10 Top Plumbing Franchise Opportunities to Consider

What is a Franchise and How Does it Work?

A franchise is a contractual business model where an investor, or franchisee, pays to do business under the franchisor’s trademarked brand name and business operating system.

A franchisee typically pays an initial franchise fee and ongoing payments, called royalty fees. The structure for royalty fees depends on the franchise, but could be a fixed percentage or dollar amount, or a sliding percentage based on gross sales.

In return for these fees, the franchisor provides benefits from its national brand, including ongoing support, training, and advertising and marketing support.Below, we provide a starting point for entrepreneurs interested in owning a plumbing franchise.

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10 Top Plumbing Franchise Opportunities

The number of home services franchise options may seem daunting, but business owners looking for the best plumbing franchise systems should perform research to understand the initial investment, franchise locations, and whether the plumbing company brand is the right fit.

Franchise #1: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, an Authority Brands company, is a home service franchisor headquartered in Columbia, Md. Franchising since 2001, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was included in the Franchise Top 200+ for three years running.

Ideal candidates for a new franchise include licensed plumbers who want to start their own business, owners of successful plumbing businesses seeking growth, owners of home service companies wanting to diversify, and investors or entrepreneurs looking to invest in essential home services.

To convert an existing business, it costs franchisees between $25,761 to $130,171, and between $91,123 to $201,233 to start a new company, according to company information.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise owners receive 24/7 support, complete marketing solutions, industry-leading training, proven business technology, and significant buying power to set competitive prices, according to the company. Another benefit includes a peer-to-peer network with other business owners in the same industry.

Franchise #2: Zoom Drain

Zoom Drain franchises offer residential and commercial sewer and drain cleaning services, including commercial drain maintenance services. Unlike a general plumbing company, its specialized services fill an underserved niche in the market, according to the company.

Zoom Drain, headquartered in Norristown, Pa., seeks franchisees possessing management experience, leadership and organizational skills, and a focus on customer service. 

Franchise business owners must have a net worth of $300,000 and $100,000 liquidity. On average, startup costs range from $208,475 to $252,969, but vary depending on your experience, whether you own an existing business, and cost of living in your marketing area, according to the company.

Among other benefits, franchisees receive expert training and support, and operational systems and processes that allow for scalable growth, according to franchisee testimonials.

Franchise #3: Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company, is the second-largest full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company in the U.S., with more than 230 franchises in U.S. and Canada, according to the company.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers comprehensive commercial and residential services, including plumbing repairs and installation, sewer line repair and replacement, drain cleaning services, and emergency plumbing services.

Franchisees should possess $50,000 available liquid capital and have a minimum net worth of $250,000. Total estimated initial investment is $80,600 to $191,140, which depends on several factors, according to company information.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing sets itself apart with 50 years of experience, service-focused technology, and advanced and specialized equipment like trenchless sewer line replacement technology. Franchisees also benefit from continuous training, marketing development and support, longevity strategies, and a flexible lifestyle.

Franchise #4: Roto-Rooter

Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is the largest provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services in North America, according to the company. The company has a network of more than 600 franchisees and affiliates in the U.S. and globally.

Roto-Rooter provides plumbing repair and sewer drain cleaning services to homeowners, businesses, and municipalities. The company also provides water damage restoration services and emergency plumbing services. 

Those interested in learning more about starting an independent Roto-Rooter franchise may email the company to obtain more information.

Franchise #5: Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain

Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain offers commercial and residential plumbing and drain services, including emergency plumbing services and gas leak detection repair.

Potential Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees must possess a minimum liquid capital of $45,000 to open a new business. The total investment to open a Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise ranges from $127,130 to $370,915, according to the company.

Franchisees benefit from a straightforward business model that is quick to scale, according to the company. They also benefit from in-person and online training, mentorship, financial coaching, ongoing digital marketing support, staffing assistance to hire the right plumbers, and a membership-based model that generates more scheduled work.

Franchise #6: 1-800-Plumber +Air

1-800-Plumber +Air offers plumbing and HVACfranchise opportunities. The company, headquartered in Pearland, Texas, states it has experienced rapid growth.

Ideal franchise candidates should desire to become better and learn every day, aim to exceed customer expectations, provide superior service, seek a team-friendly environment, and possess a “do whatever it takes” mentality, according to the company.

Franchisees must have $75,000 liquid capital and $100,000 net worth. Start-up costs range from $100,495 to $246,395, according to the company. The majority of the current franchisees own multiple territories in order to expand their service area in the future.

Benefits of the franchise include training and support in operations, software, marketing, accounting, hiring, onboarding, and technician training.

Franchise #7: Z PLUMBERZ

Z Plumerz is part of the BELFOR Franchise Group, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Z Plumberz provides plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning services.

Those interested in owning a Z Plumberz franchise need a required minimum liquid capital of $50,000 to open a new business. The initial investment for starting a standard Z Plumberz franchise is $195,730 to $377,050, and $101,320 to $352,050 to convert an existing business to the franchise.

Franchisee benefits include business strategies based on experience, a turnkey business model, a 24/7 customer service call center, marketing guidance and support, support in hiring and retaining talent, and business and technical training.

Franchise #8: Rooter-Man

Rooter-Man, part of Premium Service Brands, provides residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning services. The company, based in Billerica, Mass., has more than 50 years of experience and was ranked No. 1 Plumbing Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for 18 years, according to the company.

Initial investment requirements for a Rooter-Man franchise are between $45,075 to $82,475, according to the company. The initial investment includes vehicle expenses, insurance, business licensing, grand opening advertising, office supplies, and equipment, among other expenses.

Franchisee benefits include low overhead, discounts and partnerships, a national call center, proprietary business management software, one-on-one coaching, ongoing support, and sales, marketing, and leadership training.

Franchise #9: ACE DuraFlo Systems

Ace DuraFlo, based in Santa Ana, Calif., began in the 1990s to develop and commercialize a permanent solution to pipe corrosion. Its ePIPE system offers in-place pipe restoration technology as an alternative to repiping.

Ace DuraFlo franchises allow businesses to offer pipe restoration services for corroded and leaking pressurized piping systems to residential, commercial, industrial, and government properties. Plumbing companies interested in a franchise may contact the company for more information.

Franchise #10: Order a Plumber

Order a Plumber offers plumbing service, repair, and bathroom remodeling. Based in Islip, N.Y., the business began in 2007, and franchise ownership opportunities started in 2021.

Those interested in owning an Order a Plumber franchise will have a startup investment of $83,600 to $140,500, according to the company. Franchises offer plumbing repair and installation services, such as pipe repair and installation, and includes domestic water piping, sanitary piping, natural gas piping, drain cleaning, hydronic piping, gas distribution piping, and fixture installation.

Franchisee training covers daily operations, call center support policies, technology and systems, advertising and local marketing tactics, and business and financial management.

Buying a Franchise Plumbing Business

If you want to join an existing business structure, buying a plumbing franchise may be the right move to take you to the next level.

Benefits of buying an established franchise include:

• Brand name recognition

• Stability in an established business

• Support in training and marketing

In the plumbing business, buying a franchise may be a way to create a salable asset for the future, but it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages. Choosing to build an independent business or join a franchise must be a decision that aligns with your goals. 

Some choose plumbing franchise opportunities because they still own their own business, but enjoy the benefit of tried-and-true processes already in place.

If you own a master franchise, such as with Roto-Rooter, you get the opportunity to sub-franchise and know no direct competitors can start up in your territory.

If you do decide to buy a plumber franchise, do your research so you fully understand the process.

Before you invest in any franchise, obtain a copy of the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document.

Potential franchisees must receive that document at least 14 days before you are asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor.

Steps to buying a franchise include:

• Application

• Interview

• Franchise agreement

• Financing

• Training

Franchisors are very selective of their franchisees, because they seek a good fit and an applicant that meets their requirements. Different businesses establish different startup requirements.

To find plumbing franchise opportunities for sale, research companies of interest. 

Franchises offer contact information for franchising opportunities, or prospective franchisees can fill out an online form so a franchise development manager can contact them directly.

Tips on How to Grow a Plumbing Business

While growing a successful plumbing business doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach, you can take steps to ensure your business runs efficiently and profitably. We’ll highlight a few key ways below.

• Hire the right people: No matter if you seek office staff or plumbers, hiring the wrong people can make or break your business. Your employees engage with your customers on a daily basis. Hire people with the right attitudes, values, and skills, so you provide quality service to your customers.

• Invest in technology: ServiceTitan plumbing software streamlines your operations and gives you deeper insight so you can better grow your business. All-in-one plumbing software automates your scheduling, dispatching, billing, and marketing, so you can optimize operations, improve customer service, and boost revenue.

• Keep track of your finances: Know where you stand on every job, at any moment, with ServiceTitan job costing software. Get real-time insight into detailed job costs so you can make proactive decisions and maximize profitability on every plumbing job.

• Provide options to your customers: Provide customers tiered options to increase plumbing sales in the field. ServiceTitan Pricebook Pro ensures that your techs show customers the right upgrades and recommendations in a professional, low-pressure way. Plus, it ensures that you accurately price plumbing estimates to keep jobs profitable and moving forward.

• Focus on providing a great customer experience: Improve your customer communication to provide an outstanding customer experience. Use ServiceTitan customer experience software to text customers appointment reminders and tech bios and photos, so they know who is coming to their home. You can even provide customers technician tracking so they know exactly when the tech will arrive.

Whether you seek to start or expand your plumbing business, implement effective business practices so you can achieve your goals and grow.

Now Over to You

ServiceTitan helps you grow your plumbing business by giving you the tools to efficiently manage every aspect of your business. Want to see how? Schedule a demo today.