Roto-Rooter Services Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), announced on October 15, 2026, that it has acquired the largest independent Roto-Rooter franchise, a move that significantly expands its company-owned service territory in California. 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. In a separate transaction, Roto-Rooter also acquired a smaller franchise serving Marin County, adding a territory of about 254,000 residents.
The acquisitions bring Roto-Rooter’s company-owned coverage in California close to completion, according to the company. Roto-Rooter already operates service territories encompassing the entire Los Angeles metro area, the San Francisco Bay region, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and part of San Diego County. With the new territories, the company’s company-owned operations now reach approximately 75% of the U.S. population, up from its previous footprint.
For homeowners and businesses in the newly acquired areas, the expansion means access to an ever-growing group of services offered by Roto-Rooter Services Company, including residential and commercial water cleanup, advanced trenchless pipe repair methods, and the company’s familiar 24-hour emergency plumbing and drain cleaning services. The California acquisitions also help Roto-Rooter provide a more consistent suite of services to its national commercial customers that have locations 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.”
The expansion is significant because it extends Roto-Rooter’s reach into some of California’s fastest-growing and most diverse markets, from the Central Valley to the Central Coast. By bringing these territories under company ownership, Roto-Rooter aims to standardize service quality and responsiveness across a broader region. Customers in the acquired California service areas can contact their local Roto-Rooter for information about available plumbing, drain, sewer, and water cleanup services.
The announcement was distributed via NEWMEDIAWIRE.
