Roto-Rooter Services Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), has acquired the largest independent Roto-Rooter franchise, adding approximately 11 million people to its California service territory. The acquired franchise covers Northern San Diego, Palm Springs, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Fresno, Monterey, Stockton, Modesto, Manteca, and Sacramento. Separately, Roto-Rooter acquired a smaller franchise serving Marin County, home to about 254,000 people.
The move significantly expands Roto-Rooter's company-owned footprint in California. It already operates in the entire Los Angeles metro area, the San Francisco Bay region, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and part of San Diego County. With these acquisitions, the company's company-owned coverage in California is close to completion and now reaches approximately 75% of the U.S. population. That scale matters because it gives more homeowners and businesses access to services including residential and commercial water cleanup, advanced trenchless pipe repair, and 24-hour emergency plumbing and drain cleaning.
The expansion also strengthens Roto-Rooter's ability to serve national commercial customers with locations across the country, offering a more consistent suite of services. "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.
Abrams added that the company's strength lies in combining experienced local 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," he said. "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 businesses in the newly acquired areas, the practical effect is greater access to a familiar brand for urgent and routine plumbing needs. Customers can contact their local Roto-Rooter for information about available plumbing, drain, sewer, and water cleanup services. The expansion is part of Roto-Rooter Services Company's broader growth strategy, as the Cincinnati-based company continues to extend its reach through its network of local service operations across the United States and Canada.
