Plumbing emergencies do not wait for business hours, and that constant demand is exactly what makes Mr. Rooter Plumbing a durable opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to own a service-based business with staying power. Backed by more than five decades in the trade and the operational muscle of Neighborly, this is a brand built on recurring need rather than passing trends.
Franchise · B2C Services
Mr. Rooter Plumbing Franchise
A 50-year-old plumbing brand backed by Neighborly, with 240+ locations and a proven service model.
$42,500
franchise fee
USD 153k – 299kk
investment
256
U.S. locations
How much does a Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise cost?
Franchise fee
Amount paid when signing the contract
$42,500
Total investment
Estimated total budget for the opening
$152,900 – $298,675
Ongoing royalty
7%
Advertising royalty
2%
Locations in the U.S.
256
Figures declared by the franchisor — sources and verification date at the bottom of the page.
What it's about
- Founded
- 1970
- Units in the market
- 256
- Locations
- 240
- Type of business
- Residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning services
- Company
- Mr. Rooter SPV LLC (Neighborly)
Fact sheet
The right questions before you start
Why plumbers and business owners are drawn to this network
Mr. Rooter has earned recognition on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list and Franchise Times' Top 200 and Top 400 rankings, signaling consistent performance within the home-services category. The network currently includes roughly 240 to 256 locations across North America, with a historical footprint that has also extended internationally through master franchise arrangements. For candidates, the appeal lies in joining an operating system that has already solved many of the back-office and marketing challenges that make independent plumbing businesses hard to scale.
Who makes a strong Mr. Rooter franchise owner
One of the more approachable aspects of this opportunity is that a plumbing license or trade background is not a prerequisite. The company has stated that while many owners come from the plumbing industry, a growing share arrive from unrelated business backgrounds and build their teams around licensed technicians. What matters more is an aptitude for managing people, operations, and customer relationships, along with the capital and drive to grow a local service territory. Veterans receive a 20 percent discount on the minimum initial franchise fee through the VetFran program, reflecting the brand's interest in disciplined, mission-driven operators.
Investment, fees, and ongoing costs to budget for
According to the franchisor's official investment page, total investment ranges from approximately $152,900 to $298,675, which includes an initial franchise fee of $42,500. A separate press source citing a prior disclosure document reported a slightly lower range of about $122,303 to $263,800, with the same $42,500 franchise fee, reflecting differences between FDD editions rather than a change in the core cost structure. Additional disclosed costs include a software enrollment fee of around $1,250 and vehicle costs ranging from roughly $20,220 to $69,300. On the royalty side, Mr. Rooter franchisees pay a license fee of 5 to 7 percent of gross sales, plus a marketing and advertising fee of about 2 percent, with local marketing group contributions capped at roughly 3 percent. Required square footage for an office or dispatch facility is not publicly disclosed, consistent with a field-based service model rather than a retail format.
How much does it cost to open a Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise?
Based on the franchisor's official investment disclosure, total investment ranges from approximately $152,900 to $298,675, which includes a $42,500 initial franchise fee. A prior disclosure document cited a slightly different range of about $122,303 to $263,800 with the same franchise fee, reflecting updates between FDD editions rather than a cost increase.
Do I need plumbing experience to become a Mr. Rooter franchisee?
No, prior plumbing experience is not strictly required. The company notes that while many owners have industry backgrounds, a growing number come from entirely different fields and build their business by hiring licensed technicians and managing operations, marketing, and customer service.
What ongoing fees does Mr. Rooter charge franchisees?
Franchisees pay a license fee of 5 to 7 percent of gross sales, plus a marketing and advertising fee of around 2 percent, with additional local marketing group contributions capped at roughly 3 percent in some cases. These fees fund national brand support and local advertising efforts.
How many Mr. Rooter locations are there in the United States and Canada?
Recent figures place the network at approximately 240 to 256 locations across North America, according to the franchisor and industry press. Historically the brand has also had a presence in other countries through master franchise arrangements, though current figures outside North America were not confirmed in available sources.
What support does Mr. Rooter provide to new franchise owners?
Franchisees gain access to proprietary technology for streamlining operations, ongoing marketing support at the national and local level, and purchasing advantages through the ProTradeNet network, all backed by the resources of parent company Neighborly. Specific training program details were not fully detailed in available public sources, so prospective candidates should request this information directly.
Sources and data verification
The figures on this page come from the following sources:
The first step is the brochure
We'll send it to you, with the franchisor's official information document. Free and with no obligation.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Free and with no obligation.
Do you run this brand?
We publish your profile, receive candidates and pass them on to you. Tell us who you are and let's talk about growing your network in the US.
With the same budget, also worth a look
More opportunities in the category B2C Services
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Investment $152,900 to $298,675, including a $42,500 initial franchise fee