Median uses the low end of each brand's reviewed Item 7 total in its latest FDD — the cheapest disclosed scenario, not a typical cost. Not a ranking or recommendation.
Plumbing brands (11)
1 Tom PlumberItem 7: $238,307 – $454,248 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 56 outlets
1-800-PlumberItem 7: $179,210 – $483,800 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 61 outlets
Benjamin Franklin PlumbingItem 7: $143,273 – $286,702 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 409 outlets
BlueFrog Plumbing and DrainItem 7: $15,346 – $345,648 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 43 outlets
CULLIGANItem 7: $130,000 – $815,601 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 550 outlets
Mr. RooterItem 7: $152,900 – $298,675 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 240 outlets
Plumbing ParamedicsItem 7: $95,935 – $193,260 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 15 outlets
RootermanItem 7: $45,075 – $82,475 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 517 outlets
Roto-RooterItem 7: $123,110 – $281,550 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 448 outlets
Tank RangersItem 7: $23,280 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 33 outlets
Zoom DrainItem 7: $266,250 – $672,000 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 165 outlets
Plumbing matchups
- 1-800-Plumber vs 1 Tom Plumber
- 1-800-Plumber vs Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
- 1 Tom Plumber vs Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
- 1 Tom Plumber vs BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain
- Benjamin Franklin Plumbing vs BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain
- Benjamin Franklin Plumbing vs CULLIGAN
- BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain vs CULLIGAN
- BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain vs Mr. Rooter
- CULLIGAN vs Mr. Rooter
- CULLIGAN vs Plumbing Paramedics
- Mr. Rooter vs Plumbing Paramedics
- Mr. Rooter vs Rooterman
Plumbing franchise benchmarks
- How much does it cost to open a plumbing franchise?
- Across 11 published plumbing brands with a reviewed Item 7 total, the median low end of the estimated initial investment is $130,000, and low ends run from $15,346 to $266,250 (2026 FDDs). The low end is each franchisor's cheapest disclosed scenario, not a typical cost; the median is a Franopolis calculation.
- Which plumbing franchises have the lowest disclosed startup cost?
- By the low end of the reviewed Item 7 estimate: BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain ($15,346–$345,648, 2026 FDD); Tank Rangers ($23,280, 2026 FDD); Rooterman ($45,075–$82,475, 2026 FDD). This orders disclosed estimates only; it is not a ranking or recommendation.
- How many plumbing franchisors disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- 7 of 11 published plumbing brands (64%) have reviewed Item 19 financial performance figures on file. A brand without them on Franopolis may still disclose them in an FDD we have not reviewed.
- Which plumbing franchises have the most locations?
- By total outlets in reviewed Item 20 tables: CULLIGAN (550); Rooterman (517); Roto-Rooter (448). Outlet counts do not indicate territory availability or franchisee results.
Calculated by Franopolis from published brands' reviewed figures. Not a ranking or recommendation.