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PIPE DREAMS: Roto-Rooter - A Legacy of Innovation in Plumbing

Welcome to another edition of PIPE DREAMS, where we dive into fascinating plumbing facts and news. Today, we're spotlighting Roto-Rooter, a company that has been at the forefront of plumbing innovation for nearly a century.

Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter revolutionized the plumbing industry with the invention of the world's first electric sewer cleaning machine. This groundbreaking device could remove roots and clogs from underground sewer pipes without the need for excavation, setting a new standard in plumbing efficiency.

Even after its patent expired in 1955, Roto-Rooter has maintained its position as the largest and most recognized sewer and drain service company globally. With over 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Roto-Rooter serves virtually every American community with a population of at least 20,000 people, making it the only truly national plumbing repair and drain services company.

But Roto-Rooter's reach extends beyond North America. The company has expanded internationally with master franchise operations in Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, solidifying its global presence.

Here are some impressive facts about Roto-Rooter:

• The company employs nearly 4,000 people at company-owned locations, with about 3,000 of these being service technicians.

• Including independent franchise operations, the entire Roto-Rooter system employs approximately 7,000 people in North America.

• Annual sales exceed $700 million across company-owned and franchise locations.

• Roto-Rooter's customer base is diverse, with about two-thirds of its service catering to residential customers and one-third to commercial clients.

• Interestingly, 52% of incoming service calls are from women, highlighting the company's broad appeal.

In 2010, Roto-Rooter demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by introducing the ROTOGreen plumbing program. This initiative promotes water conservation by offering customers the latest water-saving plumbing parts and fixtures.

Keeping up with the digital age, Roto-Rooter maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, allowing them to engage directly with customers and share valuable plumbing tips and information.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation, Roto-Rooter continues to grow and innovate. Chemed is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CHE, reflecting the financial strength and stability of the Roto-Rooter brand.

From its humble beginnings with a single innovative machine to its current status as a plumbing industry leader, Roto-Rooter's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, quality service, and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of plumbing.

Stay tuned to PIPE DREAMS for more fascinating plumbing news and interesting facts!

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