The Story Behind the Name
In 1933, Samuel Blanc sought to create a device that would cut tree roots out of sewer lines without having to dig. Using a combination of special blades, a washing machine motor, roller skate wheels and some 3/8” cable, he produced a sewer cleaning machine that worked very well despite its funny-looking design. His wife, Lettie, christened the prototype the “Roto-Rooter.”
Sam’s invention became the world’s first electro-mechanical drain cleaning machine and ended the common practice of digging up streets and gardens to inspect or remove obstructions in drainage pipes. It turned what was once a back-breaking, time-consuming job into a simple and quick procedure.
In 1935, Sam founded the company Roto-Rooter, and in 1980, the Blanc family sold it to Cincinnati-based Chemed Corporation. Today, Roto-Rooter is the largest provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services in North America.
No. 1 in the U.S.
Roto-Rooter now serves approximately 90% of the U.S. population and 55% of Canada.
Beyond that, Roto-Rooter continues to grow, offering an ever-expanding variety of repair and maintenance services to both homeowners and businesses worldwide. Master independent franchise operations have been established in Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
In the Philippines since 1997
Roto-Rooter Philippines, a division of KKC Services, Inc., is a Master Franchisee of Roto-Rooter Corp. (U.S.). It has been in operation since 1997, providing plumbing, drain cleaning, and emergency services to thousands of satisfied customers. Roto-Rooter Philippines today serves all the leading malls, department stores, fast food centers, industrial buildings, corporate offices nationwide, as well as residents of Metro Manila. It has highly-trained, well-equipped personnel who use only our original Roto-Rooter equipment and bio-augmentation products from the USA. For Roto-Rooter, no job is too big or too small. We’re always happy to help with all your plumbing needs!
