About Us
Our History
The Legacy of Doetsch Environmental Services
Since the dawn of the 20th century, the Doetsch name has been synonymous with excellence in industrial inspection and cleaning services. From tackling oil spills to managing hazardous waste and sewer line backups, Doetsch Environmental Services has remained a cornerstone in environmental contracting for over 127 years. Based in Warren, Michigan, this family-run business delivers professional cleaning services for wet and dry materials—whether above or below ground—to municipalities, manufacturing facilities, power plants, foundries, chemical plants, and refineries.
A Tradition of Excellence
The enduring reputation of Doetsch Environmental Services stems from a commitment to quality and reliability. "When you put your family name on the line every day for 100 years, there's no other way to do a job than the right way," Frank Doetsch once remarked. Though Frank passed away in 2009, his philosophy continues to guide the company today.
Founded in 1898 by Frank’s grandfather, the Doetsch legacy began with cleaning sewers the old-fashioned way—using a shovel and bucket. Over the years, the company evolved and adapted, passing from generation to generation. Today, the business is led by Frank’s daughter, Diann, alongside her sons Joe and Sean, who represent the fifth generation of Doetsch family members actively managing daily operations.
Pioneering Innovation
Doetsch has always been an industry trailblazer. In the late 1920s, the company revolutionized Michigan’s sewer cleaning industry by introducing the electric sewer machine. This innovation automated debris removal, significantly increasing efficiency and enhancing worker safety by reducing the need for crews to enter manholes.
In the 1970s, under Frank Doetsch’s leadership, the company once again transformed the industry by introducing hydraulic sewer cleaning through combination machines. This groundbreaking technology elevated sewer cleaning to new heights of speed, safety, and efficiency. Recognizing its versatility, Doetsch expanded the use of jet/vac technology to a wide array of industrial applications.
Meeting Modern Demands
Today, Doetsch Environmental Services continues its tradition of innovation by offering state-of-the-art technology for a variety of needs. From traditional line cleaning to advanced "pot holing" services for locating buried utility lines, the company provides solutions tailored to the modern industrial landscape. The evolution of services over the past decade has been reflected in the company’s name change from Doetsch Industrial Services to Doetsch Environmental Services.
A Fleet Built for Success
Central to the company’s success is its robust fleet of specialized equipment, including vacuum loaders, combination sewer jets, liquid haulers, high-pressure water equipment, and large-diameter sewer equipment. Many of these innovative machines were designed and constructed by Joe Schotthoefer, further enhancing the company’s capabilities.
With field supervisors and crew members on call 24/7, Doetsch Environmental ensures that help is always just a phone call away. To uphold the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction, supervisors routinely evaluate completed work, ensuring that every job meets the company’s rigorous standards.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on over 127 years of exceptional service, the Doetsch family’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. From its humble beginnings to its current position as an industry leader, Doetsch Environmental Services embodies a proud legacy of innovation and reliability. With the fifth generation at the helm, the company is poised to carry its mission forward, shaping the future of environmental services for decades to come.
