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

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Number of franchises

341

-4%

Investment required

$104,000 - $274,000

Revenue (AUV)

Roto-Rooter: Revolutionizing Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services

Roto-Rooter, founded in 1935 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.

Expenditures	Estimated Amount or Low-High Range
Initial Franchise Fee	$25,000 to $75,000
Motor Vehicle	$20,000 to $44,000
Real Estate	-
Opening Equipment and Parts Inventory and Supplies	$18,000 to $43,000
Advertising	$18,980 to $84,700
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$12,000 to $15,000
Additional Funds - 3 months	$10,000 to $12,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$103,980 to $273,700

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Franchise Disclosure Document

Training

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.