Franchise Deep Dive: RooterMan's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

RooterMan franchisees not only have the opportunity to be a part of one of the largest plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning companies in North America, but to leverage multiple streams of revenue while marketing to a single customer base under Premium Service Brands.

By Victoria CampisiStaff Writer

7:07AM • 03/16/23

LAST UPDATED: 1/2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/rooterman/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 450+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $45,075–$82,475

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): n/a

RooterMan is an over 450-unit plumbing and drain cleaning franchise that was established in 1970 by CEO and entrepreneur Donald MacDonald in North Billerica, Massachusetts. The brand has grown to become one of the largest plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning companies in North America. In 1981, Rooter-Man began franchising and has since grown to a network of over 450 locations across the United States and Canada. It has consistently been named the #1 Plumbing Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.

In 2022, RooterMan was acquired by multi-brand home services franchisor Premium Service Brands (PSB). This marked the parent company’s 10th brand and largest acquisition thus far. With multiple brands under a single franchisor, PSB provides franchisees an opportunity to scale and leverage multiple streams of revenue while marketing to a single customer base.

How Many Locations Are There?

There are over 450 RooterMan locations across the United States and Canada. Each RooterMan location is locally owned and operated, and has been carefully awarded the right to provide service under the RooterMan brand name after the completion of a comprehensive service training program.

What Is the Business Model?

Franchises are granted to qualified individuals and business entities to establish and operate plumbing and sewer maintenance and repair services. RooterMan businesses are typically operated from a van or truck and from a home office in some cases.

Although multiple franchise locations are not required, it is common for franchisees to own multiple units.

How Much Can RooterMan Franchise Owners Make?

RooterMan does not make any representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets, according to its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

How Much Does It Cost to Open a RooterMan Franchise?

The total estimated cost to open a RooterMan is $45,075–$82,475, per the brand’s FDD. Costs in the estimated initial investment include:

Franchise Fee: $4,975
Vehicle: $1,500–$5,000
Real Estate and/or Leasehold Improvements: $0–$3,000
Equipment & Supplies: $5,000–$7,000
Insurance: $2,000–$5,000
Signage: $3,000–$4,000
Technology Fee: $2,500
Grand Opening: $2,500–$5,000
Training Expenses: $2,000–$4,000
Licenses/Bonds: $100–$1,500
Professional Fees: $1,500–$3,000
Additional Funds: (3 months): $20,000–$37,500

TOTAL: $45,075–$82,475

There is also a royalty fee of $3 per 1,000 of population in the territory, paid monthly.

What Is the Franchise Fee for RooterMan?

The initial franchise fee for a new RooterMan Business is $4,975.

Who Are the Leaders of RooterMan?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.