Attorney General's News Release

March 21, 2000

Roto-Rooter to reinspect more than 300 installations and pay state $50,000 for using unlicensed workers

St. Louis, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned Missourians about a long-running, get-rich-quick scam that originally emanated from Nigeria but now appears to be coming from the nearby countries of Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast as well.

Nixon investigated Roto-Rooter Services Company Inc. for violating local plumbing codes and endangering the health of consumers by using unlicensed technicians to perform plumbing and drain laying work. Roto-Rooter, which also does business as Alexander's Roto-Rooter, Nurotoco Inc., and Peak Heating and Cooling, also will pay the state $50,000 to resolve an investigation by the Attorney General's office, the St. Louis County Department of Public Works and the St. Louis County Counselor's Office.

"Failure to properly install plumbing can have serious health and safety consequences for consumers," Nixon said. "It is irresponsible and dangerous to use workers who may not have the training to do the job right."

Any Missouri consumer in the St. Louis area who has had Roto-Rooter install or repair a hot water heater, fire suppression system, back flow device or boiler since January 1994 or hired the company to perform plumbing or drain laying work since January 1996, may be eligible for a free inspection of the work and repairs, if necessary. Consumers must call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection hotline at 800-392-8222 by April 19 to be eligible.

In addition, the court order requires Roto-Rooter to conduct employee education and use licensed plumbers when making plumbing installations and repairs. The company is prohibited from representing to consumers that plumbing services being performed do not require a permit, if a permit is required.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818