Roto-Rooter is a plumbing and drain cleaning franchise that offers expert plumbing services, focusing on efficient solutions and customer satisfaction.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
337
+
-3%
-3%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$114,000 - $288,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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
The initial investment required for a Roto-Rooter franchise is
$114,000 - $288,000.
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
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
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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
Below is Roto-Rooter's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Roto-Rooter had 453 total units in 2025, of which 337 were franchised-owned and 116 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Roto-Rooter provides franchisees with optional training programs tailored to specific services, such as water restoration, which may require additional fees.
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.
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.
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.
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