If you’re dealing with a clogged or slow drain, you may be wondering whether to call Zoom Drain or Roto-Rooter. Both companies offer professional drain cleaning services, but they use different methods and have pros and cons to consider.
This guide examines Zoom Drain and Roto-Rooter in detail, so you can decide which is the best option for your drain issue.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Zoom Drain | Roto-Rooter |
| Services Offered | Drain cleaning only | Full plumbing services including drain cleaning |
| Drain Cleaning Method | Cable machines with attached scrappers | High-pressure hydro jetting |
| Product Safety | Biodegradable, non-toxic solutions | Industrial-strength chemicals |
| Availability for Emergencies | Limited hours | 24/7 emergency service |
| Pricing | Upfront estimates, transparent pricing | Typically charges by the hour without quotes |
| Customer Satisfaction | Positive reviews, some complaints about reliability | Mostly positive reviews, some complaints about expensive bills |
| Best For | Preventative drain maintenance, eco-friendly options | Emergency clog removal, extensive plumbing repairs |
Overview Of Zoom Drain
Zoom Drain is a national drain cleaning franchise that uses environmentally-friendly methods to clear clogs. Their process involves sending a rugged cable with attached skids down the pipe to scrape away debris.
Some key facts about Zoom Drain include:
- Specializes in drain cleaning only, doesn’t offer other plumbing services
- Uses cable machines with skids that scrape pipe walls
- Provides video camera pipe inspection to locate issues
- Services residential and commercial properties -Products are non-toxic and biodegradable
- Offers drain cleaning, preventative maintenance, repair
- Known for transparent pricing, upfront estimates
The Zoom Drain method is effective for clearing loose debris, grease, soap buildup, and more from your drains. Their techs are trained to be meticulous and thorough when operating the cables. Overall, Zoom Drain focuses on eco-friendly drain maintenance solutions.
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Overview Of Roto-Rooter
Roto-Rooter is the most well-known drain cleaning service in the US. They offer a full range of plumbing services and are known for their signature hydro jetting drain cleaning method.
Here are some key facts about Roto-Rooter:
- Provides plumbing repair, replacement, installation
- Uses high-powered hydro jetting to blast clogs
- Services residential and commercial properties
- Offers 24/7 emergency drain cleaning
- Franchise operation with local techs across US
- Products are industrial-strength, not eco-friendly
- Known for fast, thorough drain cleaning
- Provides estimates and financing options
Roto-Rooter techs use intense water pressure blasted through pipes to dislodge stubborn clogs. This hydro jetting method can clear even the toughest grease blockages. Roto-Rooter also excels at emergency drain cleaning with their around-the-clock availability.
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The Key Differences Between Zoom Drain And Roto Rooter
Now that you know the basics about each company, let’s compare them across some key factors:
- Types of Services
Zoom Drain exclusively performs drain cleaning and maintenance. Roto-Rooter offers full plumbing services, including installation and repair.
Winner: Roto-Rooter, with their wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services.
- Drain Cleaning Methods
Zoom Drain uses cable machines to physically scrape and clean pipe walls. Roto-Rooter techs perform high-pressure hydro jetting.
Winner: Draw – both methods work well for different types of clogs. Cables dislodge loose debris while hydro jet blasts clear grease.
- Product Safety
Zoom Drain uses biodegradable, non-toxic solutions. Roto-Rooter’s industrial strength products get the job done but aren’t eco-friendly.
Winner: Zoom Drain for their environmentally conscious cleaning solutions.
- Availability for Emergencies
Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency drain cleaning. Zoom Drain has more limited hours.
Winner: Roto-Rooter if you have a middle-of-the-night clog crisis.
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- Pricing and Transparency
Zoom Drain provides upfront estimates and is known for transparent pricing. Roto-Rooter often charges hourly without quotes.
Winner: Zoom Drain for predictable, fair pricing.
- Customer Satisfaction
Both companies have above average ratings on review sites. Roto-Rooter has more complaints about expensive bills.
Winner: Draw – customers are generally happy with both companies.
Which Is Better Overall?
When comparing the key factors, Zoom Drain and Roto Rooter each have advantages that make them better for certain drain cleaning needs:
- For thorough drain maintenance and eco-friendly solutions, Zoom Drain is superior. Their cable scraping clears pipes preventatively.
- For emergency drain cleaning, variety of plumbing services, and powerful hydro jetting for the toughest clogs, Roto-Rooter is better.
- For fair pricing and estimates, Zoom Drain wins out. Roto-Rooter’s pricing opacity causes frustration.
Overall, Zoom Drain is ideal for periodic maintenance to keep drains clear and flowing. Roto-Rooter excels at emergency clearing of fully blocked pipes. Evaluate your specific needs to choose the best service for your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Roto-Rooter’s major competitors in drain cleaning include Zoom Drain, Mr. Rooter, and The Drain Doctor. For overall plumbing services, top competitors are Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Rescue Rooter.
Zoom Drain is a drain cleaning franchise that uses cable machines to scrape and maintain pipes. Their services include:
Drain cleanings
Video camera inspections
Preventative drain maintenance
Commercial drain services
Environmentally friendly solutions
Their key advantage is thorough drain cleanings without harmful chemicals.
For a totally blocked drain, Roto-Rooter can usually clear it within 1-2 hours. Simple slow drain services take 30-60 minutes. For emergency jobs, they prioritize fast service restoration.
Roto-Rooter primarily uses high-powered hydro jetting to blast through clogs. A hydro jet blasts up to 4000 PSI of water through the pipe to break up debris. They also use cable machines if needed.
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Also watch this about Roto-Rooter!
The Verdict
- Use Zoom Drain for regular drain maintenance to prevent clogs
- Call Roto-Rooter for emergency unclogging and hydro jetting power
- Zoom Drain offers transparent pricing while Roto-Rooter bills opaquely
- Both offer quality drain cleaning but different methods
- Evaluate your needs – maintenance Vs. emergency service
When comparing Zoom Drain versus Roto-Rooter, the choice depends on your specific drain issues. Know that both provide quality services with different strengths.
Take time to understand the key differences covered here so you can make an informed decision when hiring a drain cleaning service.