48 years of South African drainage.
We invented the electric drain-cleaner in 1935. We've been doing it in South Africa since 1976. Two cities, seven days a week, fixed-price quotes, and a CCTV recording with every job.
From Iowa 1935 to Edenvale today.
- 1935
Roto Rooter is born
Samuel Oscar Blanc invents the first electric drain-cleaning machine in Iowa, USA — a coiled cable that snakes through pipes, cuts roots, and clears blockages without digging. The brand is born.
- 1976
South African branch established
Roto Rooter opens in South Africa, bringing world-class drain-cleaning equipment and methodology to a market that hasn't seen anything like it.
- 2020
New management
A renewed leadership team takes over with a focus on service quality, fixed-price honesty, and same-day response. Investment in fleet, training, and accreditation accelerates.
- 2021
CCTV in every van
Every Roto Rooter vehicle is fitted with a CCTV inspection unit. From now on, every job is verified on camera — clients can see exactly what was done.
- Today
48 years strong
Two cities, seven days a week, fixed-price service, IOPSA + PIRB accredited technicians. South Africa's drain experts — and we still answer the phone ourselves.
Trained, registered, insured.
Institute of Plumbing SA
IOPSA membership means our work meets the South African plumbing standard, audited annually. The accreditation a homeowner can verify.
Plumbing Industry Registration Board
PIRB plumbers are licensed to issue Certificates of Compliance. If your insurance or transfer attorney needs paperwork, we can sign it.
Public liability cover
Every Roto Rooter team carries public liability insurance. If something goes wrong, you're not paying for it.
Patented gear. CCTV in every van.
Three things we won't compromise on: equipment, training, and verification.
Electro-mechanical drain machines
Patented coiled-cable equipment that cuts through roots, grease, and scale without damaging the pipe. Refined over 90 years.
CCTV pipe inspection
Every van carries a colour CCTV unit. We inspect before and after — you see exactly what was wrong and exactly what was done.
High-pressure water jetters
Industrial-grade water jetting for blockages mechanical methods can't shift. Especially effective on commercial drains.