What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Rooter-Man Franchise
Considering alternatives to the Rooter-Man franchise for your plumbing business aspirations? Discovering the right fit involves understanding the diverse landscape of franchise opportunities and what truly aligns with your investment goals and operational vision. Explore your options beyond a single brand and find the perfect match for your entrepreneurial journey, perhaps even starting with a robust Rooter-Man Franchise Business Plan Template to benchmark your research.

| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description | 
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers a robust franchise model with a strong emphasis on its 'On-Time Guarantee,' a unique selling proposition that promises customers a $5 per minute rebate if a technician is late. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support through Authority Brands, including dedicated business coaching and intensive training.  | 
| 2 | Z PLUMBERZ | Z PLUMBERZ, a BELFOR Franchise Group company, distinguishes itself with a 'multiple pillars of service' approach, encouraging franchisees to offer a broad range of services beyond traditional plumbing, such as sewer solutions and excavation. The model is designed for recession resistance by cultivating relationships with insurance companies and property managers, ensuring a steady B2B revenue stream.  | 
| 3 | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain | bluefrog Plumbing + Drain provides franchisees with significantly large, protected territories, aiming for a minimum population of 300,000 to foster growth and scalability. The brand actively encourages multi-unit ownership, with a substantial percentage of existing franchisees operating multiple territories, and offers incentives like a 'pioneers' discount for early market entry.  | 
Key Takeaways
- Major drain cleaning franchises like Mr Rooter Plumbing, Roto-Rooter, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing hold over 60% of the franchised market share in the USA and offer robust national marketing support.
 - Emerging brands such as Z PLUMBERZ and bluefrog Plumbing + Drain are gaining traction with more flexible territories, lower initial franchise fees (around $40,000), and targeted niche strategies.
 - Total investment for a plumbing franchise in 2025 ranges from $85,000 to over $350,000, with affordable options under $100,000 available through leasing programs and mobile-only models.
 - Key factors for choosing a plumbing franchise include analyzing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for financial performance, evaluating the franchisor's technology stack, and understanding the protected territory size.
 - Franchisee reviews highlight the importance of brand recognition, quality training, and ongoing support, while negative feedback often points to issues with marketing fund allocation and operational rigidity.
 
What Alternative Rooter-Man Franchise Unit Options Exist?
When exploring drain cleaning franchise opportunities, it’s beneficial to understand the landscape beyond a single brand. Several well-established franchises offer robust support and market presence, making them strong rooter man franchise alternatives.
What are the top drain cleaning franchises?
Several brands consistently rank high for plumbing franchise opportunities. For instance, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Roto-Rooter, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are frequently recognized in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list for 2025. These companies benefit from significant brand recognition and established operational frameworks.
As of early 2025, these leading plumbing franchises collectively hold over 60% of the franchised plumbing and drain cleaning market share in the U.S. They have also seen an average unit growth rate of 3-5% annually since 2023.
For those considering alternatives to RJ Rudderman plumbing franchise, these major players often provide substantial national marketing support. Their annual marketing funds can exceed $5 million, which is a significant factor in generating leads for franchisees.
What are other drain cleaning companies like Rooter-Man?
Beyond the most prominent names, brands like Z PLUMBERZ and bluefrog Plumbing + Drain are emerging as strong contenders. They are carving out market share by focusing on specific customer needs and integrating innovative technology and customer service platforms.
Data from late 2024 indicates that these newer home services franchise brands often offer more flexible or smaller territories. Their initial franchise fees can start around $40,000, which is approximately 15% less than some of the more established competitors.
These drain service franchise alternatives frequently target independent plumbers looking to join a larger network. They often provide incentives, such as a 20-25% discount on the initial franchise fee, for existing businesses that convert.
For aspiring franchisees, understanding the investment is crucial. The initial investment for a franchise like this can range from $45,075 to $82,475, with a franchise fee of $4,975. The royalty fee is typically 6%, and the marketing fee is 1.00%. This makes them potentially more accessible than some higher-tier opportunities.
Tips for Choosing a Plumbing Franchise
- Research Market Saturation: Ensure the territory you are considering has sufficient demand and isn't oversaturated with competitors.
 - Evaluate Support Systems: Look for franchises that offer comprehensive training, ongoing marketing support, and access to technology.
 - Understand the Financials: Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to understand all costs, fees, and potential revenue streams. You can learn more about owner earnings in our article on How Much Does a Rooter-Man Franchise Owner Make?
 - Consider Brand Reputation: A strong brand name can significantly impact lead generation and customer trust.
 - Assess Scalability: Think about your long-term goals. Does the franchise model support multi-unit ownership or expansion into related services?
 
When comparing plumbing franchise investment cost, it's essential to look at the entire package, not just the initial fee. The required cash can range from $45,075 to $82,475, and the net worth requirement can be between $300,000 and $1,000,000. While the median annual revenue per unit is around $178,000, understanding the lowest annual revenue per unit ($20,000) and the highest ($1,200,000) provides a realistic outlook.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
What is the plumbing franchise investment cost?
When considering plumbing franchise opportunities, the total investment can vary significantly. For a major brand in 2025, you can expect the investment to range from $120,500 to $255,800 for a new territory. This comprehensive figure typically covers the initial franchise fee, essential vehicle purchases, specialized equipment, and enough operating capital to cover the first three months.
Are there affordable plumbing franchise options?
Yes, the market offers several more affordable plumbing franchise options, particularly for those new to business ownership or looking for a lower entry point. As of Q1 2025, these mid-tier or budget-friendly plumbing franchise opportunities can have total investments estimated between $85,000 and $175,000. It's worth noting that these figures reflect a modest 5-7% increase from 2023, largely due to rising costs associated with vehicles and advanced diagnostic tools such as hydro-jetters and sewer cameras.
For those seeking even more accessible entry points, some franchise brands are presenting initial investment packages that fall below the $100,000 mark for 2025. This is often achieved through innovative leasing programs for necessary vehicles and equipment. Additionally, alternative franchise models for plumbers, such as mobile-only or home-based operations, can substantially reduce initial capital requirements. By eliminating the need for a commercial office space, these models can save an estimated $30,000 to $50,000 upfront.
Furthermore, many franchise brands are adapting their fee structures to support new owners. As of 2025, you'll find tiered royalty fees becoming more common, with some starting as low as 4-5% of gross sales and scaling up to 7%. This approach offers a more manageable financial burden during the crucial initial 1-2 years of operation.
Tips for Evaluating Plumbing Franchise Investments
- Compare Franchise Fees: Look at the initial franchise fee as a percentage of the total investment. A lower percentage might indicate more of your capital is going towards operational assets. For instance, the provided data shows an initial franchise fee of $4,975, which is a small portion of the overall investment range.
 - Analyze Royalty Structures: Understand how royalties are calculated. A flat fee or a tiered structure that decreases in the early years can be beneficial for cash flow. A royalty fee of 6%, as seen in some data, is a common benchmark.
 - Scrutinize Operating Expenses: Pay close attention to the breakdown of operating expenses, including marketing fees (often around 1.00%), technology fees, and support costs. The Average P&L data shows a high COGS at 92.4%, which is typical for service-based businesses, but a healthy Gross Profit Margin is key.
 
When exploring alternatives to specific brands, such as those in the drain cleaning franchise sector or general home services franchise models, it's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. Understanding the nuances of each opportunity, like the potential for multi-unit operations or specific territory availability, is vital. For those interested in the specifics of launching a particular brand, resources like How to Start a Rooter-Man Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist can provide a foundational understanding of the process, which can then be compared against other plumbing business for sale or drain service franchise options.
How To Choose A Plumbing Franchise?
How do you compare plumbing franchises?
When you're looking into plumbing franchise opportunities, comparing them effectively is key to making a smart investment. In 2025, a crucial step is to thoroughly review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Pay close attention to Item 19, which details financial performance representations. For top-quartile franchisees in leading systems, average unit revenues can exceed $12 million annually, offering a benchmark for potential earnings.
A significant differentiator when deciding between starting a plumbing business versus buying a franchise is the franchisor's technology. Leading franchises in 2025 often provide proprietary CRM and dispatching software designed to boost technician efficiency. This technology can potentially improve efficiency by an estimated 15-20%.
Another vital comparison point is the protected territory size. In 2025, this can range from a population of 75,000 for smaller brands to over 250,000 for more established players. The size of your territory directly impacts your market potential and the volume of leads you can expect.
What do plumbing franchise reviews indicate?
Plumbing franchise reviews from 2024 and early 2025 consistently underscore the importance of brand recognition. Franchisees often report that national branding contributes significantly to inbound customer calls, estimated at around 30-40%.
When seeking a plumbing franchise to invest in, reviews from current franchisees frequently highlight the quality of training and ongoing support as critical factors. Top-rated systems typically offer over 80 hours of initial training and provide dedicated business coaches to assist with operations and growth.
Conversely, negative reviews often point to dissatisfaction with how marketing funds are allocated or rigid operational requirements. This highlights the absolute necessity of conducting thorough due diligence before committing to a franchise. If you're wondering about potential earnings, you can find more details on How Much Does a Rooter-Man Franchise Owner Make?
Tips for Comparing Plumbing Franchises
- Analyze the FDD: Focus on Item 19 for financial performance data.
 - Evaluate Technology: Look for franchisors offering advanced CRM and dispatching software.
 - Assess Territory: Understand the population base and market potential of the protected territory.
 - Read Reviews: Pay attention to feedback on brand recognition, training, and support.
 - Investigate Support: Ensure the franchisor provides comprehensive training and ongoing business coaching.
 
When considering drain cleaning franchise opportunities or other home services franchise options, remember that due diligence is paramount. Looking for rooter man franchise alternatives involves comparing these key metrics across different brands to find the best fit for your investment goals.
Mr Rooter Plumbing
What is the initial investment for Mr Rooter?
For those considering a plumbing franchise opportunity, understanding the initial investment is crucial. As of 2025, opening a Mr Rooter Plumbing franchise typically requires an investment ranging from $83,350 to $225,120. This figure includes a franchise fee of $45,000, which covers the use of the brand name and established business system. The remaining capital is allocated towards essential startup assets such as a branded vehicle, an initial equipment package, and sufficient working capital to cover operations for the first three to six months.
A notable incentive for qualified military veterans is a 15% discount on the franchise fee, available as of late 2024. This can significantly reduce the upfront cash requirement for those who have served.
What are the royalty fees for Mr Rooter?
Royalty fees are a key component of franchise agreements, and Mr Rooter utilizes a tiered structure. Franchisees pay a royalty fee that begins at 7% of gross revenue. This percentage can decrease to 5% as the business achieves higher annual revenue milestones, offering a clear incentive for growth and increased profitability. This structure is designed to reward successful franchisees.
In addition to royalties, franchisees contribute to national marketing efforts. As of 2025, there is a 2% national marketing fee. This fund supports the brand's comprehensive advertising campaigns, which span television, radio, and digital platforms, aiming to enhance brand recognition and drive customer leads to individual franchise locations.
Financial performance data from their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) indicates that the average ticket price for Mr Rooter franchisees was around $450. Royalty payments are directly calculated based on this gross revenue, meaning that as a franchisee's average transaction value increases, so does the revenue generated, from which the royalty is then calculated.
For a more in-depth look at the financial commitments and potential returns of this specific brand, you can explore What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Rooter-Man Franchise?. Understanding these figures is vital when comparing various plumbing franchise opportunities.
Tips for Evaluating Plumbing Franchise Investments
- Analyze the FDD Carefully: Pay close attention to the average revenue per unit and the breakdown of initial investment costs. For example, while one franchise might have a lower initial fee, the total required capital could be higher due to equipment or vehicle mandates.
 - Compare Royalty Structures: Understand how royalty fees are calculated and if they decrease with increased revenue. A sliding scale can be more advantageous for growing businesses than a flat percentage.
 - Factor in Marketing Fees: Consider the effectiveness of the franchisor's marketing efforts and how the marketing fee is utilized. Strong national campaigns can significantly boost local lead generation.
 - Research Market Saturation: Investigate the number of existing franchised units in your desired territory. The 
shows 0 franchised units for the brand in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which may indicate a less saturated market or a newer franchise system compared to others.  - Assess Profitability Potential: Review the Average P&L Table from the FDD. A high Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) percentage, as seen with 92.4%, could impact gross profit margins.
 
| Franchise Metric | Mr Rooter Plumbing (2025 Estimates) | FDD Data (Latest Available) | 
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment Range | $83,350 - $225,120 | $45,075 - $82,475 | 
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $4,975 | 
| Royalty Fee | 5% - 7% | 6% | 
| Marketing Fee | 2% | 1.00% | 
When exploring rooter man franchise alternatives, it's important to consider the financial landscape of different plumbing franchise opportunities. The initial investment for a plumbing business for sale can vary significantly. For instance, while one established brand might have a higher entry cost, another drain cleaning franchise could offer a more accessible financial starting point.
The 
When comparing plumbing franchises, understanding these financial benchmarks is key to making an informed decision about which drain service franchise aligns best with your investment goals and risk tolerance. This due diligence is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike, whether they are looking for affordable plumbing franchise options or the best home repair franchise opportunities.
Roto-Rooter
When considering franchise opportunities in the plumbing and drain cleaning sector, understanding established players like Roto-Rooter is crucial. While the brand offers significant advantages, exploring How Does the Rooter-Man Franchise Work? is just one piece of the puzzle. Many entrepreneurs seek alternatives that might offer different investment structures or operational models.
Roto-Rooter's Franchise Requirements
Roto-Rooter's franchise model is distinctive in that it primarily targets existing, independent plumbing businesses for conversion. This approach means they are not typically selling franchises for new ventures to be built from the ground up. For 2025, the initial franchise fee is stated to be as low as $25,000. However, the total investment is considerably higher because it necessitates the acquisition or conversion of an already operational plumbing business.
Prospective franchisees must meet specific financial criteria, including a minimum net worth of $250,000 and at least $50,000 in liquid capital, according to their 2025 franchise disclosure information.
Roto-Rooter's Brand Recognition
Roto-Rooter commands exceptional brand recognition within the drain service franchise industry. A 2024 market study indicated that their unaided brand awareness among US homeowners exceeds 90%. This widespread recognition, cultivated over nine decades, translates directly into substantial organic lead generation for franchisees. Many franchisees report that a significant portion of their incoming calls are from customers specifically requesting the Roto-Rooter brand, reducing the need for extensive local marketing to build initial awareness compared to newer home services franchise opportunities.
| Key Requirement | Roto-Rooter (2025 Data) | FDD Data (General Plumbing Franchise) | 
| Initial Franchise Fee | Starting at $25,000 (for conversion) | $4,975 - $45,075 | 
| Minimum Net Worth | $250,000 | $300,000 - $1,000,000 | 
| Liquid Capital Required | $50,000 | $45,075 - $82,475 | 
Evaluating Franchise Alternatives
- Research Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs): Always review the FDD for detailed financial performance representations, fee structures, and operational requirements of any franchise you consider.
 - Assess Brand Strength vs. Investment: Weigh the marketing power and established customer base of a brand like Roto-Rooter against the total investment and potential ROI of other plumbing franchise opportunities.
 - Consider Conversion vs. Startup: Decide if you prefer to convert an existing plumbing business or start a new one from scratch, as this significantly impacts the franchise selection process and initial capital needs for drain cleaning franchise options.
 
For those looking for other drain cleaning companies like Roto-Rooter, it's important to compare not just brand recognition but also the overall investment cost and operational support. The provided FDD data for a general plumbing franchise shows an initial investment ranging from $45,075 to $82,475, with a franchise fee between $4,975 and $45,075. Royalty fees are typically 6%, with marketing fees around 1.00%. This offers a different entry point compared to Roto-Rooter's conversion-focused model.
When comparing plumbing franchises, understanding the revenue potential is key. While the median annual revenue per unit for the general plumbing franchise is $178,000, the range is vast, from $20,000 to $1,200,000. Breakeven and investment payback are often projected at 12 months for such opportunities, which is a positive indicator for aspiring franchisees looking for the best plumbing franchise to buy.
Exploring rooter man franchise alternatives means looking at various plumbing business for sale scenarios or new plumbing franchise opportunities. The landscape of home services franchise and drain service franchise models is diverse, offering different pathways for entrepreneurs wanting to start a drain cleaning business without a franchise or to invest in a more established system.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
When exploring rooter man franchise alternatives, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing stands out as a strong contender in the plumbing franchise opportunities sector. Known for its distinctive branding and operational model, it offers a comprehensive package for those looking to enter the home services franchise market.
What is the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise fee?
The investment for a new Benjamin Franklin Plumbing territory, as of June 2025, begins with an initial franchise fee of $43,000. For existing plumbing businesses looking to convert, there's a significant advantage: a conversion program that can reduce this fee by up to 50%, bringing it down to $21,500 for eligible candidates. This fee is your entry into their established systems, branding, and their unique 'On-Time Guarantee.' This guarantee is a powerful marketing tool, promising customers $5 per minute if a technician arrives late, setting a high standard for punctuality and customer service.
What support does Benjamin Franklin offer franchisees?
As part of Authority Brands, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees benefit from extensive support. This includes a dedicated business coach to guide you, and access to a vast network of over 2,000 home services franchise owners. Their marketing support is robust; in 2025, the franchisee-to-corporate marketing spend ratio was approximately 3:1, indicating a strong commitment to amplifying local advertising efforts. Furthermore, new owners undergo an intensive 10-day 'Success Academy' training. This program covers all facets of running the business, from financial management and marketing strategies to the critical areas of technician recruitment and retention.
Tips for Evaluating Plumbing Franchises
- Understand the Support System: Look beyond the initial training. Assess the ongoing coaching, marketing support, and the franchisor's responsiveness to your needs.
 - Analyze the Fee Structure: Compare initial franchise fees, royalty percentages, and marketing fund contributions across different brands. Remember that lower fees don't always mean better value if support is lacking.
 - Review Franchisee Performance: While averages are helpful, investigate the range of revenues and profitability. Talk to existing franchisees to get a realistic picture of day-to-day operations and earning potential.
 
For those considering their options within plumbing franchise opportunities, understanding the nuances of each brand is crucial. While Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers a structured approach with strong brand recognition and support, other rooter man franchise alternatives may present different investment levels and operational focuses. For instance, comparing franchise investment costs is a vital step in due diligence. The FDD data for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing indicates a low initial investment range of $45,075 to $82,475, with an initial franchise fee of $4,975. This is considerably lower than some other home services franchise opportunities, making it an attractive option for those with more modest startup capital. The royalty fee is 6% and the marketing fee is 1.00%. It's important to note that as of 2023, there were 0 franchised units for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing according to the provided FDD data, which is a critical piece of information for potential investors.
| Franchise Fee | Initial Investment Range | Royalty Fee | Marketing Fee | 
|---|---|---|---|
| $43,000 (new territory) / $21,500 (conversion) | $45,075 - $82,475 | 6% | 1.00% | 
When you look at other drain cleaning franchise options or general plumbing business for sale opportunities, it's important to compare these figures. For example, if you were exploring other drain service franchise models, you might find varying fee structures and investment requirements. Researching 'best plumbing franchise to buy' or 'compare plumbing franchises' will reveal a spectrum of choices. Understanding how to choose a plumbing franchise involves looking at the franchisor's experience, the demand for their services in your target market, and the overall return on investment (ROI). The goal is to find a business that aligns with your financial goals and operational capabilities, making it a sound investment for your future.
Z Plumberz
When exploring alternatives to the Rooter-Man franchise, Z PLUMBERZ emerges as a compelling option within the plumbing and drain repair sector. As part of the BELFOR Franchise Group, Z PLUMBERZ distinguishes itself with a strategic approach to service diversification and a robust business model designed for resilience.
How does Z PLUMBERZ differ from other franchises?
Z PLUMBERZ differentiates itself through its 'multiple pillars of service' model. This means franchisees are encouraged to offer a comprehensive suite of services beyond basic plumbing and drain repair, including sewer solutions and excavation. This broad service offering can create more revenue streams and customer touchpoints.
A key differentiator for the 2025 franchise model is its recession-resistant design. Z PLUMBERZ actively builds relationships with insurance companies and property managers. This focus cultivates a consistent business-to-business (B2B) revenue stream, which is estimated to account for approximately 35% of their system-wide sales. This B2B focus provides a stability that many purely residential service franchises may lack.
Furthermore, Z PLUMBERZ places a significant emphasis on career development for its technicians. They offer a structured career path that can lead an apprentice to become a master plumber and even a potential franchise owner. This commitment to internal growth and development is a strong indicator of a supportive franchise system.
What is the investment range for Z PLUMBERZ?
The estimated total investment for a Z PLUMBERZ franchise in 2025 typically falls between $164,650 and $357,300. This range is influenced by factors such as the size of the protected territory and the number of service vehicles you plan to have at launch.
The initial franchise fee is set at $49,950, with a straightforward royalty fee structure of a flat 6% of gross revenue. This contrasts with some competitors who may employ sliding scales for their royalty fees.
According to their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) from 2024, this investment covers a protected territory designed to serve up to 200,000 people, which is a competitive market size in the current landscape for plumbing franchise opportunities.
Tips for Evaluating Plumbing Franchises
- Diversified Revenue Streams: Look for franchises that offer multiple services, like Z PLUMBERZ, to mitigate risk and increase earning potential.
 - B2B Focus: Franchises with established relationships with insurance companies or property managers can provide a more stable revenue base.
 - Technician Development: A franchisor committed to training and career pathing for its technicians often indicates a strong, sustainable business model.
 - Territory Size: Ensure the protected territory is large enough to support your growth goals.
 
When considering plumbing franchise opportunities, understanding the investment and operational differences between brands is crucial. For those looking for alternatives to the Rooter-Man franchise, Z PLUMBERZ offers a model with a broad service scope and a strategy focused on B2B relationships for consistent revenue.
For context on potential earnings, you can explore How Much Does a Rooter-Man Franchise Owner Make?. This can help you compare financial expectations across different plumbing franchise opportunities.
The investment range for Z PLUMBERZ, from $164,650 to $357,300, places it in a different tier compared to some other drain cleaning franchise options. For instance, based on the provided FDD data for a different franchise, the initial investment can range from $45,075 to $82,475, with a significantly lower initial franchise fee of $4,975 and a marketing fee of 1.00%. However, it's important to note the stark difference in reported unit performance; the latter shows a median annual revenue per unit of $178,000 with EBITDA at (3.1%), whereas Z PLUMBERZ's model emphasizes broader service lines and B2B relationships for potentially higher and more stable income.
| Franchise Model Feature | Z PLUMBERZ | Comparative Franchise (based on FDD data) | 
|---|---|---|
| Total Estimated Investment (2025) | $164,650 - $357,300 | $45,075 - $82,475 | 
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,950 | $4,975 | 
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Revenue | 6% of Gross Revenue | 
| Marketing Fee | Not specified (likely part of royalty or separate) | 1.00% | 
| Key Differentiator | Multiple Service Pillars, Strong B2B Relationships | Lower initial cost, simpler structure | 
| Median Annual Revenue per Unit | Not specified in provided data | $178,000 | 
Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain
When exploring rooter man franchise alternatives, understanding the specific advantages of other plumbing franchise opportunities is crucial. One such option that stands out in the drain cleaning franchise sector is bluefrog Plumbing + Drain.
What are bluefrog's territory and growth options?
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain distinguishes itself by offering substantial, protected territories. These territories are defined with a minimum population of 300,000. This is considerably larger than the typical industry average of 150,000-200,000 as of 2025, providing a broader customer base from the outset.
The franchise model is designed with scalability in mind, actively encouraging owners to pursue multi-unit operations. In fact, as of 2024, over 40% of their existing franchisees were operating more than one territory. For those looking to enter new markets, bluefrog offers a 'pioneers' discount on the franchise fee. This incentive is available to the first franchisee to establish a presence in a new state, making it an attractive proposition for early adopters seeking prime market access.
What is the financial performance of bluefrog franchises?
Financial performance indicators for bluefrog Plumbing + Drain are compelling. According to their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Item 19, the average annual gross revenue for a location that had been open for at least 12 months reached $1,007,422. For top performers, the potential is even higher; the top 25% of their franchisees reported an average gross revenue of $1,985,301 during the same period.
The initial investment for a bluefrog franchise in 2025 typically ranges from $128,230 to $373,415. This investment includes a franchise fee of $45,000 and a royalty fee set at 6% of gross sales.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Plumbing Franchise
- Territory Size: Larger territories, like those offered by bluefrog with a minimum of 300,000 population, can offer a greater customer base and reduce competitive density.
 - Multi-Unit Potential: Franchises encouraging multi-unit ownership can provide a clearer path for scaling your investment and increasing overall revenue.
 - Financial Performance: Reviewing Item 19 data from FDDs is crucial. Look for average and top-quartile revenues to understand earning potential.
 
| bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Average Gross Revenue (12+ months) | $1,007,422 (2024 FDD Item 19) | 
| bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Top 25% Gross Revenue | $1,985,301 (2024 FDD Item 19) | 
| bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Initial Investment Range (2025) | $128,230 - $373,415 | 
| bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Franchise Fee | $45,000 | 
| bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales | 
When comparing plumbing business for sale options or exploring drain service franchise models, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain presents a strong case for those seeking significant market share and growth opportunities within the home services franchise sector. For those interested in understanding the earning potential of a similar franchise, you can explore How Much Does a Rooter-Man Franchise Owner Make?