Roto-Rooter
Roto-Rooter is the largest North American provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services, operating through company-owned branches and 400+ independent franchises covering 90% of the U.S. population. Founded in 1935, this Chemed Corporation subsidiary generated over $900 million in 2024 revenue.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1935
- HeadquartersCincinnati, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Roto-Rooter does
Roto-Rooter is the largest provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services in North America, founded in 1935 by Samuel Blanc and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE) and serves approximately 90% of the U.S. population through a hybrid network of roughly 110 company-owned territories and over 400 independent franchise locations. Its service portfolio spans emergency plumbing, drain cleaning using proprietary hydro jetting and video camera inspection equipment, water damage restoration, water heater service, commercial plumbing, sewer line repair, and water quality systems. The company holds a stated 28.4% share of the global sewer line repair market and generated over $900 million in 2024 revenue with 6,000+ workers.
The company manufactures its own sewer and drain cleaning machines, cables, cutting blades, fittings, and spare parts at its West Des Moines, Iowa facility, alongside a line of proprietary chemical products including the patented RootX root control formula (EPA-accepted in all 50 states) and the EcoLogo-certified Pipe Shield drain care product. Roto-Rooter monetizes primarily through flat-rate, per-job service billing with average tickets exceeding $600, priced 20-40% above independent plumbers in exchange for 24/7 availability, standardized service, and national warranty coverage. Distribution runs through company-owned branches, franchise operators, a 24/7 phone dispatch line (800-768-6911), a mobile app for iOS and Android, online scheduling, and a branded product store.
Operationally, Roto-Rooter is in a transition phase: a September 2025 strategic partnership with ServiceTitan is rolling out across company-owned branches to standardize dispatch and field operations, while a multi-year franchise buyback program now has the company owning 51 of its largest markets alongside 71 middle-market franchises. Recent headwinds include a Q4 2025 residential revenue decline attributed to private equity consolidation in home services and Google algorithm changes affecting paid search, followed by a 0.9% segment revenue decline in Q1 2026 due to weather disruption and elevated marketing spend. Management has framed 2026 as a transition year before expected reacceleration.
Roto-Rooter firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Roto-Rooter
- Legal name
- Roto-Rooter Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://rotorooter.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1935
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Roto-Rooter is the largest North American provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services, operating through company-owned branches and 400+ independent franchises covering 90% of the U.S. population. Founded in 1935, this Chemed Corporation subsidiary generated over $900 million in 2024 revenue.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Roto-Rooter industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Services
- NAICS
- Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (23822), Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Septic Tank and Related Services (562991)
- SIC
- Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900), Services-Miscellaneous Repair Services (7600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sewer Line Cleaning & Root Removal (HSAOABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sewer Cleaning, Jetting & Root Control (EUANACAH), Sump Pump Discharge & Exterior Drainage Connections (HSAIAKAJ)
Keywords
Where Roto-Rooter is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cincinnati
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Roto-Rooter business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services: Roto-Rooter generates revenue through plumbing repair, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services billed on a per-job basis using flat-rate pricing. Average tickets exceed $600. The company operates approximately 110 company-owned territories and 71 franchises in middle-market cities.
- Water Damage Restoration: Revenue from water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, and sanitization services following water damage events. Services available 24/7 for emergency response.
- Commercial Services: Commercial plumbing services including high-pressure water jetting, underground leak and line detection, video camera line inspections, automated drain care programs, grease trap and liquid waste pumping, backflow protection, and pipe repair and replacement for property management, food service, healthcare, hospitality and other commercial sectors.
- Water Softener and Filtration: Water softening and filtration system installation and maintenance services, including ion exchange softener sizing, installation, and regeneration cycle programming.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Flat-rate pricing model for residential service calls |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Emergency and same-day service pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Commercial service contracts |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Roto-Rooter product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Roto-Rooter provides residential and commercial plumbing repair, drain cleaning, sewer line services, water damage restoration, and water quality (softening/filtration) services across North America, available 24/7 with same-day emergency dispatch. The company also manufactures its own drain cleaning machines, branded drain care products (Pipe Shield, RootX), and operates a mobile scheduling app. Services are delivered through approximately 110 company-owned territories and over 400 independent franchises serving about 90% of the U.S. population.
Product overview
Roto-Rooter offers a comprehensive suite of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water damage restoration services through both company-owned branches and independent franchises across North America. The core service portfolio includes emergency and routine plumbing repairs, drain cleaning with hydro jetting and camera inspection capabilities, water damage restoration, water heater service, and commercial plumbing services. The company also markets a line of branded drain care and septic treatment products for both residential and commercial applications, including Pipe Shield, Septic Tank Treatments, and RootX. Additionally, Roto-Rooter provides a mobile application for iOS and Android enabling service scheduling, order tracking, and access to DIY resources. Services operate 24/7 with free estimates and are available across approximately 90% of the U.S. population through over 100 company-owned territories and approximately 400 franchise operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Roto-Rooter Racing: NASCAR racing sponsorship program including partnerships with JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr., providing brand exposure through racing events
- Roto-Rooter for Business
Products and services
- Plumbing Services Full-service residential and commercial plumbing including emergency repairs, water heater service, leak detection and repair, pipe repair and replacement, fixture repairs, sump pump service, garbage disposal, toilet, sink, faucet, shower, dishwasher, and washing machine installations. Available 24/7 with free estimates.
- Drain Cleaning
Quantifiable outcome
- Customer acquisition cost of $150-$180 per job
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Roto-Rooter
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Roto-Rooter technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Roto-Rooter partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Kubota High Limit RacingflagshipRoto-Rooter continued as title sponsor of the Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing Midweek Series for a third consecutive season in 2026, with the partnership expanding to 15 races at 14 tracks across 11 states. Five events broadcast on FS1 with additional coverage on FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel. Series champion receives $25,000 bonus.
- ServiceTitancoreRoto-Rooter announced strategic partnership with ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN) to implement ServiceTitan's all-in-one software platform across Roto-Rooter's company-owned branches in the US. The implementation covers nationwide call centers and branches in major metro areas, supporting residential and commercial services including sewer repair, water restoration, and water treatment. The partnership aims to standardize operations across hundreds of locations, boost revenue opportunities, improve dispatching efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience.
- JR MotorsportsflagshipRoto-Rooter expanded its partnership with JR Motorsports to become a primary sponsor for seven NASCAR Xfinity Series events per year beginning in 2026, in addition to serving as a full-season associate partner for the team's Late Model program. The expanded relationship also includes a personal service agreement with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., with plans to leverage the partnership for brand and product awareness across commercial and residential markets.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.flagshipPersonal service agreement with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. as part of expanded JR Motorsports partnership, leveraging his brand recognition for Roto-Rooter marketing across commercial and residential markets.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Roto-Rooter competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mr. Rooter Plumbing: National plumbing and drain cleaning franchise network owned by Neighborly, offering residential and commercial plumbing services with similar 24/7 dispatch model. Most direct head-to-head competitor to Roto-Rooter in the U.S. franchise plumbing category.
- Benjamin Franklin Plumbing: Neighborly-owned national plumbing franchise focused on residential and commercial service with on-time guarantees and upfront pricing. Competes directly with Roto-Rooter for the same homeowner customer base.
- ServPro: Largest U.S. franchise network in water damage restoration and cleanup, directly overlapping Roto-Rooter's water damage restoration service line. Both serve insurance-driven residential and commercial restoration markets.
- ARS / Rescue Rooter: American Residential Services operates the Rescue Rooter brand, providing plumbing, HVAC, and drain cleaning across multiple U.S. metros. Direct regional competitor to Roto-Rooter's company-owned territories.
- ServiceMaster Restore: Major commercial and residential water damage restoration franchise brand with national footprint. Direct competitor in the water damage restoration segment that Roto-Rooter has expanded into.
Broad incumbents
- Mr. Electric: Neighborly-owned national electrical services franchise. Sibling brand within Neighborly's portfolio of home services franchise concepts; competes for the same home services customer wallet and franchisees.
- HomeServe USA: Home warranty and repair service provider partnering with utilities and municipalities to offer plumbing, electrical, and HVAC coverage. Competes for the same residential service relationships via subscription rather than on-demand dispatch.
- Neighborly (formerly Dwyer Group): Parent franchisor of Mr. Rooter, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mr. Electric, and other home service brands. Aggregate competitive threat to Roto-Rooter across multiple home service categories through coordinated franchise networks.
Emerging players
- Mister Sparky Electric: Neighborly-owned residential electrical services franchise emphasizing on-time service guarantees. Comparable customer experience positioning and national brand footprint to Roto-Rooter's residential service model.
Regional players
- Len The Plumber: Mid-Atlantic-focused residential plumbing and drain service company offering 24/7 emergency service. Comparable service model to Roto-Rooter but concentrated in DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Delaware markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Roto-Rooter social profiles
Digital presenceRoto-Rooter financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Roto-Rooter leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Roto-Rooter subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Roto-Rooter funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Roto-Rooter M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Roto-Rooter
What does Roto-Rooter do?
Roto-Rooter provides residential and commercial plumbing repair, drain cleaning, sewer line services, water damage restoration, and water quality (softening/filtration) services across North America, available 24/7 with same-day emergency dispatch. The company also manufactures its own drain cleaning machines, branded drain care products (Pipe Shield, RootX), and operates a mobile scheduling app. Services are delivered through approximately 110 company-owned territories and over 400 independent franchises serving about 90% of the U.S. population.
Is Roto-Rooter a public or private company?
Roto-Rooter is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Roto-Rooter founded?
Roto-Rooter was founded in 1935. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Roto-Rooter based?
Roto-Rooter is headquartered in Cincinnati, United States, in the North America region.
How does Roto-Rooter make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services are the primary driver. The others are water Damage Restoration, commercial Services and water Softener and Filtration.
Who are Roto-Rooter's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, ServPro, ARS / Rescue Rooter and ServiceMaster Restore. Broad incumbents are Mr. Electric, HomeServe USA and Neighborly (formerly Dwyer Group). Mister Sparky Electric is listed as an emerging player. Len The Plumber is listed as a regional player.
Does Roto-Rooter have an API?
No public API is recorded for Roto-Rooter.
What industry is Roto-Rooter in?
Roto-Rooter's product category is Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAOABAC, Sewer Line Cleaning & Root Removal, with a secondary code of EUANACAH, Sewer Cleaning, Jetting & Root Control. Its NAICS code is 23822 and its SIC code is 4900.