Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 30, 2026
Roto-Rooter Celebrates 90 Years: From Drain Cleaner to $1B Plumbing Giant
TLDR
- Roto-Rooter's strategic expansion from drain cleaning to full-service plumbing has doubled revenue to $900 million, offering a competitive edge in the emergency services market.
- Roto-Rooter grew from a single patented device in 1935 to a $900 million company by reacquiring franchises and diversifying into comprehensive plumbing and water cleanup services.
- Roto-Rooter's 90-year legacy and community initiatives, like free pet rescues, demonstrate a commitment to improving lives through reliable plumbing and water cleanup services.
- Roto-Rooter uses specialized equipment for free pet rescues from pipes, blending traditional expertise with modern solutions for contemporary plumbing challenges.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because Roto-Rooter's 90-year journey demonstrates how traditional service businesses can adapt and thrive in modern markets through strategic diversification and community engagement. For consumers, it highlights the importance of reliable emergency plumbing services that have evolved to handle contemporary issues like water damage restoration and sewer system challenges. The company's growth from $400 million to nearly $1 billion in a decade shows economic resilience and job creation, particularly in the Greater Cincinnati region where it employs over 200 people. As aging infrastructure becomes a nationwide concern, Roto-Rooter's expertise in trenchless repairs and water cleanup becomes increasingly valuable for homeowners and municipalities alike. Their community initiatives, like free pet rescues, also set a standard for corporate social responsibility in the service industry.
Summary
Roto-Rooter, the Cincinnati-based plumbing and water cleanup service, is celebrating a remarkable 90-year milestone, having evolved from a single patented drain-cleaning solution into a nearly $1 billion organization. Founded in 1935 by Samuel Blanc with an innovative root-cutting device, the company has more than doubled its revenue in the last decade, growing from less than $400 million in 2014 to over $900 million in 2024. This growth is attributed to a strategic shift from conventional drain cleaning to offering a full suite of emergency plumbing services and water damage restoration, including hydro jetting, sewer repair, trenchless repairs, and water filtration systems.
The company's expansion strategy involved reacquiring franchises nationwide and diversifying its service offerings, now employing over 6,000 people across the United States, including more than 200 in the Greater Cincinnati area. As a subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), Roto-Rooter contributes over one-third of its parent company's $2.4 billion annual revenue. CEO Spencer Lee emphasized the dedication of employees as key to this longevity, stating, "Achieving 90 years is a reflection of the dedication of our hardworking employees. We take great pride in our history and are enthusiastic about what lies ahead."
Beyond financial success, Roto-Rooter maintains strong community ties through initiatives like free pet rescues from pipes using specialized equipment and addressing modern challenges such as "flushable" wipes impacting aging sewer systems. The company's headquarters in downtown Cincinnati serves as the central hub for nationwide operations, blending traditional expertise with contemporary technology. For those seeking comprehensive plumbing and water cleanup solutions, visiting www.roto-rooter.com provides access to their extensive services and local professionals.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Press Services. Read the original source here, Roto-Rooter Celebrates 90 Years: From Drain Cleaner to $1B Plumbing Giant
