Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Roto-Rooter is a plumbing and drain cleaning franchise that offers expert plumbing services, focusing on efficient solutions and customer satisfaction.

Roto-Rooter, founded in 1936 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has earned its place as a leader in the plumbing and drain cleaning industry.

Recognized as a pioneer in the field, Roto-Rooter has grown into one of North America’s largest service providers for plumbing and drain solutions. The company began franchising in its inaugural year, reflecting its dedication to expanding its proven business model and trusted brand across diverse markets.

Roto-Rooter distinguishes itself by offering a broad spectrum of services, including plumbing repairs, sewer and drain cleaning, and related solutions. This comprehensive service lineup allows franchisees to meet a variety of customer needs while operating under the well-established Roto-Rooter name.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 to $75,000
Motor Vehicle $25,000 to $50,000
Opening Equipment and Parts Inventory and Supplies $19,000 to $45,000
Advertising $19,640 to $88,200
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $13,000 to $16,000
Additional Funds - 3 months $12,000 to $14,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $113,640 to $288,200

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

Roto-Rooter

key competitors in the

Plumbing/HVAC

sector.

Started franchising
Franchisees

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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Investment

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Revenue (AUV)

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Gross Profit

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EBITDA

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
Roto-Rooter
1936
337
+
-3%
-3%
$25,000
$545 - $36,000 per month based on population

$114,000

-

$288,000

n.a.

$0

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

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n.a.

n.a.

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2021
5
+
n.a.
n.a.
$40,000
5.00%

$129,000

-

$271,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
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No
2023
2
+
n.a.
n.a.
$54,900
7.00%

$134,000

-

$285,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,574,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2017
31
+
3%
3%
$44,900
4% - 8%

$257,000

-

$419,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$410,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2014
261
+
-17%
-17%
$147,500
6.00%

$402,000

-

$440,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,401,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
1981
653
+
-5%
-5%
$4,975
$3 per 1,000 of population

$45,000

-

$82,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2003
411
+
17%
17%
$43,000
6.00%

$143,000

-

$287,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$791,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes

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$49 / month
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

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Profit margin

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Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

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Priority support

?

A comprehensive and transparent look at franchising finances. The inclusion of profit margins and disclosure documents offers insights you can’t find elsewhere. Essential for anyone considering a franchise investment.

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Training

Roto-Rooter provides franchisees with optional training programs tailored to specific services, such as water restoration, which may require additional fees.

  1. Optional Service-Specific Training
    Roto-Rooter offers specialized training and certifications for certain services, such as water restoration. These programs are optional and may require an additional fee.
  2. Operational Guidance
    Franchisees receive advice and instructions on the proper use of Roto-Rooter’s systems and trademarks to ensure alignment with the brand’s standards.
  3. No Mandatory Initial or Ongoing Training
    The franchisor does not require a formal initial training program prior to the franchise’s launch. Additionally, there are no mandatory ongoing training programs after the business has commenced operations, allowing flexibility for franchisees.

Territory Protection

Roto-Rooter grants franchisees an exclusive territory defined by geographic boundaries in the franchise agreement. Within this area, neither the franchisor nor its affiliates will establish competing franchises or operations, ensuring protection for the franchisee.

The territory remains fixed, unaffected by population changes or market penetration. Franchisees must conduct local advertising within their territory, clearly specifying the area in promotional materials, securing their exclusive operational rights.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

348

341

337

Company-owned units

115

117

116

Total units

463

458

453

Competitors

Plumbing Paramedics

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$129,000 - $271,000

Accurate Leak and Line

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$134,000 - $285,000

Z Plumberz

Franchisees

?

31
+
3%
3%
Investment

?

$257,000 - $419,000

TemperaturePro

Franchisees

?

261
+
-17%
-17%
Investment

?

$402,000 - $440,000

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Revenue (AUV)

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