This was my experience...I live in a condo and have owned it for about 2yrs. I contacted Roto-Rooter to diagnose why there was a change in the shower's water pressure (pressure was harder) and the hot water wasn't lasting like it did. The plumber came to diagnose the problem. 1st visit was a free estimate. Plumber stated his guess was that the water heater needed replaced. He said I had two options. Replace the water heater or replace the coils and thermostat (which was basically creating a new water heater with the same shell). I chose to replace the coils and thermostat due to the design of the condo isn't great and my water heater is located in my kitchen under my countertop in the corner. In order to replace the water heater itself I would need to take up the countertop to pull the water heater out. So for cost and convenience I chose to replace the coils and thermostat. I scheduled the appointment with Roto-Rooter for the work to be done. Second time the plumber came out he replaced 2 coils and the thermostat. In doing this he needed to cut into my cabinet to access the water heater (which I did give consent to). However, he cut through the cabinet into my water heater. He did not tell me at that time he damage the water heater, I found the damage after the plumber left, when I was putting away the contents of the cabinet. When I found the damage of the cut I called the company to file a complaint. They scheduled for their manager to come out and look at the damage. When the manager came out he stated we needed to add a tank to help with the pressure because the spout on the water heater was leaking (this was the 3rd visit). As far as I know there wasn't any problems with the spout leaking prior to Roto-Rooter working on the water heater. We didn't have any water damage prior to calling Roto-Rooter that would suggest we had a leak. The manager also suggested we place a pie dish under the spout where it was leaking from to collect the water until they could come back to add the new tank. The manager also assured my husband that if any damage is done because of the cut the plumber made Roto-
Rooter would cover the charge up to 2 years. Side note: Roto-Rooter did provide us with a letter stating this, thank you Roto-Rooter. On the 4th visit the manager came out and placed the new tank. During this visit he recommended we continue to monitor for leaks, and if it continues to leak we would need a new spout.
So....we kept the pie dish under the spout so we could monitor if it continued to leak....which it did. The pie dish needed emptied once a day and sometimes twice if I did laundry. We called and scheduled another visit for them to replace the spout. The 4th visit was canceled by Roto Rooter due to whoever they were going to send out unfortunately was out on Workman's comp (do hope the guy is okay). Scheduled the 5th visit and they sent the original plumber and either a trainee, or a second witness due to we had so many issues. The plumber completed the job of replacing the spout, however, he replaced it today and we shall see if it is actually fixed, so far though no water. He did not bill me this last time (as the other two times they took payment at time of service) and I am unsure if the spout and labor is on the house or if I will received a bill in the mail later. What I do know is 1) The original problem with the water pressure being harder and the hot water not lasting is no better and no worse. I now have a water heater with a cut in it, 2 new coils, a new thermostat, another tank under my sink which was $248.50 (we received a 25% off discount on the new tank because of the cut the plumber made in the water heater), and now a new spout. So if any one knows a plumber I still need one because the water pressure in my shower is harder and the hot water isn't lasting but 10 mins (I timed it). read more