Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$123,730 - $327,040
Franchise Fee
$31,050
Min Cash Required
$50,000
Total US Locations
46
Business Summary
1-800-Plumber businesses specialize in providing plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) products and services to residential and commercial customers. The businesses operate under the 1-800-Plumber brand and utilize its proprietary system for operations, including business methods, operating procedures, and marketing programs. Franchisees offer services directly at customer sites, using approved vans and managing operations from an approved office.
Corporate History
1-800-Plumber, LLC was originally formed as a Texas limited liability company in March 2015. The company acquired assets and techniques from an unaffiliated predecessor, 1-800-Plumber, Inc., which had offered similar plumbing and HVAC franchises from 2009 to 2012. The current 1-800-Plumber, LLC began offering its own franchises in January 2017. The family history of the brand traces back to D.M. Collins Plumbing, established in 1983 by Dennis Collins, the father of 1-800-Plumber's current President. This family plumbing business became a franchisee of the predecessor in 2010 and later transitioned into an affiliated company-owned operation, 1-800-Plumber of Pearland, in 2018.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$123,730 - $327,040
Franchise Fee (Low)
$31,050
Franchise Fee (High)
$54,500
Minimum Cash Required
$50,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$26,850
Equipment Costs (High)
$81,200
Working Capital
$75,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition, as noted in the FDD's Special Risks section, raises concerns about 1-800-Plumber's ability to provide services and support to franchisees. This indicates potential financial challenges for the company.
Financing Details
1-800-Plumber does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own loans, leases, or other financial obligations, and 1-800-Plumber does not guarantee any of these.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
46
Franchised Units
44
Corporate Units
2
Avg Square Footage
1,575
Franchising Since
2017
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
1-800-Plumber has no litigation required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
1-800-Plumber has no bankruptcy history required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their 1-800-Plumber franchise, franchisees must provide notice between 120 and 180 days before their current agreement expires. They must be in full compliance with their current Franchise Agreement, including being current on all payments. Franchisees must also meet the current standards for new 1-800-Plumber franchisees and update their business and operations to conform to the then-current Operations Manual. Finally, they are required to pay a successor franchise fee and sign a Successor Franchise Rider, which includes a general release of claims against 1-800-Plumber.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
1-800-Plumber provides extensive assistance to its franchisees both before and after opening. Pre-opening support includes designating the service area, providing standards for purchasing or leasing and equipping the office and vans, granting access to proprietary software, email, and intranet systems, furnishing an inventory list, and conducting initial training for the managing principal, general manager, and assistants. 1-800-Plumber also loans the Operations Manual and assists with the Market Penetration Strategy. Ongoing assistance involves providing advice and consultation on publicity and promotions, making staff accessible for operational questions, conducting reviews and consultations at the franchisee's location, offering updates to the Operations Manual, and disclosing new trade secrets. Franchisees are invited to attend mandatory conventions, seminars, and other events (at their own expense). 1-800-Plumber also makes marketing manuals, advertising designs, and budgeting templates available, researches new products and services, provides access to a centralized call center, and may recommend suggested prices for products and services.
Initial Training Hours
40
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Pearland, Texas
Ongoing Support
After opening, 1-800-Plumber provides ongoing advice and assistance for publicity and promotions. Its staff is accessible for consultations via phone, fax, written communication, and email regarding operational questions. 1-800-Plumber may visit franchisee offices or service areas to conduct reviews and ensure compliance with system standards. Franchisees receive any additions or supplements to the Operations Manual and are informed of new trade secrets. 1-800-Plumber also invites franchisees to mandatory conventions, seminars, and franchisee-oriented functions, for which franchisees cover their own expenses. Additional training programs may be offered, potentially for a fee. Franchisees have access to marketing manuals, advertising designs, and budgeting templates. Furthermore, 1-800-Plumber provides access to its proprietary software and upgrades, an internet site for customers, and an intranet site for franchisees. The company researches new products, services, and business methods, and offers access to a centralized call center. 1-800-Plumber may also recommend suggested prices for products and services.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
1-800-Plumber seeks franchisees who will appoint a dedicated Managing Principal or General Manager to oversee all aspects of the business for at least 40 hours per week. This individual must be approved by the franchisor, meet their established standards, and hold the necessary plumbing and/or HVAC licenses for their service area. While personal participation from an individual franchisee is recommended, it is not strictly required if a qualified General Manager is employed. The franchise also requires at least one experienced Customer Service Representative (CSR) to handle customer inquiries and job bookings. Any other business ventures operated by the franchisee must be complementary and non-competing with the 1-800-Plumber business.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Min Years Experience
1
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
4
Territory Size Requirements
1-800-Plumber franchise territories, known as Service Areas, are defined by specific geographical boundaries such as zip codes, street, city, county, or state lines. Each Service Area has a maximum population of 300,000 people.
Staffing Notes
1-800-Plumber businesses require a Managing Principal (who is a controlling owner) or a General Manager. This individual, along with any Assistants, must attend and complete the initial training program and must satisfy applicable plumbing and/or HVAC licensing requirements for the service area. Franchisees are also required to hire or engage at least one experienced Customer Service Representative (CSR) within 90 days of signing the agreement to handle calls, book jobs, and other office duties. The business is estimated to initially have a minimum of two revenue-producing technicians.