Roto-Rooter Celebrates 90 Years of Service and Growth

CINCINNATI, OH – Recently, the Cincinnati Enquirer featured Roto-Rooter, the renowned plumbing and water restoration company that is marking its 90th anniversary, emphasizing the firm’s remarkable growth and its deep-seated connections to the Queen City. The article illustrates how this downtown Cincinnati-based business has transformed from a single innovative drain-cleaning solution into a nearly $1 billion organization offering extensive emergency plumbing services throughout the country.

Enquirer Feature Highlights Strategic Growth

Established in 1935 by Samuel Blanc with his groundbreaking root-cutting device, Roto-Rooter has seen its revenue more than double over the last ten years, increasing from less than $400 million in 2014 to over $900 million in 2024. This impressive growth is a testament to the company’s strategic shift from traditional drain cleaning to becoming a comprehensive plumbing and water restoration authority.

“Celebrating 90 years is a reflection of the hard work of our dedicated employees. We take immense pride in our history and are enthusiastic about what lies ahead,” stated Spencer Lee, CEO of Roto-Rooter, in his comments to the Enquirer.

Service Diversification Fuels Revenue Increase

The company’s growth approach has involved reacquiring franchises across the nation and broadening its service offerings. Today, Roto-Rooter delivers a wide array of plumbing and drain solutions, including hydro jetting, sewer repair and replacement, trenchless repairs, water damage restoration services, and water filtration systems. With a workforce of over 6,000 nationwide, including more than 200 in the Greater Cincinnati region, the company has effectively expanded its service reach while upholding its dedication to quality and community engagement.

The Enquirer article also underscored Roto-Rooter’s ongoing importance in tackling contemporary plumbing issues, from the effects of “flushable” wipes on aging sewer infrastructures to the company’s unique community initiative that offers free pet rescues from pipes and drains utilizing their specialized equipment.

As a subsidiary of the publicly traded Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), Roto-Rooter now accounts for over one-third of its parent company’s $2.4 billion annual revenue. The firm’s headquarters in downtown Cincinnati acts as the central hub for national operations, merging traditional expertise with modern plumbing services and technology.

For additional details about Roto-Rooter’s extensive plumbing and water restoration services, visit www.roto-rooter.com or utilize their location finder to connect with local plumbing professionals.