EXHIBIT 5




                                                                   May 5, 2004




Roto-Rooter, Inc.
2600 Chemed Center
255 East Fifth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-4726


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I have acted as counsel to Roto-Rooter, Inc. ("Roto-Rooter") in
connection with the filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, 2,000,000 shares of capital stock of Roto-Rooter (the "Shares").

     In rendering my opinion, I have reviewed such certificates, documents,
corporate records and other instruments as in my judgment is necessary or
appropriate to enable me to render the opinions expressed below. In giving
this opinion, I am assuming the authenticity of all instruments presented to
me as originals, the conformity with the originals of all instruments
presented to me as copies and the genuineness of all signatures.

     Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that the Shares, when
issued in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Distribution described in
the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

     I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement.

                                                      Very truly yours,


                                                      /s/ NAOMI C. DALLOB
                                                      Naomi C. Dallob