains, and that adds assurance to that aspect of their work. IF you need drain work, Root-a-Way is likely the BEST option in St. Louis (and we say this after trying others over many years). read more

I love these guys! Larry & Steven are the best. I have had two houses with major plumbing/sewer issues, and they have always been there to help. They have always come the next morning at the very latest whenever I have had an issue (sewer drains, toilet problems, kitchen sinks that back up - ahh!!!). They not only fix the problem, but explain why the problem occurs, and how to prevent it from happening next time. They also will let you know if they can't do something (or it will be super expensive upfront) and can refer you to others who can help. I highly recommend them :) BTW .... if you happen to have extra Reese's Peanut Butter cups... Larry is also happy to take them off your hands. read more

We cannot say enough about Root A way. Steve and Larry were beyond excellent. Not only did they clear our clogged drain but did so without making a mess which was our experience with other plumbers. In addition they took time to advise us on how to avoid future buildups. Suggesting what to use in our dishwasher and washing machine to avoid damage and build up in our plumbing system. So, they were efficient, thorough and really pleasant to work with. We cannot recommend them highly enough. Our drains are clear once again and secure with the Root a Way one year guarantee for their work. Oh, lest we forget they were also quite reasonable charging for their service. Steve and Audrey read more

We now have a new plumber We had a AC drainage issue in the basement requiring a shopvac. Once cleaned up I called a plumber, used the yellow pages (old school) first, seen the ad, family owned and operated. Made the call, they were closed but advised me on what I could do. Worked me in early Monday morning. Were here, opened the drain correcting the issue, cleaned up and were gone, professional, thorough, good folks. Cleaned up after they were finished and even opened the shopvac so it was ready to pour the water down the toilet. Great family folks. Have a problem CALL THESE FOLKS first. In and out service. price acceptable also. read more

Kitchen sink was slow to drain. We used Root-A-Way back in 2009, and they did a great job. Called them again, and they came out and rooted out the sewer line from the roof vent all the way to where it meets the main sewer line in the front yard. Didn't take long, and Steve our technician was very nice and efficient. He also gave us a tip about dish washer soaps. If you use the little pods, they will work like Cholesterol in your veins. The soap is so concentrated, that it coats the sides of the sewer pipes and slows down the draining. His recommendation is to use liquid dish washer soap. I would definitely use them again read more

Our washer drain just couldn't handle the water...it was obviously clogged somewhere. So happy with the quick response, knowledge and service that was provided to unclog it!. Steven Miller worked on the drain for almost an hour to clear it. We don't know what it was that came out of the drain, but are confident that the water will drain from now on! We no longer have to mop up the wet floor after doing a load of laundry! Steven tested the washer drain a couple times, and we are so pleased to see the water go where it needs to!! I highly recommend this family owned business. read more

This is the second time I have used Root A Way in the past 5 years. The most recent was on 11/26/21. Larry and Steve are very professional and very experienced. I called them on Thanksgiving morning and was so happy they answered my call. They let me know that they could be out the next morning and address the problem. They called the next morning and they arrived at my house before 10 am. Within an hour they had the main line opened and the problem solved. I highly recommend Root A Way and if I have any future plumbing issues they will be my first call. JB Pacific Mo read more

Larry and Steven are simply the best; quick, experienced and professional. They gave me great tips about how to prevent future problems and very practical advice about steps I can take to have repairs made to the sewer lateral. I appreciate their hard work and integrity; they seem to genuinely want to help and are not in any way out to take advantage of someone with less knowledge like me. Their price is very reasonable and they are really likable people as well. I completely trust them to come into my home and will continue to use them for any future needs. read more

Awoke this morning during this period of severe health concerns to a bathroom clog affecting both toilet and shower. Called Larry (father and founder) and Steve (son and current owner) and they came directly over to assess my problem and offered a quick and sensible solution. Steve had the problem fixed in minutes and even helped with a minor toilet annoyance! Larry has the best attitude and was very jovial and had my mother laughing and in a very good mood! Thank you both for your very professional and personal service!! read more

Root-A-Way, a family owned business in Ballwin, came to our rescue again. Steve Wilson & his father, Larry, have serviced our house drains inside and out for many years, cabling lines, etc. They are always very efficient, reasonable priced, and have wonderful personalities. We would highly recommend Root-A-Way for plumbing drains and sewer cleaning, as they stand behind their work and have always shown they genuinely care about their overall service they have given to us. Root-A-Way is truly a 5 star company. read more

Our kitchen sink backed up last night, and after trying to clear it ourselves, we realized it was beyond our skill set and we needed a plumber. I called Root Away first thing this morning. Steve answered right away and was here within an hour. He was polite, and most importantly, got the clog cleared quickly. He advised me to stop using dishwasher pods, which were apparently the source of our clog, and he cleaned up before he left. I will definitely call him again if I ever need a plumber! Great service. read more

We started Root Away drain cleaning service when the sewer backed up in our home years ago. Since then we have called the. On a regular basis to maintain our sewer line. There is nothing worse than a drain back up in the shower when overnight guests are showering. Long hair accumulation has caused the shower drain to backup so we call Root Away for that too. We love their professional and personal demeanor. They know how to get the customer to smile even though a drain line backing up is no fun. read more

Highly Recommend!!!! Steven and Larry were outstanding! They worked tirelessly on a stubborn shower drain that my kids had dropped a wash cloth down. Being on slab and with seemingly no further options to unlclog the drain, Steven worked relentlessly until he had got the drain open. Now, the drain works like new again! Clog aside, they were friendly and professional, even after what had been a seemingly long and tiring day. Can't recommend enough! Support local family business! read more

I learned my lesson the hard way a few years ago with a sewage backup into my basement. Steve and Larry came out right away, cleaned the drains, and helped to clean up the mess in my basement. Ever since then, I call them every year for preventative maintenance and haven't had a problem since. I call them in the morning and they are at my home within a couple of hours. I highly recommend them not only when there's a disaster, but for preventative work as well! read more