Mr. Rooter franchise
Mr. Rooter is a residential and commercial plumbing service handling repairs, drain cleaning, sewer lines and water heaters. Buyers can start from scratch or convert an existing plumbing business; it is part of Neighborly. At the end of 2025 there were 240 Mr. Rooter locations in the US, 238 franchised and 2 company-owned.
- Cost to open
- $153K–$299K
- Franchise fee
- $42,500
- Royalty
- 6%
- Locations, 2025
- 240+29 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchisor based in
- Waco, Texas
- Time to open
- 2 to 5 months after signing
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- Limited protection
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Mr. Rooter SPV LLC’s 2026 filing.
How much a Mr. Rooter franchise costs
Opening one Mr. Rooter franchise, excluding real estate costs an estimated $152,900 to $298,675. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Mr. Rooter SPV LLC, 2026 filing, page 44
Mr. Rooter franchise fee
The franchise fee is $42,500, for a territory of up to 100,000 people, plus $425 per additional 1,000 people. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Mr. Rooter SPV LLC, 2026 filing, page 26
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | A license fee of 6% of gross sales, with minimums, paid weekly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | 3% of gross sales |
Source: Mr. Rooter SPV LLC, 2026 filing, page 30
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Mr. Rooter publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it gives 2025 average and median gross sales for franchised businesses. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Mr. Rooter SPV LLC, 2026 filing, page 91
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 215 (+6) | 3 | 5 |
| 2024 | 228 (+13) | 3 | 9 |
| 2025 | 238 (+10) | 2 | 13 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Mr. Rooter SPV LLC, 2026 filing, page 94
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Mr. Rooter franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Mr. Rooter?
2 to 5 months after signing, according to Mr. Rooter's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Mr. Rooter help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Mr. Rooter may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Mr. Rooter franchisees get a protected territory?
Partly. You get some protection, but not an exclusive territory.
How long is a Mr. Rooter franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Mr. Rooter growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 56 franchised locations opened and 27 closed or left, a net change of +13.9%.
Does Mr. Rooter say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it gives 2025 average and median gross sales for franchised businesses. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Mr. Rooter based?
Mr. Rooter SPV LLC is based in Waco, Texas.