Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Services

Company Overview

Back in 1933, Samuel Blanc developed an unusual sewer cleaning apparatus using a 1/6 HP Maytag washing machine motor, wheels from roller skates, and a 3/8-inch cable to drive the blades. It featured a set of specialized blades or “cutting tools” to cut through tree roots obstructing sewer pipes. There was no need for digging. In the subsequent year, Sam's wife named the prototype “Roto-Rooter.”

Inaugurated in 1935, the Roto-Rooter brand is now the leading provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services across North America. In the year 1980, the Blanc family sold Roto-Rooter to the Cincinnati-based a corporation named Chemed, resulting in the move of Roto-Rooter’s main office to the city of Cincinnati. By 1986, the company was separated into a publicly traded entity, while Chemed retaining majority ownership. During August 1996, the company returned to being a wholly owned subsidiary as Chemed repurchased all shares that were outstanding.

The company offers an ever-increasing range of repair and maintenance services for homeowners and commercial clients. We strive to be the top provider for maintenance and repair services. As we have always done, we will keep listening to our customers and enhancing our service options to meet and exceed their expectations as they evolve.

Roto-Rooter functions in over 100 company-owned branches as well as independent contractor areas with nearly 500 franchise operations, serving about 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.