This issue’s theme of location, leak detection and inspection is something that every plumber does in some way, but very few note those services on websites, trucks and vans or business cards.
Most of the time you are likely highlighting the repair and installation work you do for customers. How much of your time on a job site is looking for the source of the leak though? Especially if it’s coming through a ceiling or wall?
I had a leak showing up in a bathroom a while ago. I thought it was coming from the upstairs toilet, so I called the plumber. Thankfully the plumber didn’t take my word for where the leak was and decided to do some investigating himself. My hypothesis of where the water was coming from was wrong.
The plumber determined that water was finding its way down from our shower — due to the sealant around the shower stall being old and not holding up anymore. The water found the path through the crack the sealant would have protected into our floorboards and down onto the drop-down ceiling of the bathroom below. Overall, an easy and far less expensive fix.
HIGHLIGHTING THAT JOB
It’s easy to advertise the repair and installation aspect of your job, but would it be a bad idea to also advertise leak detection?
If a customer suspects a leak because they are noticing more water usage on their bills, they’ll see that you do leak detection and call you to determine if, in fact, there is a leak somewhere in the house.
A few years ago, we profiled a plumber whose niche was leak detection and location. He was based in Florida and that’s all he did. A customer would call saying they suspected a leak or they saw more than usual water use and the plumber would bring instruments in to locate the leaks under the slabs.
He would then recommend other plumbers that would come in and do the repair work. You don’t have to do it that way though. If you determine the cause of the leak, you will likely get that repair job too because the customer won’t want to deal with the hassle of finding someone else. It’s up to you whether you charge for leak detection services separately or do it as a favor if they hire you to complete the repair.
NEEDING THE TOOLS
It very well could be advantageous for you to add leak detection services to your plumbing firm if another doesn’t offer them in your area.
In this issue we give you an idea of what tools you might need. Just head over to our Product Focus feature. You’ll see a wide range of cameras available, as well as electronic leak detection systems, pipe locating tools, smoke detectors and much more.
We even give you a look at how a contractor uses a camera for an inspection successfully in the case study in this issue.
DO YOU HAVE TIPS?
Do you focus on leak detection and location? If so, what tips would you have to others that are looking at entering the field or are already in it? Email me at editor@plumbermag.com or give me a call at 715-350-8436.
Enjoy this issue!
