When it comes to operating a plumbing and drain cleaning business as a franchise or staying independent, there are good arguments on both sides.

Franchises offer business-building benefits such as marketing support, budget guidance, and a broad network of fellow franchisees to lean on for advice and assistance. Independents, on the other hand, value the freedom to operate the way they want to. In the end, there is no right or wrong. But being in business for yourself can be tough and even tougher if you try to go it alone. 

Franchising can be a strong alternative. With the right company you can get both the benefits of owning your own business and the support of a larger business entity that can help you along the way.

Here are seven aweseome plumbing and drain cleaning franchise opportunites to consider: 

1-800-PLUMBER

The 1-800-PLUMBER system provides franchisees with simple business tools and ongoing support. The business model takes the sales, marketing and administrative legwork out of the business so that franchise owners can spend more time hiring and training the best technicians.

The system provides a memorable phone number and corresponding website designed to create top-of-mind awareness with customers. A central sales and dispatch center supports all franchisees, taking incoming calls and dispatching the job to the closest franchise, relieving owners of answering the phones, booking and scheduling jobs, and the related administrative processes.

Marketing systems provide tools, systems and support to grow and market their businesses. Franchisees receive business tools and support including a one-week startup training program, a comprehensive operations manual, business planning and budgeting tools, key metrics reporting and benchmarking, sales and marketing planning and support, and human resources tools for hiring, training and retaining technicians. 800/758-6237; www.1800plumber.com.

A Corp/Rooter-Man

For eight consecutive years, Entrepreneur magazine has named Rooter-Man the No. 1 plumbing and drain cleaning franchise in the nation.

As the core of its support system, Rooter-Man provides franchisees with a series of 11 comprehensive how-to manuals. They include an employee handbook containing policies and procedures, all necessary business forms, a management guidebook, instructions on creating sound human resources policies, a service technician training manual, a marketing guidebook, a training manual for phone operators, dispatcher training, a guide to developing service standards, an operations manual covering all facets of the business, and an advertising guidebook. 866/577-1221; www.rooterman.com.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was the first plumbing service company to make a guarantee that, “If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay.” The company’s unique selling proposition is presented in an easy and memorable rhythm that customers remember on hearing only a few times.

Franchisees benefit from partnerships with a large network of business groups that provide business support, including the BuyMax business-to-business Internet buying site for the residential service industry, and SuccessWare21 business management software, available to users around the clock.

The company offers a strategic business system that delivers daily, monthly and annual training modules for owners and employees. Offerings include Success Academy training for technicians and other professionals, Clockwork University for training in every aspect of the plumbing industry, and the Gearing Up 101 four-day introduction to franchise operations.

Operating Excellence manuals guide owners through the entire operation of running a business, and annual events provide opportunities to network and brainstorm with other franchisees through hands-on classes and business sessions. 877/236-2899; www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com.

Mr. Rooter Corporation

Founded in 1974, the Mr. Rooter plumbing and drain cleaning organization has more than 300 franchise locations in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Branded services include BioChoice ES Green Drain Cleaner and HydroScrub Pipe and Drain Cleaning. The company offers discounts and rebates on all items franchisees need to operate, including insurance, vehicles, supplies and parts.

Every part of the business has a system built to maximize results. A franchise combines the benefits of a local business with the strength of a national brand name. Owners get comprehensive training and ongoing support from a Franchise Coach. Franchisees also receive local and national marketing support and the opportunity to network and share information and ideas with other owners. Regional and national training meetings are held frequently. 866/696-1504; www.mrrooter.com.

Roto-Rooter

In business since 1935, Roto-Rooter provides plumbing repair and sewer and drain cleaning services to homeowners, businesses and cities. The company has a network of more than 600 locations and affiliates in the United States and throughout the world.

Roto-Rooter independent contractors enjoy the best of both worlds: running their own business while getting support from a large national company with a well-known brand name and reputation.

Territories are owned by Roto-Rooter, and the management of the territory is contracted out. There are about 60 locations within North America, located in smaller to mid-major markets.

The contractor keeps the sales and pays a royalty fee together with an equipment lease amount to Roto-Rooter. The contractor's annual income ranges from 8 to 10 percent of customer sales, and the average market creaties about $1 million in revenue. Roto-Rooter provides the marketing, equipment, telephone lines, computer system/processes, brand identity items, and a consultation staff that includes operational, administrative and financial support. Independent contractor locations are available. 800/780-3292; www.roto-rooter.com.

1-800-Got-Roots

1-800-Got-Roots provides a wide range of pipe maintenance services that include root removal and treatment, drain cleaning, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and trenchless rehabilitation.

The company serves customers through local service providers who receive exclusive territories. All calls to the national toll-free number from a provider’s service area ring directly to that company’s phone number. For providers with multiple locations, calls can be routed to the closest office based on customer location. Contractors receive a detailed report with date, time, duration, caller’s phone number, city and state for each call routed to a given location.

Members also benefit from a central consumer website, also used to direct customers to the local contractor. 847/746-4646; www.gotroots.com.

bluefrog Plumbing + Drain

After launching in February 2014, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain has opened 21 new stores in 11 different states in its first year of operation. The goal according to Vice President of Operations Jeff Moody is to have 100 franchises around the country by 2018.

The current roster of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise partners is composed of franchisees in related industries, as well as independent plumbers who are looking to apply the proven system with a viable exit strategy.

Territories are awarded through bluefrog's Mutual Evalulation Process. The cost of each territory is different due to population and other considerations. There are discounts for existing drain cleaning businesses, military veterans and more. The franchise offers financing options up to 70 percent of the franchise fee with a five-year term to pay off the balance. Other benefits include a built-in preferred vendor network.

The bluefrog franchise is part of Home Brands Group, an owner of remodeling franchise operations Re-Bath and 5 Day Kitchens. 844/260-3764; www.bluefrogfranchise.com.