Complaint Review: Rooter-Man Kevin Battelle

Do not, I repeat do not ever, ever use Rooter-Man. I'm sorry for all plumbers who operate under this franchise, that one subsidiary gives you all a bad name.

Within three days of closing on our home, the tap at the road (city's issue) had collapsed. Since it was noted in our repair agreement that there was some sort of plumbing issue that must be remedied before we moved in, we called our agent, who in turn called the seller and he sent "his" plumber out. I will admit it was my mistake to not get a new plumber, but I just wanted the situation to be remedied so that we could enjoy our new home.

Kevin Battelle, from Rooter-Man was sent out to the house. I met him around 4pm, April 1st at my house. He informed me that the City had been called and they were on their way to the house. So, I waited. While waiting, Kevin then told me that the City would not even look at our issue without having a clean out installed in the house, as ours was under our house.

This was true. Kevin then stated to me that he would do this for $1400. At the time, I was devastated, not even having made my first mortgage payment and then having to deal with something of this nature. Without having internet at my house to research his company (so wrong, never do this!) I agreed, thinking it would be fixed quickly and it would be over with soon.

Kevin Battelle wrote on his estimate that he would be attaching a clean out to a "cast iron" line. The next day, he came out and installed a clean out in the middle of my yard. Yes, middle, of my yard. I didnt' think much about it at the time, but when the City came out they asked why it was in the middle of the yard. They stated that it would be only 5 ft. from the one they would install.

The City began digging in our yard, and informed me that I had "orangeburg piping," and having dealt with this at a previous rental knew we were in for a hefty bill. These lines have to be replaced as they are pre WWII era tar-paper, essentially, and collapse. The issue here, Kevin never once told me that he had connected the clean out to the orangeburg, research shows, once the line is weakened, it then will collapse at a much faster rate than even before.

I call Kevin to confront him as to why my clean-out is in middle of the yard and why he didn't tell me there was orangeburg piping. He informed me that it was ok to attach to orangeburg and that it would last me years to come. I then asked what he would charge to replace the sewer line, because I was informed by the City and 3 other plumbers that it would be necessary within 6 month to 1 year to replace this. Kevin told the CIty workers that they were not licensed plumbers, that he was the one who went to school for this sh**, and he is the pro. He quoted me $5,000. I find out the next day by checking the licensing Board that he is not even licensed. He is under someone else, who has numerous people operating under his license. I actually feel sorry for this guy, and Kevin would not even give me his name, so I couldn't take up the complaint with his directly.

I had the other 3 plumbers give me estimates to replace the sewer line. I had the entire line replaced for $1900, and a new clean out installed where it belonged, beside the house. I was charged $1450 for a clean out.

He never game us options because he never acted in our best interests. So, unless you want to be ripped off, do not call Rooter-Man, and specifically Kevin Battelle. These people are out to make a buck and I'll let everyone I know, know about these guys.

Anon-
Charlotte, North Carolina
U.S.A.