By: Dave Dunbar
In this three-part series, we are covering some of the most commonly asked questions about drain cleaning and inspection. If you haven’t read part one, you can find it here.
- What are some of the key benefits of proactive drain cleaning and inspection for both residential and commercial clients? How can contractors sell these benefits to customers?
Residential customers tend to ignore this advice, commercial and facility maintenance professionals understand that preventative maintenance is far superior to emergency management. Many plumbers and drain cleaning professionals find that entering a preventative maintenance contract with restaurants and industrial customers can be quite lucrative. Simply send the truck to the location once every six months and jet, snake or flex-shaft the drains.
Utilizing a camera system for before and after videos shows the impact of this procedure and serves to sell their services for years to come. For example, if you were a restaurant, would you rather submit to a charge for jetting your kitchen lines once every six months, or risk being shut down on a Friday night because of a clogged grease trap? Although food service is the biggest market for preventative maintenance contracts, we find their application spreading quickly across the whole business landscape. Aggressive contractors with a legitimate service to sell are getting the message out. Again, residential customers tend not to follow this advice, but there are exceptions. To repeat: preventative maintenance is always superior to emergency management!
- In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the demand for drain cleaning and inspection services, if at all?
The public has become more aware of and sensitized to issues of public and personal hygiene because of the pandemic. There is a greater sense of the importance of sanitation in our lives, and an understanding that life as we know it can’t exist without certain elements of our infrastructure, including flushing toilets. In addition, there were specific problems that arose during the pandemic because of supply chain issues. Because of the Covid toilet paper shortage, a lot of questionable and downright mysterious merchandise found its way into our toilets. This ‘stuff’ quickly formed clogs that hampered the operation of the whole sewage treatment system, causing a tsunami of drain cleaning calls that contractors couldn’t keep up with. On the rare occasions when we were able to talk to plumbers and drain cleaners during this time, most said that they had never been busier. Some said that they had simply stopped answering the phones because they couldn’t keep up with the demand. Even though this pace has relaxed a bit since the end of the pandemic, service plumbers and professional drain cleaners are still busier than pre-covid, indicating that our sewage treatment system has yet to fully recover.
- Are there any regional or demographic differences in the demand for drain cleaning and inspection services, and if so, what factors contribute to these variations?
Although drains clog everywhere, there are regional differences in the types of equipment preferred by contractors. Essentially, new technology gains acceptance first on the West Coast, then filters through the major metro markets and finally, seeps down to rural areas. When I go to PHCC shows in Southern California, I see the latest in new technology being discussed and sold. When I go to a show sponsored by the same organization in other parts of the country, no one knows anything about the latest developments. In addition, there are differences between the problems faced by city, suburban and rural plumbers. A lot of the differences come down to what kind of machine can traverse the necessary distance.
- What are the advantages of using specialized drain cleaning machines and tools?
As drain cleaning professionals, you understand the importance of having the right tools for the job. For instance, a sectional machine or drum machine is specifically designed to handle tough clogs in larger pipes, making them invaluable for commercial applications. On the other hand, compact sink machines and hand tools like a drain auger or toilet auger are perfect for smaller, more confined spaces typically found in residential settings. Tools like water jetting machines provide a powerful solution for blasting away debris in the drain line, ensuring a thorough clean without damaging the pipes.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a stubborn clogged drain or routine maintenance; having specialized tools like sectional cables, replacement cables can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the service provided. Moreover, for those looking to replace or upgrade their equipment, General Pipe Cleaners also provides high-quality replacement parts and accessories that ensure longevity and reliability in demanding environments.
By understanding the common questions addressed in this article, you can be better prepared to tackle clogs and invest in drain cleaning expertise. Knowing these commonly asked questions can help drain cleaning professionals to save time, money and the hassle of dealing with persistent plumbing problems.
For more information or to speak with our experts, call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.
