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.

Training

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.