Consumers File Lawsuit Against Plumbing Company
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A class action lawsuit could clog business for a well-known plumbing company.
The lawsuit alleges Roto-Rooter made unnecessary repairs as part of a company mandate. The fraud unit of Minneapolis Police is also investigating the company for similar claims.
Scott Hillestad isn't a part of the lawsuit, but says he felt the same pressure alleged in the lawsuit when he had plumbing problems in his basement in Northeast Minneapolis.
Hillestad placed a call to Roto-Rooter, one of the best-known plumbing companies in town, because he had a pool of water under his stairs.
"I was thinking Roto-Rooter is probably not going to lie to me and give me the best possible price," he said.
After the work they did, Hillestad felt differently.
"I feel like they were just trying to make money off of me."
It all started with fixing the clog and a cap replacement to hold the sewer gases back for $470.
Then, another $100 charge for a camera to take a closer look. It was the final pitch of an entire excavation that caught Hillestad off guard.
"He suggested we replace the whole system for about $20,000," Hillestad said. "That was a shock."
They are similar allegations made by three other Minnesotans in a class action lawsuit filed Monday in Hennepin County Court.
Part of the lawsuit reads: "Roto-Rooter's focus is to increase the excavation business, it sets quotas…. whether the repairs were necessary or not."
Hillestad said he was offered on the spot financing to do the deal.
"It was definitely a high-pressure situation, " he said.
Hillestad didn't and ended up with a $600 bill. While he isn't a part of the lawsuit, it's been a lesson to do more homework before the next problem down the pipeline.
"I don't really know anything about plumbing, like the average person. I just took what they said as their word," Hillestad said.
The following is a statement from a Roto-Rooter spokesperson:
"As a matter of common business practice, we do not comment on pending litigation other than through official statements filed as part of the legal process. We do however reiterate our ongoing commitment to address any service inquiries customers may have. We know that each customer situation is different and unique and customers with questions can always call the numbers listed on their service proposal, invoice or dial 1-800-768-6911. We are always ready to discuss customer's questions regarding videotaped inspections of their line. For more than 76 years, we have provided top-quality service to millions of satisfied customers and we will continue to do so in the future."
