Our history
With over 60 years of experience and more than 400k cleared drains for the last two years, we’ve seen it all and sorted it all!
How we started
Founded in 1963
Dyno-Rod® was founded in 1963 by Jim Zockoll, a former airline pilot. He pioneered the use of a new electro mechanical technique in the UK and used this to help unblock drains. That was just the start of our journey to tackling home emergencies, all over the country.
BFA founding members
Dyno-Rod were one of the founding members of the BFA in 1977. The British Franchising Association are the largest and most influential trade association in the UK, influencing standards and franchise law across Europe.
Unearthing secrets
In 1981 the mass murderer Dennis Nilsen was caught by a Dyno-Rod engineer! Opening a drain cover at the side of Mr Nilsen’s house, the Dyno-Rod employee discovered the drain was packed with a flesh-like substance and numerous small bones of unknown origin.
Flushing with laughter
In 1988 the Dyno-Rod book of lavatory humour “At Your Convenience” was published.
Cutting edge
Dyno-Rod start using drain cutters in the 1990’s - which are able to cut through concrete to get to the root of the problem.
Market leaders
Before long, Dyno-Rod became one of the market leaders. Today, we’re proud to say we still are. When someone has a problem with their drains, Dyno-Rod is usually the first name that comes to mind. And for good reason.
We operate as a franchise business offering full national coverage from highly trained local engineers, all proud to sign up to our values and high standards.
Expanding our offering
During the 1990s we expanded even further. This time into more general plumbing services. We quickly built up a UK-wide engineer force which is now one of the biggest in the country.
Today we do drains and plumbing. So, we can save customers from more home emergencies than ever before.
Glowing standards
In 1991 Dyno-Rod vans become their iconic day-glo orange.
Size & scale – supporting the UK’s main businesses
Dyno-Rod have developed tailored support services for large commercial organisations.
In fact, our dedicated Business Key Accounts team is currently looking after circa 200 national accounts.
Part of British Gas and Scottish Gas
Our business became part of the Centrica group in 2004, and is now part of British Gas and Scottish Gas.
With the backing of one of the UK’s most influential companies we are confident that we can continue growing, while also supporting our local communities and businesses.
Hitting milestones
In 2012, Dyno-Rod Plumbing fit over 100,000 taps and dyno.com website is fully optimised for mobile and tablet devices. Moving with the times to make life easier for our clients.
50 Years of Dynovation
2013 marked our 50th year of pioneering innovation. Our dyno.com site wins Best Website at the Franchise Marketing Awards. Dyno-Rod becomes 100% franchised focused on plumbing and drains. We are awarded gold from RoSPA.
60th Anniversary
We are proud that 2023 marks our 60th anniversary in providing impeccable services to our customers and clients.
RoSPA President’s Award
2023 was also the year we were the winners of the RoSPA President’s Award, this was achieved by earning 11 consecutive gold awards. RoSPA are internationally renowned Health and Safety awards recognising commitment to protecting lives.
Leicester Tigers
Dyno-Rod are proudly collaborating with Leicester Tigers as the iconic rugby team’s official Plumbing and Drains partner for the 23/24 season. The 11-time Premiership title winners and former European champion’s commitment to excellence reflects Dyno-Rod’s drive to offer customers the best possible service in the most cost-effective way.
Highly Commended Award from the BFA
In 2024, Dyno-Rod were delighted to become a finalist in the category for Franchisor of the Year – Established at the BFA HSBC Franchise Awards. This nomination reflects our commitment to franchising excellence in the UK and we were extremely proud to be presented with a ‘Highly Commended’ award.
First Ever UK Plumbing & Drains Company to become Which? Trusted Traders
2024 was also the year Dyno-Rod made history, becoming the first plumbing and drainage providers in the UK to earn the Which? Trusted Trader accreditation. The endorsement involves a rigorous assessment process, including financial, behavioural, competency, and reference checks, as well as an on-site evaluation by Which? experts. Earning this status is a testament to our commitment to maintaining great quality, customer service, and reliability over our 60+ years of operation.
Ranked No.12 in Elite Franchise 2025 Top 100 UK Franchises League Table
Dyno-Rod were ranked as the UK’s No.12 Franchise in the prestigious EF100 League Table for 2025 Top 100 UK Franchises. This is another outstanding recognition in the world of franchising to be proud of. The hard work and dedication across the entire Dyno-Rod Network is astounding and has led to many achievements in 2024.
Our future
Although we are proud of our past, we’re always working hard to improve our products and services. We’ll continue to remain at the forefront of our chosen markets – plumbing, heating and drains. And whatever the future brings, we’ll make sure you can depend on Dyno-Rod.