Roto-Rooter Services Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), announced it has acquired the largest independent Roto-Rooter franchise, a move that significantly expands its California service coverage. The acquired franchise serves approximately 11 million people across Northern San Diego, Palm Springs, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Fresno, Monterey, Stockton, Modesto, Manteca, and Sacramento. Additionally, Roto-Rooter acquired a smaller franchise serving Marin County, covering roughly 254,000 residents.
This expansion matters because it brings Roto-Rooter’s company-owned coverage in California close to completion, extending its reach to approximately 75% of the U.S. population. For homeowners and businesses in these newly acquired territories, the acquisition means access to an ever-expanding suite of services, including residential and commercial water cleanup, advanced trenchless pipe repair methods, and the familiar 24-hour emergency plumbing and drain cleaning services. The move also benefits national commercial customers with locations across the country by providing a more consistent service experience from coast to coast.
“California customers rely on fast, local service when plumbing and water cleanup emergencies happen. This expansion strengthens Roto-Rooter’s ability to serve more homeowners and businesses with the responsiveness, experience, and reliability they expect from our brand,” said Paul Abrams, Director of Public Relations at Roto-Rooter Services Company. “Roto-Rooter’s strength has always been combining experienced local service teams with the resources and quality standards of a national brand. As we grow in California, the goal is to make it easier for customers to get trusted help when and where they need it,” Abrams added. “Expanding our presence helps us better support our customers across a wider mix of residential, commercial, coastal, inland, and fast-growing communities.”
For residents and business owners in the affected areas, the practical impact is immediate: they can now contact their local Roto-Rooter to schedule plumbing, drain, sewer, and water cleanup services. The expansion also signals Roto-Rooter’s confidence in California’s housing and commercial markets, particularly in fast-growing inland communities like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento. As the company continues to consolidate its franchise network, customers can expect greater consistency in service quality and availability. The acquisition was announced via NEWMEDIAWIRE on October 15, 2026.
Roto-Rooter Services Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, provides plumbing and drain cleaning services for residential and commercial customers through its network of local service operations across the United States and Canada. This latest acquisition underscores its strategy of combining local expertise with national resources to meet the needs of a growing customer base.
