ARS/Rescue Rooter is a national plumbing and HVAC service company, not a government program

ARS/Rescue Rooter is a for-profit plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor that operates in multiple states. They are not a government agency, a utility company, or a financial information program. If you arrived here looking for help paying a sewer bill or getting a sewer line repaired at reduced cost, this is not that resource — ARS/Rescue Rooter is a business you hire and pay directly.

The company handles residential plumbing emergencies (burst pipes, clogs, leaks), sewer line repairs and replacements, water heater service, and HVAC maintenance. They charge for their work on a per-job basis, though some locations offer service plans or financing options. Understanding what they do and how they charge will help you decide whether to contact them or look for other options.

Key Takeaways

  • ARS/Rescue Rooter is a private plumbing and HVAC company you pay directly; they do not offer government information or bill payment help.
  • They handle emergency plumbing (clogs, leaks, burst pipes) and sewer line work, but you pay their service fee and parts cost out of pocket.
  • Some locations offer service plans or financing through third-party lenders, which may spread the cost over time but add interest.
  • If you need help paying a sewer bill or repair cost, contact your local water utility or city housing authority instead.

What ARS/Rescue Rooter actually does

ARS/Rescue Rooter performs plumbing repairs and replacements in homes and small businesses. Common jobs include clearing drain clogs, fixing leaking pipes, replacing water heaters, repairing or replacing sewer lines, and fixing or installing fixtures like toilets and faucets. They also handle HVAC (heating and cooling) work in many service areas.

The company operates under a franchise model, meaning individual locations are independently owned but use the ARS/Rescue Rooter brand and procedures. Service quality and pricing can vary by location. Most locations offer 24/7 emergency service, which means you can call at any hour if you have a burst pipe or backed-up sewer, though emergency calls typically cost more than scheduled appointments.

How much ARS/Rescue Rooter costs

ARS/Rescue Rooter charges a service call fee (usually $75 to $150 depending on location and time of day), plus the cost of any parts and labor. A straightforward drain cleaning might run $150 to $300 total. A sewer line replacement can cost several thousand dollars because it involves excavation and new pipe. You pay these costs directly — the company does not bill your water utility or a government program.

Some franchises offer service plans where you pay a monthly or annual fee (typically $100 to $300 per year) for priority scheduling and discounts on repairs. These plans do not cover the full cost of a repair; they reduce the service call fee or give you a percentage off labor. If you cannot afford the full cost upfront, some locations work with third-party financing companies, but this adds interest and monthly payments.

When to call ARS/Rescue Rooter versus other options

Call ARS/Rescue Rooter if you have an active plumbing emergency (water backing up, pipes leaking, no water pressure) and you can afford to pay their service fee and repair costs. They respond quickly and have the equipment for most common residential jobs.

Do not call ARS/Rescue Rooter if you need financial help paying for a repair or sewer bill. Instead, contact your city or county water utility directly — many utilities have hardship programs, payment plans, or can refer you to local information. If the problem is in a rental property, contact your landlord; they are responsible for repairs. If you live in public housing or Section 8, contact your housing authority.

How to reach ARS/Rescue Rooter

You can find your local ARS/Rescue Rooter franchise by searching online for "ARS/Rescue Rooter" plus your city or zip code. Most locations have a phone number and a website where you can request a service appointment or call for an emergency. When you call, have your address ready and describe the problem (for example, "my kitchen sink is backing up" or "I smell sewer gas in my basement").

The dispatcher will ask whether you need emergency service (same-day or when ready) or can wait for a scheduled appointment. Emergency service costs more but gets someone to your house faster. For non-emergencies, you can often book online or request a callback.

What happens during a service call

A technician will arrive at your home and diagnose the problem. For a clogged drain, they may use a plumbing snake or hydro-jetting (high-pressure water) to clear it. For a sewer line issue, they may use a camera to inspect the line and determine whether it needs repair or replacement. They will explain what they found and give you a price estimate before doing the work.

You are not required to accept their estimate. You can ask for time to think about it, get a second opinion from another plumber, or decline the service. If you do accept, they will complete the work and you pay by credit card, debit card, check, or cash depending on what the location accepts.

If you cannot afford the repair cost

Contact your city or county water utility and ask about hardship programs, payment plans, or emergency repair information. Some utilities have funds to help low-income households with urgent repairs. Your utility can also refer you to local nonprofits that may help with plumbing costs.

If you rent, tell your landlord about the problem in writing (email or text counts). Your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the plumbing and sewer line. If they refuse to fix it, you may be able to withhold rent, repair it yourself and deduct the cost, or file a complaint with your local housing authority — the rules vary by state and city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ARS/Rescue Rooter the same as my water utility?

No. Your water utility is the government or public agency that supplies your water and handles your bill. ARS/Rescue Rooter is a private plumbing company you hire to fix problems in your home. They are separate businesses.

Can ARS/Rescue Rooter help me pay my sewer bill?

No. ARS/Rescue Rooter only repairs plumbing and HVAC systems. For help with a sewer bill, contact your city or county water utility directly. Many utilities offer payment plans or hardship programs for people who cannot pay in full.

What if I call ARS/Rescue Rooter and then decide not to use them?

You will owe the service call fee (usually $75 to $150) even if you do not proceed with the repair. Some locations waive this fee if you book a repair appointment later. Ask about their policy when the technician arrives.

Does ARS/Rescue Rooter offer payment plans?

Some franchises work with third-party financing companies that let you pay over time, but this adds interest and monthly payments. Ask your local ARS/Rescue Rooter location whether they offer this option. Compare the total cost (including interest) before you agree.

What if the repair does not work?

Most plumbing companies offer a warranty on their work, usually 30 to 90 days. If the same problem comes back within that period, call them back and they should fix it at no charge. Ask about their warranty before you pay.