Roto-Rooter, the Cincinnati-based plumbing and water cleanup service, is celebrating 90 years of operation, a milestone highlighted by a feature in the Cincinnati Enquirer. The company has grown from a single patented drain-cleaning solution invented by Samuel Blanc in 1935 to a nearly $1 billion organization providing comprehensive emergency plumbing services across the United States.
The Enquirer article details Roto-Rooter's strategic growth, noting that revenue has more than doubled in the last ten years, from less than $400 million in 2014 to over $900 million in 2024. This growth reflects the company's shift from conventional drain cleaning to full-service plumbing and water cleanup. According to Spencer Lee, CEO of Roto-Rooter, the achievement is a testament to the dedication of employees, and the company is enthusiastic about the future.
Key to this growth has been reacquiring franchises and broadening service offerings. Today, Roto-Rooter provides a full suite of plumbing and drain solutions, including hydro jetting, sewer repair and replacement, trenchless repairs, water damage cleanup, and water filtration systems. With over 6,000 employees nationwide, including more than 200 in Greater Cincinnati, the company has expanded its service reach while maintaining quality and community engagement.
The Enquirer also highlighted Roto-Rooter's relevance in addressing contemporary plumbing issues, such as the problems caused by flushable wipes on aging sewer systems, and its community initiative that rescues pets trapped in pipes using specialized equipment. As a subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), Roto-Rooter now accounts for over one-third of its parent company's annual revenue of $2.4 billion. The headquarters in downtown Cincinnati serves as the central hub for nationwide operations, blending traditional expertise with modern technology.
For more information about Roto-Rooter's services, visit their website at www.roto-rooter.com or use their location finder to connect with local professionals.
