Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: RooterMan is a plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning franchise that offers owners an investment opportunity that’s low-cost, home-based and semi-absentee.
RooterMan is a low-cost plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning franchise operating under Premium Service Brands that offers independent owners a recognized brand, flat-rate, home-based and semi-absentee opportunity.
Founded in 1970 by Donald MacDonald in North Billerica, Massachusetts, RooterMan began franchising in 1981 and today operates more than 600 locations in the United States and Canada.
Mission: RooterMan’s mission is to provide fast, reliable and high-quality plumbing, drain cleaning and septic services to residential and commercial customers.
Vision: RooterMan’s vision is one of growth, with a focus on targeted expansion of its franchise network across North America.
RooterMan is in the midst of targeted expansion in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia , Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Visit the RooterMan franchise website for more information on current franchising opportunities.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a RooterMan franchise ranges from $45,075 to $82,475. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Franchise Fee | $4,975 | $4,975 |
| Vehicle | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Real Estate & 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 | $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 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a RooterMan franchise is $4,975, which is due in full upon the signing of the franchise agreement. A $2,500 initial technology fee is due at the same time, bringing the total initial payment to the franchisor to $7,475.
A discount on the initial franchise fee is available for qualified honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as well as qualifying individuals currently working in rescue, emergency services and policing.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, RooterMan franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | $3 per 1,000 of population in the territory/month |
| Marketing Fund | $1 per 1,000 of population in the territory/month |
| Website Fee | $199/month |
| Technology Fee | $399 per technician/month |
| Advertising Cooperative Fee | Greater of $10,000 or 2% of gross sales/year |
| Accounting & Business Advisory Services Fee | $85/week |
ROI Potential: The employer has not made return on investment data publicly available.
Prior to opening, franchisor helps select a protected territory based on ZIP codes containing at least 125,000 people. For those not operating out of a home office, the franchisor will review and consult on the proposed business location. The franchisor will also provide a copy of the brand standards manual and will assist with the initial setup of mandatory software systems, email accounts and websites. Additionally, the franchisor offers a list of specifications and approved suppliers for required equipment, signs, fixtures and opening inventory.
The initial training program is a four week course that includes approximately 40 hours of onboarding and 40 hours of online training. Following onboarding, franchisees undergo 62.5 hours of virtual classroom training and 28 hours of on-the-job training covering topics such as core business principles, marketing, financial planning, sales and CRM systems.
The franchisor will provide ongoing guidance through periodic telephone calls, emails and newsletters regarding operational methods and marketing strategies once the business is operational. The franchisor maintains a centralized contact center that manages customer service and schedules appointments for all franchisees. Franchisees also benefit from negotiated group rates and supply arrangements for inventory and vehicle leases.
Franchisees are provided with customized business management software for scheduling, job estimating and proposal generation. Use of the franchisor’s proprietary POS System is mandatory and the franchisor requires continuous remote access to this data for benchmarking and management purposes.
Plumbing experience is not required. RooterMan franchisees receive online training to teach them the business model.
Franchisees must ensure the business remains under the full-time supervision of a designated manager who has successfully completed the initial training program. Franchisees must use only authorized products and services while operating exclusively within the protected territory from an approved home or office location . Key administrative obligations include utilizing the centralized contact center for all scheduling, providing the franchisor with continuous remote access to all business data, and submitting weekly and monthly financial reports . Franchisees are also required to maintain specific insurance coverage, offer a mandatory two-year warranty on workmanship and participate in required loyalty programs and regional advertising initiatives.
RooterMan does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. Furthermore, the franchisor does not guarantee a franchisee's note, lease or any other financial obligation.
“I've been involved in several different franchises, from corporate levels to consulting, and I feel that RooterMan has the most to offer for us and our family. I think it's a great opportunity.”
- Peter Allard, Franchise Owner — Tampa Bay, Florida
The American plumbing services sector is expected to reach a valuation of more than $190 billion this year, with a CAGR in excess of 3% over the last five years. Nevertheless, there is a shortage of qualified plumbers in the United States. Growth in the sector is currently being driven by increased demand for smart, water-efficient technology like tankless heaters and smart toilets, necessary repairs for aging infrastructure and steady residential construction.
Overall, the plumbing services sector presents promising opportunities for growth and investment, driven by increasing demand for quality and innovation.
RooterMan stands out in an increasingly crowded American plumbing services space by focusing on tech innovation, transparency and a proven international model tweaked and resonating since 1970. Focusing on guests via long-term protection and warrantied services in a franchised setting helps deliver a somewhat recession-resistant model.
In terms of competition, RooterMan faces several notable players in the plumbing services realm, including Roto-Rooter, Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, Mr. Rooter, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Zoom Drain. However, RooterMan’s reputation, national brand, array of services and focus on the customer set the chain apart in a crowded marketplace.
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