Cincinnati’s Roto-Rooter Celebrates 90 Years of Innovation

CINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Enquirer has recently featured Roto-Rooter, the renowned plumbing and water cleanup service provider that is celebrating 90 years of dedicated service. The article highlights the company’s impressive growth and its strong ties to the Queen City. The feature explores how the Cincinnati-based firm has transformed from a single patented drain-cleaning invention into a nearly $1 billion enterprise offering extensive emergency plumbing services nationwide.

Enquirer Feature Highlights Strategic Growth

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

“Reaching the milestone of 90 years is a reflection of the dedication of our committed employees. We take immense pride in our legacy and are enthusiastic about what lies ahead,” stated Spencer Lee, CEO of Roto-Rooter, in a comment to the Enquirer.

Service Diversification Fuels Revenue Increase

The company’s growth approach has involved reacquiring franchises across the country and broadening its range of services. Currently, Roto-Rooter offers a full suite of plumbing and drain solutions, including hydro jetting, sewer repair and replacement, trenchless repairs, water damage cleanup services, and water filtration systems. With a workforce of over 6,000 employees nationwide, including more than 200 in the Greater Cincinnati region, the company has effectively expanded its service reach while upholding its commitment to quality and community involvement.

The Enquirer article also underscored Roto-Rooter’s ongoing significance in tackling contemporary plumbing issues, from the effects of “flushable” wipes on aging sewer systems to the company’s unique community service of rescuing pets from pipes and drains at no charge, 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 annual revenue of $2.4 billion. The company’s headquarters in downtown Cincinnati acts as the central hub for nationwide operations, seamlessly integrating traditional expertise with modern plumbing services and technology.

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