BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchise unit economics
BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees run businesses that sell dispatched plumbing, drain cleaning, leak detection and water heater service jobs in one or more Market Territories.
BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchise at a glance
In its 2026 FDD BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain reports 2025 invoiced gross revenue per franchisee, with separate averages and medians for franchisees with one territory and franchisees with two or more.
BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees with one territory averaged $747,841 in 2025, with a median of $330,789, according to Item 19 of BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain’s 2026 FDD, issued 30 April 2026. Item 19 covers 10 BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees operating 27 of 43 franchised territories, open all of 2025.
- A BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain standard franchise costs $144,498 to $345,648 to open, including an initial franchise fee of $59,900 to $67,400, according to the brand’s 2026 FDD.
- BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain charges a 6% royalty and a 2% brand fund contribution, each with a monthly minimum, plus a $399 monthly technology fee per territory and a $299 monthly digital marketing fee.
- BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees with one territory averaged $747,841 in 2025, with a median of $330,789; one of the four reached the average.
- BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchisees with two or more territories averaged $1,641,060 in 2025 across 23 territories, or $428,103 a territory*.
- On Averan’s reading, BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain’s recurring charges come to 9.12% of revenue at the one-territory average*.
- BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain had 43 franchised territories and no company-owned territories at the end of 2025, up from 35 at the start of 2023.
These figures come from BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, as the brand reported them, and were read by Averan Advisors. The 23 territories, the $428,103 per territory and the 9.12% fee share are Averan calculations.
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Talk to Averan → Averan BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain Conversion Package →- Item 19 reports revenue by franchisee, not by territory. Most franchisees with several territories do not report each territory separately, so the FDD splits franchisees by the number of territories they operate. 10 franchisees operating 27 territories reported a full 2025.
- One one-territory franchisee reported $2,112,162, and the other three averaged $293,067*. The four averaged $747,841 and the median was $330,789, so the average was 2.26 times the median*. One of the four reached the average.
- The six franchisees with two or more territories averaged $428,103 a territory*. They averaged $1,641,060 across 23 territories, 3.83 each*. Three of the six reached their group average, and the group median of $1,738,144 was above its average.
- From the 13th month, the royalty is at least $1,500 a month and the brand fund contribution at least $450 a month. The 6% royalty is below the minimum when annual revenue is under $300,000*, and the 2% contribution under $270,000*. At the lowest reported revenue of $217,625, the two minimums equal 8.27% and 2.48% of revenue*.
- Franchised territories went from 35 to 42, then to 35, then to 43 between the start of 2023 and the end of 2025. 28 territories opened and 21 were terminated over the three years*, including 14 terminations in 2024. No company-owned territories were open in any year.
Revenue by territories held
How much does a BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchise make?
| Territories operated | Franchisees | Average | Meeting or exceeding average | Median | Lowest | Highest | Per territory * |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | $747,841 | 1 of 4, 25% | $330,789 | $217,625 | $2,112,162 | $747,841 |
| 2 or more | 6 | $1,641,060 | 3 of 6, 50% | $1,738,144 | $494,586 | $2,461,184 | $428,103 |
Figures as the brand reported them, per franchisee. The last column divides each group’s total by its territories and is marked *; the 23 territories in the second group are 27 reported territories less the 4 one-territory franchisees.
10 franchisees operating 27 territories for all of 2025 reported invoiced gross revenue. The FDD leaves out 14 territories that opened after 1 January 2025, 2 territories that did not report 2025 revenue, and 6 territories that were terminated or ceased operating during 2025. There were 43 franchised territories at 31 December 2025.
The four franchisees with one territory averaged $747,841, and the median was $330,789. Revenue ranged from $217,625 to $2,112,162, and one of the four reached the average.
The six franchisees with two or more territories averaged $1,641,060, and the median was $1,738,144. Revenue ranged from $494,586 to $2,461,184. Together they operate 23 territories, 3.83 each*, so the group’s revenue works out at $428,103 a territory*.
Across all 27 territories, total reported revenue was $12,837,724*, or $475,471 a territory*. The FDD does not print a combined figure.
Invoiced gross revenue is billed revenue, not cash collected. It excludes refunds and sales taxes. A receivable still outstanding more than a year after the service date is deducted from the figure.
Item 19 reports revenue and nothing below it. The FDD states the figures do not reflect royalties, marketing, payroll, vehicle payments, insurance or other operating costs, and it publishes no profit figure.
Spread of results
Spread of results, 2025
| Group | Lowest | Median | Average | Highest | Average ÷ median * |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One territory, 4 franchisees | $217,625 | $330,789 | $747,841 | $2,112,162 | 2.26 |
| Two or more territories, 6 franchisees | $494,586 | $1,738,144 | $1,641,060 | $2,461,184 | 0.94 |
Figures as the brand reported them. The last column is marked *.
Item 19 does not split franchisees into quartiles or bands. For each of the two groups it gives the lowest, median, average and highest figures and the number of franchisees at or above the average.
In the one-territory group, one franchisee reported $2,112,162. Without it, the other three averaged $293,067*. The group average of $747,841 is 2.26 times the group median*.
In the group with two or more territories, the median of $1,738,144 is above the average of $1,641,060. Three of the six reached the average. The highest franchisee in this group reported $2,461,184; the highest one-territory franchisee reported 85.8% of that*.
From the 25th month of operation, each franchised business must average at least $30,000 a month of invoiced gross revenue. That is $360,000 a year*, measured over a trailing six months. The one-territory median of $330,789 and the lowest figure of $217,625 are below that level; the FDD does not give how long those franchisees had been open. If the requirement is not met, the franchisor may terminate the territory rights or the franchise agreement.
Brand charges
Brand charges
| Charge | Rate in the FDD | Monthly minimum from month 13 | A year at $747,841 * | Share of revenue * |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty | 6% of monthly invoiced gross revenue | $1,500 | $44,870 | 6.00% |
| Brand fund | 2% of monthly invoiced gross revenue | $450 | $14,957 | 2.00% |
| Technology fee | $399 a month, per Market Territory | $4,788 | 0.64% | |
| Digital marketing fee | $299 a month, may rise to $499 | $3,588 | 0.48% | |
| Local advertising expenditure | Not currently charged; may be set at up to 2% of invoiced gross revenue | $0 | 0.00% | |
| All | $68,203 | 9.12% |
Rates and minimums as the brand reported them. The dollar and share columns are marked *, applying each rate to the printed one-territory average for one territory. Rows are rounded.
At the one-territory average of $747,841, the listed charges come to $68,203 a year, or 9.12% of revenue*. The royalty and brand fund make up 8% of that, and the technology and digital marketing fees the rest.
The technology fee is charged per Market Territory. A franchisee with 3.83 territories* would pay $18,354 a year in technology fees*. The FDD does not say whether the digital marketing fee is also charged per territory.
The royalty and brand fund minimums rise in steps. The royalty minimum is $500 a month for the first six months, $1,000 for months 7 to 12 and $1,500 from month 13. The brand fund minimum is $150, $300 and $450 over the same periods. From month 13 the 6% royalty is below the minimum when annual revenue is under $300,000*, and the 2% contribution under $270,000*. Both minimums may rise with the Consumer Price Index.
For the first six months the royalty is tiered. A standard franchise pays 6% of the first $150,000 of monthly revenue, 5% between $150,000 and $300,000 and 4% above. A conversion franchise pays 3%, 2.5% and 2% on the same tiers. From the seventh month both pay 6%.
The local advertising expenditure is not currently charged. The franchisor may require a minimum of up to 2% of invoiced gross revenue each month, and the digital marketing fee counts toward it.
Other fees apply in specific cases. A transfer costs $5,000. Additional software users cost $10 to $25 a month each. Conference registration is $399 a person. Claims management on National Account jobs is 5% of the invoiced amount, and an interim operations fee of 5% of invoiced gross revenue applies if the franchisor steps in to run the business.
Cost to open
Cost to open
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Additional funds, 3 months | $37,500 | $75,000 |
| Franchise fee | $59,900 | $67,400 |
| Vehicle | $3,000 | $65,000 |
| Office furniture, fixtures and equipment | $14,500 | $62,500 |
| Marketing materials and grand opening advertising | $10,600 | $18,000 |
| Real estate and rent | $2,000 | $9,000 |
| Professional fees | $1,500 | $9,000 |
| Recruitment for master plumber | $0 | $8,000 |
| Service tools, equipment and initial inventory | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Insurance | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Training expenses for 3 people | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Licenses and permits | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Training fee | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Technology systems components | $505 | $2,005 |
| Point-of-sale system | $0 | $1,750 |
| Technology fee (4 months) | $1,596 | $1,596 |
| Signage and graphics | $500 | $1,500 |
| Digital marketing fee (3 months) | $897 | $897 |
| Total | $144,498 | $345,648 |
As the brand reported it, reordered here by size of the high estimate.
The FDD estimates $144,498 to $345,648 to open a standard franchise as a new business. The cover page states that $63,299 to $72,549 of this is paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
The vehicle line has the widest range, $3,000 to $65,000. The low estimate is three months of lease payments on one new service van, wrap included; the high estimate is the purchase price of one van and its wrap. $65,000 is 18.8% of the high total*.
The standard franchise fee is $59,900, plus $0.15 for each person above 450,000 in the Market Territory. Most territories hold 400,000 to 500,000 people, which gives $59,900 to $67,400. A second standard franchise bought within two years is $49,900 and a third or later is $39,900, on the same population formula. Qualifying veterans receive $9,000 off a first standard franchise.
Converting an existing plumbing business costs $52,848 to $158,248. The conversion franchise fee is $22,500 plus the same population charge, or $22,500 to $30,000. An existing franchisee can add a contiguous micro territory of 75,000 to 300,000 people for $15,346 to $129,096, with a fee of $0.15 a person.
The FDD estimates opening within 150 days of signing. The franchisee needs an office of 700 to 1,000 square feet, a wrapped service vehicle and the required plumbing licenses before opening. The working capital estimate excludes any salary for the owners and any loan payments.
Locations
Locations, 2023 to 2025
| Year | Start | Opened | Terminated | Non-renewed | Reacquired | Ceased, other reasons | End | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 35 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 3 |
| 2024 | 42 | 6 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 2 |
| 2025 | 35 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 0 |
| 2023–2025 * | 35 | 28 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 5 |
Counts as the brand reported them; the total row sums the three years and is marked *. The brand had no company-owned territories in any of the three years.
BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain had 43 franchised territories at the end of 2025, up from 35 at the start of 2023. The count rose to 42 in 2023, fell to 35 in 2024 and rose to 43 in 2025.
14 territories were terminated in 2024, 7 of them in Texas. In 2025, 6 were terminated, in Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Utah, and 14 opened. No territories were non-renewed, reacquired or closed for other reasons in the three years.
The printed 2024 row does not add up. 42 at the start, plus 6 opened, less 14 terminated, gives 34*, not the 35 printed. The state rows show Illinois ending 2024 with 0 territories and starting 2025 with 1.
Transfers between franchisees fell from 3 in 2023 to 2 in 2024 and none in 2025. All five were in Texas.
5 franchise agreements were signed but not opened at the end of 2025. The franchisor projects 4 new franchised openings in the next fiscal year.
Questions we get asked
Questions owners ask
How much does it cost to open a BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchise?
The 2026 FDD estimates $144,498 to $345,648 for a standard franchise, including a franchise fee of $59,900 to $67,400. Converting an existing plumbing business is estimated at $52,848 to $158,248. The largest lines are three months of additional funds, the franchise fee, the service vehicle and office equipment.
What fees does BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain charge?
The royalty is 6% of invoiced gross revenue and the brand fund contribution 2%, with minimums of $1,500 and $450 a month from the 13th month. There is a $399 monthly technology fee for each territory and a $299 monthly digital marketing fee. On Averan’s reading these come to 9.12% of revenue at the one-territory average.
How much does a BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain franchise make?
In 2025 the four franchisees with one territory averaged $747,841 of invoiced gross revenue, with a median of $330,789. The six with two or more territories averaged $1,641,060. The FDD reports revenue only, with no costs or profit.
How does revenue compare for owners of several territories?
The six franchisees with two or more territories operate 23 territories between them. On Averan’s reading their revenue works out at $428,103 a territory. The FDD reports revenue per franchisee and does not give per-territory figures.
Is there a minimum revenue requirement?
From the 25th month of operation, each franchised business must average at least $30,000 a month of invoiced gross revenue over a trailing six months. If it does not, the franchisor may terminate the territory rights or the franchise agreement. There is no requirement in the first two years.
How many BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain locations are there?
There were 43 franchised territories and no company-owned territories at the end of 2025. 14 opened and 6 were terminated in 2025. 5 agreements were signed but not opened at year end.
Questions worth putting to BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain
These are questions the filing leaves open. An owner or a buyer can put them to the franchisor directly.
- Is the revenue in Item 19 gross sales or collected revenue, and how many locations sit below the average?
- Which factors does BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain see in its highest-selling locations, such as territory, years open and staffing?
- How long does a new location take to reach the average you publish, and what does the build-up look like month by month?
- At what level of sales do the minimum charges stop applying and the percentage take over?
- How many BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain locations closed, were sold, or changed hands last year, and why?
Run your own numbers.
The Franchise Numbers Check runs the same checks on your own numbers. It scores where you stand and compares you with Item 19 of your brand’s FDD. It works out what one location earns and spends, and builds a 13-week cash forecast. It also checks whether you are ready to open another one. It is free and it runs in your browser.
Launch the diagnostic →Reporting for a BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain owner
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Questions owners ask next
The figures above raise these, and each one is answered on its own page.
- At what level of sales does a minimum fee stop costing me more than the percentage?It works out the sales level where a minimum fee stops applying.
- How much cash do I fund before a new location covers its own costs?It builds a 13-week forecast for the months before break-even.
- What does this location earn on the money I put into it?It works out the payback period and cash-on-cash return for one unit.
- How much of Item 19 can I rely on?It explains what an Item 19 financial performance representation tells you and what it leaves out.
Where these figures come from
Every figure here comes from BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain, LLC’s 2026 FDD and is unaudited by us. We are unaffiliated with the brand. Calculations of our own are labeled where they appear. The figures describe past performance at other businesses and are not a projection of yours. This page is an educational summary. It is not an offer to sell a franchise, and it is not financial, legal or tax advice. BlueFrog Plumbing + Drain is a trademark of its owner. How Averan reads a Franchise Disclosure Document.
These figures come from the brand's disclosure. They are not a forecast, an offer to sell a franchise or advice. Source: BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain, LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued 30 April 2026.