Roto-Rooter franchise
Roto-Rooter is one of the oldest names in drain and sewer cleaning, also handling plumbing repairs. Franchisees serve an assigned area, while the parent company runs most of the larger markets itself. At the end of 2025 there were 448 Roto-Rooter locations in the US, 333 franchised and 115 company-owned.
- Cost to open
- $123K–$282K
- Franchise fee
- $25K–$75K
- Royalty
- Flat, by population
- Locations, 2025
- 448
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Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1980
- First location
- 1936
- Franchisor based in
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- Protected territory
- Financing
- None offered
From Roto-Rooter Corporation’s 2026 filing.
How much a Roto-Rooter franchise costs
Opening one Roto-Rooter franchise costs an estimated $123,110 to $281,550. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Roto-Rooter Corporation, 2026 filing, page 22
Roto-Rooter franchise fee
The franchise fee is $25,000 to $75,000, set at $0.15 per person in the territory, with a $25,000 minimum. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Roto-Rooter Corporation, 2026 filing, page 16
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | A monthly franchise fee from $280 to more than $36,000, set by a population formula and adjusted each year. |
|---|
Source: Roto-Rooter Corporation, 2026 filing, page 17
Sales and earnings
No figures Roto-Rooter does not share sales or profit figures for its locations. Talking to current and former franchise owners is the usual way to learn what a location earns.
Source: Roto-Rooter Corporation, 2026 filing, page 39
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 341 (−7) | 117 |
| 2024 | 337 (−4) | 116 |
| 2025 | 333 (−4) | 115 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Roto-Rooter Corporation, 2026 filing, page 39
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Roto-Rooter franchise questions
Does Roto-Rooter help with financing?
No. Roto-Rooter does not offer financing or guarantee loans or leases, so buyers arrange their own, usually a bank or SBA loan.
Do Roto-Rooter franchisees get a protected territory?
Yes. Roto-Rooter assigns a protected territory where it won't open or license another location while you meet the agreement's terms.
How long is a Roto-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.
Does Roto-Rooter say how much franchisees make?
No, Roto-Rooter doesn't publish sales or profit figures for its locations. Current and former owners are the best source.
Where is Roto-Rooter based?
Roto-Rooter Corporation is based in Cincinnati, Ohio and the brand has sold franchises since 1980; the first location opened in 1936.