RooterMan offers professional plumbing and drain cleaning services, providing expert solutions for residential and commercial properties to address plumbing issues and ensure efficient drainage systems.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
653
+
-5%
-5%
Franchise fee
?
$4,975
Investment
?
$45,000 - $82,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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RooterMan is a leading plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning franchise founded in 1970 by Donald MacDonald in North Billerica, Massachusetts. The company began franchising in 1981 and has grown to over 700 service locations across the United States and Canada.
RooterMan is now headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is part of Premium Service Brands. The franchise specializes in residential and commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, septic maintenance, and pipe repair.
Each RooterMan location is locally owned and operated, providing personalized service backed by the resources of a national network. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, operational support, and access to cutting-edge technology.
RooterMan stands out with its low-cost franchise model and flat-rate royalty structure, making it accessible to entrepreneurs. The brand has earned repeated recognition as the top plumbing franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for over 15 years.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a RooterMan franchise is
$45,000 - $82,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$4,975
Vehicle
$1,500 - $5,000
Real Estate and/or Leasehold Improvements
$0 - $3,000
Equipment & Supplies
$5,000 - $7,000
Insurance
$2,000 - $5,000
Signage
$3,000 - $4,000
Technology Fee
$2,500
Grand Opening
$2,500 - $5,000
Training Expenses
$2,000 - $4,000
Licenses/Bonds
$100 - $1,500
Professional Fees
$1,500 - $3,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$20,000 - $37,500
Total
$45,075 – $82,475
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$4,975
Vehicle
$1,500 - $5,000
Real Estate and/or Leasehold Improvements
$0 - $3,000
Equipment & Supplies
$5,000 - $7,000
Insurance
$2,000 - $5,000
Signage
$3,000 - $4,000
Technology Fee
$2,500
Grand Opening
$2,500 - $5,000
Training Expenses
$2,000 - $4,000
Licenses/Bonds
$100 - $1,500
Professional Fees
$1,500 - $3,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$20,000 - $37,500
Total
$45,075 – $82,475
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is RooterMan's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
RooterMan had 653 total units in 2024, of which 653 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a RooterMan franchise is $3 per 1,000 of population. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of $1 per 1,000 of population.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a RooterMan franchise is $45,000 - $82,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a RooterMan franchise is $4,975. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
RooterMan offers a detailed training program to prepare franchisees and their teams for successful business operations. The training covers essential operational, technical, and managerial skills. Here are the main components of the training provided by the franchisor:
Initial Training Program: Franchisees (or their principal owners) and Managers must attend and complete this program within three months of the Franchise Agreement’s effective date. The training is mandatory and must be successfully completed to operate the business. While the franchisor does not charge a fee for two attendees, all travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the franchisee.
Employee Training: Franchisees must implement and enforce a franchisor-approved training program for their employees. They cannot employ individuals who fail to complete this program or are otherwise unqualified. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring all staff meet the standards required for operating a RooterMan business.
Additional and Ongoing Training: Franchisees may send extra representatives to the initial training if space permits, and they are also expected to attend any additional training sessions required by the franchisor. These sessions may occur online, at the franchisor’s location, or at the franchisee’s site. Attendance at an annual convention is mandatory and may involve additional costs.
Territory Protection
RooterMan grants franchisees a “Protected Territory,” typically comprising a geographic area with at least 125,000 people. Within this zone, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license another RooterMan business serving residential or light commercial customers under the RooterMan brand.
Franchisees are prohibited from promoting or operating outside their territory unless given explicit, non-permanent permission by the franchisor. Despite this territorial grant, the protection is not exclusive in the broader sense.
The franchisor retains the right to market nationally, service National Accounts within any territory, and use various channels such as online platforms or retail distribution, which may affect the franchisee’s local market.