One of the biggest opportunities in the plumbing industry today is the ability to diversify. While residential and commercial plumbing will always be the backbone of your trade, many contractors are finding new revenue streams by expanding into drain cleaning and everything that includes from sewer inspection to jetting.
For plumbers considering diversification into that industry, the Wastewater Equipment Fair in Nashville this October is an event worth attending.
The WEQ Fair, set for Oct. 5-7 at the Nashville Fairgrounds, brings together manufacturers, dealers and distributors from across the water and wastewater industries. The event features equipment and outdoor demonstrations that attendees can see operating in real-life situations.
For a plumbing company thinking about entering the drain cleaning industry, there may not be a better place to get a firsthand look at what is available.
SEEING THE EQUIPMENT IN ACTION
Buying your first drain machine, jetter or inspection camera is a major investment. You’re choosing the right tools for your company and the types of jobs you want to go after.
Walking a trade show and looking at equipment is helpful, but watching that equipment operate can tell you much more.
The WEQ Fair will give attendees the chance to compare different manufacturers, talk directly with the people who design and build the equipment, and learn what works for contractors in the field. Exhibitors include companies involved with cable drain cleaning machines, inspection equipment, portable and truck-mounted jetters, nozzles, locating equipment and more.
MORE THAN JUST MACHINES
The opportunity goes beyond equipment.
A good drain cleaning operation is not just a machine in the back of a truck. It is an imporant division of your company that requires planning and research. Adding drain cleaning means understanding how to use that equipment and market it to potential customers.
Events like the WEQ Fair provide opportunities to talk with other contractors and learn from them. The lessons learned from someone who has already invested in equipment and built a successful service can help shorten the learning curve for someone just starting.
The event also includes educational opportunities covering business practices, safety, equipment operation and other industry topics.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
The plumbing industry continues to evolve. Customers expect faster response times, more information about their systems and solutions that go beyond simply fixing the immediate problem.
Drain cleaning, sewer inspection and related services give contractors another way to provide value while creating new sources of revenue. Sometimes the best way to grow your business is to look beyond what you are already doing — and find the next service your customers need.
Let me know if you have diversified and what tips you have. Email me at editor@plumbermag.com
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