In 1933, businessman Samuel L. Blanc invented the first Roto-Rooter sewer cleaning machine from a 1/6 HP Maytag washing machine motor, roller skate wheels and 3/16" cable to turn the blades. The device could cut tree roots out of sewer lines without the need to dig. Samuel's wife, Lettie, named this machine the "Roto-Rooter."
Located on Euclid Avenue in Des Moines, the home where this sewer cleaning machine was invented is still there today. It was originally built as a school house in 1873. In about 1922, Samuel purchased the building and converted it to a home for his family. It remains a private residence today.
But the question remains, did Samuel invent the machine because the house had plumbing problems?
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