Does Roto-Rooter do background checks?

Yes. Roto-Rooter runs a pre-employment background check that includes criminal history, and for driving roles it also checks your motor vehicle record.

Does Roto-Rooter drug test?

Yes. Roto-Rooter typically requires a pre-employment urine drug screen after a conditional offer, and DOT-regulated driving positions follow federal drug-testing rules.

Do you need a clean driving record to work at Roto-Rooter?

For field roles you drive a company vehicle, so a workable driving record matters. Non-driving jobs such as call center, warehouse, or support may be more accessible if your record is a concern.

How many locations does Roto-Rooter have?

Roto-Rooter has roughly 120 company-owned locations plus more than 400 independent franchises across the U.S. and Canada, employing around 6,000 to 7,000 people.

Does Roto-Rooter Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Roto-Rooter is an equal opportunity employer that runs criminal, driving, and drug screens but reviews records individually. Non-violent records are often workable, especially for non-driving roles.

Roto-Rooter does hire some people with felony records. It is North America's largest plumbing and water-cleanup provider, with roughly 120 company-owned locations plus 400-plus independent franchises and about 6,000 to 7,000 employees, including around 3,000 service technicians. Roto-Rooter states it is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants with records to apply. Candidates typically pass a pre-employment background check (criminal history plus, for driving roles, a motor vehicle record) and a urine drug screen after a conditional offer. Because most field roles require driving a company vehicle, a workable driving record matters as much as the criminal check for those positions. Common openings include plumbers, drain-cleaning technicians, water-restoration technicians, field service reps, and call-center staff. Franchise locations set their own standards, so outcomes vary by market. Theft-related or recent convictions may draw closer scrutiny, but many branches hire people with non-violent records who can pass the drug test and do the physical work.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Drain Cleaning Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal + driving record	Entry-level field role. Company vehicle, so driving record matters. Strong training path.
Water Restoration Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal + driving record	Water cleanup and mitigation. Physical work; enters customer homes.
Licensed Plumber / Apprentice	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal + driving record	Licensing rules vary by state; some states restrict certain convictions.
Customer Service / Call Center	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	No driving required. Often more accessible for those with driving issues.
Warehouse / Support	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Behind-the-scenes support roles. Non-customer-facing options exist.

Roto-Rooter Hiring Practices

Roto-Rooter runs both company-owned branches and independent franchises, and it publicly describes itself as an equal opportunity employer. Applicants generally complete a background check that includes criminal history and, for any role behind the wheel, a motor vehicle record. A pre-employment urine drug screen is standard after a conditional offer, and DOT-regulated driving positions carry federal testing rules. Because so many field jobs put you in a marked company truck entering customers' homes, both the criminal check and the driving record influence the decision. There is no published blanket ban on felonies, and employee reports indicate the company has hired people with records. Theft-related convictions and very recent offenses tend to get more scrutiny given the in-home nature of the work.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply directly at rotorooter.com/careers and, if driving is a barrier, target call-center, warehouse, or support roles that do not require a company vehicle. Skilled trades pay well, so if you have any plumbing, HVAC, construction, or restoration experience, lead with it. Be ready for a background check and drug screen, and disclose prescriptions before testing to avoid false positives. If you can honestly explain a record and show steady work history, that goes a long way in a face-to-face interview. Franchise locations hire independently, so if one branch passes, apply to another nearby. Reliability, a clean drug test, and a willingness to train are what field managers value most.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at rotorooter.com/careers and consider both company-owned branches and nearby franchises.
2.If your driving record is a barrier, target call-center, warehouse, or support roles that do not require driving.
3.Lead with any plumbing, HVAC, construction, or restoration experience — skilled trades are in demand.
4.Expect a criminal background check plus a drug screen; disclose prescriptions in advance.
5.Be honest about your record in the interview and emphasize reliability and training readiness.
6.Franchise branches hire independently, so apply to more than one location if the first says no.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Roto-Rooter hire felons?: Roto-Rooter hires some people with felony records. It calls itself an equal opportunity employer and reviews records individually rather than applying a blanket ban, though results vary by branch and franchise.
Does Roto-Rooter do background checks?: Yes. Roto-Rooter runs a pre-employment background check that includes criminal history, and for driving roles it also checks your motor vehicle record.
Does Roto-Rooter drug test?: Yes. Roto-Rooter typically requires a pre-employment urine drug screen after a conditional offer, and DOT-regulated driving positions follow federal drug-testing rules.
Do you need a clean driving record to work at Roto-Rooter?: For field roles you drive a company vehicle, so a workable driving record matters. Non-driving jobs such as call center, warehouse, or support may be more accessible if your record is a concern.
How many locations does Roto-Rooter have?: Roto-Rooter has roughly 120 company-owned locations plus more than 400 independent franchises across the U.S. and Canada, employing around 6,000 to 7,000 people.

Take Action — Direct Links

Roto-Rooter Careers
Search plumbing, drain, restoration, and support jobs at Roto-Rooter locations.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).