A Bit of Roto-Rooter History

Friday, September 4, 2009 by Ray & Lee, Master Plumbers
In the late 1920s, Samuel Oscar Blanc (1883-1964) was motivated by a stubborn clogged drain in his son, Milton's apartment (Des Moines, Iowa) to seek a better solution. By 1933, Samuel and Milton Blanc were able to fashion a sewer-cleaning machine.

This new and innovative machine was constructed from a washing machine motor, roller skate wheels and a 3/8" steel cable. The cable rotated sharp blades to cut tree roots out of sewer lines, which ultimately eliminated the need to dig. Blanc's wife, Lettie, dubbed the invention, a heavy-duty plumber's snake, the "Roto-Rooter."

From this point on, Roto-Rooter then began to guarantee results without having to dig up lawns to reach underground sewer pipes. This method was more efficient and cost effective and is still used today to clear roots, grease and scum from plumbing pipes, without pipe replacement. It is now one of our most common plumbing services and we continue to build off of Blanc's ambition.

If you would like more information, feel free to visit our Web site or contact 1-800-GET-ROTO for plumbing service calls.
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