bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Franchise

The bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise began franchising in January 2014, according to its 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. The concept developed around plumbing and drain services, pairing a recognizable brand with standards for how local teams serve customers. Its services include plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, water and gas leak detection and repair, and work on water heaters, water softeners and filtration systems.

An early ownership milestone came in April 2015, when Mark Dawson, Jeff Moody and private investors purchased the business from Home Brands Group. The company’s announcement described Dawson’s prior leadership at Home Brands Group and Glass Doctor and Moody’s experience with Mr. Rooter. The transaction established a dedicated ownership team for the plumbing franchise.

MPK Equity Partners acquired bluefrog and Restoration 1 in April 2020. In April 2021, a company announcement introduced Stellar Brands as the platform bringing those service brands together. The April 30, 2026 FDD identifies BlueFrog Plumbing and Drain, LLC as a wholly owned subsidiary of Stellar Brands, LLC, with offices in The Colony, Texas.

The FDD reports 43 franchised outlets at December 31, 2025, with no company-owned outlets. Today’s program provides two main entry routes: starting a new plumbing business or converting an existing operation. The conversion route has a separate fee and investment schedule reflecting the resources an established business may already have.

How the business operates. Franchisees establish a commercial office and use branded vehicles to deliver services at customer properties. The FDD describes office space of approximately 700–1,000 square feet as its minimum planning range. A standard territory generally contains 400,000–500,000 people. Existing franchisees may seek approval for an adjoining micro territory of 75,000–300,000 people; that expansion option is not a standalone entry program for a new owner. Territory rights are subject to the franchise agreement and are not exclusive.

Preparing to open. bluefrog supplies operating standards, access to its operations manual and guidance on approved tools, equipment, vehicles and suppliers. The franchisor reviews the proposed office location. Owners secure and pay for the premises, obtain required licenses and insurance, hire qualified staff and prepare their vehicles and equipment. The FDD estimates approximately 150 days from signing to opening, subject to the required approvals and readiness steps.

Initial training. The 2026 FDD lists 48 classroom hours and four hours of on-the-job instruction. Topics include marketing, sales, hiring, technology, scheduling and dispatch, plumbing basics, memberships, field work, operations, accounting, finance and budgeting. Training takes place in The Colony, Texas, or another designated location and may be conducted virtually. The $3,000 training fee covers the owners and up to three additional people, including the required designated owner or manager. Attendees pay their travel, lodging, wages and other attendance expenses.

Building the team. Owners are responsible for training their employees and meeting applicable plumbing license requirements. The brand’s franchise FAQ explains that an owner does not have to be a plumber. The business must still have appropriately qualified personnel and comply with state and local rules. Additional or replacement-manager training may carry separate tuition and travel costs.

Marketing and operating support. The franchisor administers the national brand fund, provides updates to operating standards and makes business guidance available through channels such as phone, electronic communications, meetings and manuals. Required technology supports functions including financial reporting, reputation management and digital presence. Owners fund their opening campaign, maintain local marketing activity and pay the applicable technology, digital marketing and brand-fund charges.

Ongoing learning. Further training may include webinars, meetings and conventions. The FDD allows the franchisor to determine the form and availability of additional assistance, and attendance fees or expenses may apply. This gives owners access to an established operating framework while leaving local hiring, daily execution and customer relationships in the franchisee’s hands.

bluefrog Plumbing + Drain gives an owner a practical service to build a local business around: helping customers resolve plumbing problems and maintain essential systems. Drain cleaning, leak repair, water heaters and water treatment create several service lines within one operation. The brand’s customer-service emphasis gives a team leader a clear focus—earn trust through capable work, clear communication and reliable follow-through.

Two ways to enter the business. A new owner can assemble a team and launch under an established brand and operating system. An experienced plumbing business owner can explore the conversion program to add that identity and support to an existing operation. Approved adjoining territories also offer existing franchisees a route to expand their service area. These options suit different starting points while keeping the local operator responsible for building customer relationships.

Lead a service business. The opportunity can suit a hands-on entrepreneur with strengths in hiring, sales, organization and team development. Plumbing expertise must be present in the business, but the owner’s contribution can be business leadership. The FDD requires full-time management by the owner, a designated owner or an approved designated manager. Owners should plan for an actively managed operation.

bluefrog franchise cost. The April 30, 2026 FDD estimates $144,498–$345,648 to start a standard franchise, including three months of additional funds. The franchise fee for one standard location is $59,900, plus $0.15 per person above a territory population of 450,000; the disclosed one-location fee range is $59,900–$67,400. The separate conversion program estimates $52,848–$158,248 in initial investment and a $22,500–$30,000 franchise fee. Qualified veterans may receive a first-franchise fee discount under the FDD’s eligibility rules.

The franchisor’s published FAQ specifies $150,000 in liquid capital. IFPG lists a $250,000 minimum net worth. These buyer qualifications are separate from the estimated total investment. Royalties, brand-fund contributions and technology charges are additional ongoing obligations described in the FDD.

For someone ready to recruit a capable team and build a reputation in their community, bluefrog combines a defined service offering with a brand and training framework. Compare it with other home services franchises, or request information to discuss the new-business and conversion options for your market.

For questions about service scope, staffing, equipment and local operating costs, read our home-service franchise comparison guide.