If you have plans to start your plumbing franchise in 2023 but can’t decide which option is best, this article is for you.
In this post, we’ll share the top 10 best plumbing franchise opportunities to buy in the United States.
Plumbing services are needed in nearly every part of a home, businesses, restaurants, schools, hospitals, you name it, which only multiplies the essential nature of this business.
Regardless of the economic ups and downs, pandemics or recessions, pipes are still going to burst, drains are still going to clog, water heaters are going to malfunction, and plumbers are the only people to tackle these issues that arise daily.
The plumbing industry in the United States was valued at $126.5 billion in 2022 and projects to increase further in 2023, presenting a potential opportunity for the industry.
Even during the pandemic, plumbers were able to continue their services, being recognized as an “essential service,” while many other businesses and industries suffered losses.
In recent years, franchising has become a popular way to enter the industry, as it offers the benefits of a proven business model, marketing and branding support, training, and ongoing support.
Here are the ten best plumbing franchise opportunities to invest in the United States in 2023.
Let’s take a dig!
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10 Best Plumbing Franchise Opportunities
Here are the 10 best plumbing opportunities in the United States that offer exciting advantages for franchisees:
1. Rooter-Man Franchise
| Founded | 1970 |
| Franchising Since | 1981 |
| Estimated Outlets | 743 |
| Initial Investment | $46,750-$137,600 |
| Franchise Fees | $3,975-$39,750 |
| Liquidity | $10,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Varies |
Rooter-Man is the top choice of Americans when it comes to professional plumbing and drain sewer cleaning services.
Founded in 1970, Rooter-Man has established itself as a national brand with over 50 years of experience in the industry with millions of satisfied customers.
Owning a Rooter-Man franchise will be an appreciating investment you can not only expand but also sell in the future with higher profit margins.
As a franchisee, you will get access to extensive initial training and a variety of ongoing support options, including a locally optimized web system and proven marketing and advertising programs to help you set up a successful franchise and generate profitable leads in your territory.
2. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise
| Founded | 2000 |
| Franchising Since | 2001 |
| Estimated Outlets | 256 |
| Initial Investment | $133,880-$311,530 |
| Franchise Fees | $43,000 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is another well-established name in the plumbing industry founded in 1984.
The company provides an ever-expanding variety of plumbing services to residential and commercial customers, and their dedication to providing quality services to clients makes them one of the most trusted household names in the country. The franchise generates an average revenue of $400,000 per year.
Entrepreneurs should consider investing in the Benjamin Franklin plumbing franchises due to its comprehensive training and support program, including the success of its propriety software, marketing and advertising support, ongoing training and support from a dedicated franchise consultant, and the ability to attend national and regional training events to help franchisees reach new customers and build their businesses.
3. Mr. Rooter Franchise
| Founded | 1968 |
| Franchising Since | 1972 |
| Estimated Outlets | 238 |
| Initial Investment | $79,975-$187,140 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $76,775-$180,195 |
| Royalty Fees | 5-7% |
Mr. Rooter is a well-established plumbing franchise that offers an impressive range of plumbing services, including residential and commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, and sewer pipe cleaning.
The company boasts more than 400 locations worldwide and generates average revenue of $300,000 per year.
Mr. Rooter offers to help franchisees pursue a business in the plumbing industry and meet their financial goals.
As a Mr. Rooter franchisee, you will get unrivaled benefits like national brand recognition, comprehensive training, marketing and advertising support, and access to the company’s propriety software.
The franchisor also offers ongoing support, including regular visits from a dedicated franchise consultant, access to an online support center, and the ability to attend regional and national training events.
4. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service Franchise
| Founded | 1935 |
| Franchising Since | 1935 |
| Estimated Outlets | 485 |
| Initial Investment | $84,920-$225,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $25,000 |
| Liquidity | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Varies |
Roto-Rooter is a long-standing plumbing franchise with more than 85 years of experience in the industry.
Founded in 1935, they offer a broad range of premiere repair and maintenance services to homeowners and businesses in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.
Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches and franchised territories and generates average revenue of $450,000 per year.
The franchisor offers comprehensive training and support programs, including marketing and advertising support, ongoing support, and access to the company’s propriety software.
Owning a Roto-Rooter franchise is a great opportunity for anyone ready to make a splash in the plumbing industry.
5. Ace DuraFlo Systems Franchise
| Founded | 1999 |
| Franchising Since | 2001 |
| Estimated Outlets | 33 |
| Initial Investment | $41,515-$420,075 |
| Franchise Fees | $19,900-$24,900 |
| Liquidity | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 8% |
Ace DuraFlo System is another renowned name famous for its in-place pipe restoration technology that doesn’t require the destruction of foundations, walls, and ceilings.
The company has been providing hi-tech permeant plumbing solutions for pipe corrosion to the building and homeowners since 1999.
ACE DuraFlo system is certified and recognized for its permanent and destruction-free solutions to pipe corrosion.
ACE DuraFlo Systems is looking for franchisees worldwide dedicated to serving their clients and commercializing a proven and permanent solution to pipe corrosion.
Franchisees can benefit from the successes and best practices of the company, along with their training and support programs that enable your business to flourish.
6. Bluefrog Franchise
| Founded | 2013 |
| Franchising Since | 2014 |
| Estimated Outlets | 19 |
| Initial Investment | $132,790-318,980 |
| Franchise Fees | $54,900-$84,900 |
| Liquidity | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 4-6% |
Being one the most affordable yet affordable plumbing franchise opportunities in the United States, Bluefog is certainly worth considering.
Founded in 2013, Bluefrog offers an extensive range of residential and commercial plumbing services.
Investors should consider investing in a Bluefrog franchise because of its local focus, comprehensive training program, and franchise model designed to get your endeavor off the ground and running.
Currently, the company has 11 franchise enterprises with their corporate head office in the United States and offers a variety of ongoing support programs for interested franchisees.
Being a Bluefrog franchisee, you will get to leverage their proven business model, training, and operational and powerful marketing support to manage your team and assets effectively and build a successful business in no time.
7. 1-800-Plumber + Air Franchise
| Founded | 1983 |
| Franchising Since | 2017 |
| Estimated Outlets | 8 |
| Initial Investment | $105,995-$241,395 |
| Franchise Fees | $17,960-$44,900 |
| Liquidity | $70,000-$120,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
1-800-Plumber+Air is not just like any other franchise opportunity, as it offers a combination of plumbing and HVAC franchise opportunities in the United States and a chance to own a profitable business in the maintenance industry.
Founded in 1983, the company has also been ranked among the Top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s
As a franchisee, you’ll be offered a wide range of support, from selecting the best territory to pre-opening training to support increasing brand awareness, marketing your business, and recruiting the best staff.
You may also receive ongoing support to thrive faster in an already crowded and competitive industry.
8. Z Plumber Franchise
| Founded | 2019 |
| Franchising Since | 2019 |
| Estimated Outlets | 8 |
| Initial Investment | $129,830-$342,210 |
| Franchise Fees | $17,960-$44,900 |
| Liquidity | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 8% |
Z Plumber is one of the relatively new but promising franchise opportunities in the plumbing industry.
Established in 2019, Z Plumber has a trustworthy team of plumbing professionals and provides solutions for a wide range of plumbing, drains, and sewer problems throughout the United States.
As a part of one of the leading franchise groups in restoration and home services, BELFOR, Z Plumber strives to help aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners by providing them with opportunities for continued growth.
Owning a Z Plumber franchise is a rewarding investment as they provide various forms of support, including a world-class training program, marketing and professional branding, staff support, access to industry connections, and much more to support franchisees and help them learn, grow and expand their lines of the service.
9. Michael & Sons Services Franchise
| Founded | 1976 |
| Franchising Since | 2010 |
| Estimated Outlets | 12 |
| Initial Investment | $171,000-$402,200 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $80,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
Michael & Sons is a family-owned and operated plumbing company that has been providing the best home services in the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and duct cleaning industries since 1976.
The goal of the company is to bring quality home service franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs nationwide to join one of the most reputable names in the plumbing industry.
As a Michael & Sons franchisee, you’ll get to choose from 4 different divisions of the franchise, electrical plumbing, duct cleaning, and HVAC or all of them.
The franchisor also offers initial training, corporate and financial support access to their company’s specific software program, and marketing support to help you solve business-related issues, handle day-to-day business operations effectively and make a profit under a reputable brand name.
10. Delta Restoration Services Franchise
| Founded | 2006 |
| Franchising Since | 2010 |
| Estimated Outlets | 30+ |
| Initial Investment | $116,075-$257,375 |
| Franchise Fees | $45,000 |
| Liquidity | $60,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5-7% |
Delta Restoration Services occupies the spot as one of the most highly respected full-service restoration franchise brands.
Founded in 2006, the franchise has grown to more than 30 locations across the country and enabling franchisees by helping them thrive and succeed in this booming industry.
Delta Restoration Services is seeking franchise partners from all walks of life to grow their team and deliver the best experience to the customers.
If you think your business goals align with their core values, opening a Delta Restoration Services franchise may be a solid idea for you.
When Should You Choose A Plumbing Franchise?
The right time to buy a plumbing franchise is when you have considered all the advantages and disadvantages associated with buying it.
Here are some pros and cons you should consider, which will help in making the decision.
Pros
1. Brand Recognition
The very first advantage of buying a plumbing franchise is well-established brand recognition.
A well-established plumbing franchise will have a loyal customer base and excellent brand recognition, which will reduce your cost of marketing and advertising.
2. Training Program
Many franchises also provide training to the employees recruited at every location. This helps franchisees more to operate their franchise even more effectively.
3. Purchasing Power
If you are thinking of buying a franchise with a big name, then the most important advantage they bring is their increased buying power.
These franchises will buy large amounts of equipment and inventory needed on behalf of their franchisees which you can obtain for reduced costs.
Cons
1. Franchise Rules
One of the cons of buying a franchise is following the rules and regulations of the franchisor. So, if you are a creative person, then you will need to share your ideas and opinion but wait for approval from the franchise brand.
2. High Startup Cost
If you are thinking of buying a big brand, then the initial cost and other costs required to buy the franchise will be higher as compared to a small plumbing franchise.
3. Contractual Obligations
When you buy a plumbing franchise, you’ll need to sign an agreement, but it becomes a problem when you break any of the points mentioned in the contracts.
Or even when you no longer want to be in the business, you’ll find that the process of closing up is more challenging.
Things You Need To Know Before Choosing A Plumbing Franchise
Here are a few prerequisites that every investor should look for before investing in a plumbing franchise:
1. In-Depth Research
The first important thing to do is do in-depth research about the franchise brand. Do as much research as possible and know everything about the franchise brand you are getting into.
Research the company’s reputation and any legal disputes it has.
2. The Cost
Knowing about the cost associated with buying a franchise brand is crucial. This includes franchise fees, initial investment, royalty fees, and any other fees that may be required by the franchise.
3. Types of Work
Another essential aspect to know is the type of work you’ll be doing as a franchisee.
For instance, some franchises may require you to handle routine plumbing work like repairing leaks or installations and etc., while with some franchises, you’ll be required to do special tasks like sewer cleaning, etc.
4. Rules And Regulations
Look for the rules and regulations of the franchise brand before getting into any agreement with them. When in doubt, reach out to your legal advisor and verify everything on the contract.
Make sure the terms and conditions match your preference.
5. Profit
You might also want to check for the profit and revenue the franchise brand is making. As ultimately, the goal of buying a plumbing franchise is to earn profit and revenue.
Comparison of Top 5 Plumbing Franchise Opportunities
| Company | Rooter-Man | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing | Mr. Rooter | Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service | Ace DuraFlo Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1970 | 2000 | 1968 | 1935 | 1999 |
| Outlets | 743 | 256 | 238 | 485 | 33 |
| Franchise Fee | $3,975-$39,750 | $43,000 | $40,000 | $25,000 | $19,900-$24,900 |
| Initial Investment | $70,980-$159,885 | $133,880-$311,530 | $79,975-$187,140 | $84,920-$225,000 | $41,515-$420,075 |
| Royalty Fee | Varies | 6% | 5-7% | Varies | 8% |
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a plumbing franchise is a great opportunity for individuals looking for a stable and profitable business investment.
With a large number of aging homes, new construction, and modernizations, there will always be a need for skilled plumbers, and starting a plumbing franchise can be a great investment for several reasons.
A plumbing franchise often has an established brand reputation in the market and a proven business model, which can help attract customers, increase brand awareness, and ensure a greater level of stability compared to starting a new business from scratch.
Choosing from one of the best plumbing franchise opportunities listed above offers tons of benefits to the franchisees, such as access to their software, marketing materials, supply chains, and branding support to help you grow your business and handle the challenges associated with starting a new business.
FAQ
Is Plumbing Franchise Profitable In 2023?
In general, the plumbing industry has a strong demand considering their importance in the household and businesses.
If you have a prior experience in the plumbing industry, and a strong network of contacts, owning a plumbing franchise in 2023 could be a good opportunity for you.
However, it is essential to conduct some research to determine if your goals and resources align with the franchise you want to buy, understand the specific conditions in your area and do a realistic assessment of your ability to successfully run the business.
How Much Does A Plumbing Franchise Owner Make?
The income of a plumbing franchise owner depends on different factors such as location, size, brand recognition, the type of services offered, and the owner’s level of experience and management skills.
The income can be lower or higher depending on the specific circumstances of your business.
According to industry sources, the average annual revenue for a plumbing franchise can range from$150,000 to $500,000, and the profit margin can range from 10% to 20% of revenue.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Investing In A Plumbing Franchise?
Plumbing is one of those industries which offer a lower level of risk compared to starting a new business, as the franchisor has already worked out many of the kinks and challenges associated with starting a new business.
However, it does come with certain risks, including market saturation, high dependence on the franchisor, high cost of entry, and ongoing royalty fees, which can significantly reduce the overall profitability of your business.
How Much Does Plumbing Franchise Cost?
The cost of a plumbing franchise varies from company to company. According to the research, the cost of a plumbing franchise ranges between $70,980– $420,075.
What Is The Plumbing Franchise Profit Margin?
Each plumbing franchise business operates differently and may see varied profits too. However, the estimated profit margin for the plumbing franchise is around 30-40%.
Which Is The Cheapest Plumbing Franchise?
According to the above-mentioned data, the cheapest plumbing franchise is Rooter-Man. It has the lowest franchise fees which range from $3,975-$39,750, and has an initial investment of $70,980-$159,885.
Amit Gupta is an experienced expert in digital marketing and co-founder of DrFranchises. With more than 11 years of knowledge in franchise digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing, Amit has helped many brands achieve incredible success online. As a passionate entrepreneur and owner of 7 franchises, he continues to study franchise models, looking at costs, revenue, and profitability to guide brands toward profitable growth. When he’s not working on digital marketing, Amit enjoys spending time playing with his beloved dog.