The Lucrative Side of Drain Cleaning | Contractor - Contractor Magazine

This is another example of the synergy that is building between drain cleaning services and pipe repair. "Because there is a tremendous amount of fresh water leaking into the sewage treatment system, the Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that plumbers repair or replace all leaky pipes. This will lead to a trillion-dollar opportunity for the industry over the next 20 years," says Dunbar.

And speaking of COVID. Remember the great toilet paper shortage? "During the COVID-19 crisis, toilet paper was often unavailable for long stretches. During that time, people used whatever was available. These substitutes contributed to an increased number of drains being clogged," says Dunbar.

And yes, flushable wipes will continue to generate business for professional drain cleaners and plumbers. Couple that with the fact that over the past several years municipal codes have been enacted that require the use of low volume flush toilets, we have our perfect storm, so to speak. Since most of the infrastructure in this country was designed and built on the assumption that every flush would deliver more than three gallons of water to the system, every decrease in the amount of volume per flush sands particulates a shorter and shorter distance down the pipe. In addition, the country's sewage treatment infrastructure is getting older, leading to more subsidence and corrosion, which is disrupting the flow of sewage and resulting in more drain cleaning opportunities.

So yes, for both environmental and economic reasons, now is the lucrative time to add drain cleaning to your plumbing services.

SIDEBAR

Safer, Stronger

General Pipe Cleaners' Flexicore Cable is the strongest, safest, and because its cables are safer, stronger, and more durable than the competition, this will save the contractor time and money. Also, the Gel-Rod push rod for the Gen-Eye pipe inspection system is designed to be more durable than any other on the market. Contractors can push it further down the pipe, and it is less likely to kink or break, which can cause loss of income and missed opportunities.

Because drain cleaning equipment is being inserted down a septic sewer, it needs to be cleaned and maintained after every use. If a contractor commits five minutes per machine for preventative maintenance after every job, his/her equipment will last significantly longer. "For example, we know a contractor in Indianapolis who has had our large snake-style machines since 2003, and by consistently putting five minutes of preventive maintenance into each machine after every use, he is still using the original cables," says Dunbar.

Lastly, most rental companies offer drain cleaning equipment for the hour, day or week. "If contractors only have and occasional drain cleaning job to perform, it may be more cost effective to rent," says Dunbar. "However, if the problems are chronic, it probably pays to buy your own equipment. If you own your own drain cleaning machines, you can integrate them into your preventative maintenance program, which is always superior to emergency management."

General has independent sales reps that offer training and service after the sale, in addition to the dozens of training videos available free on www.drainbrain.com.