When you’re a professional plumber, making a mistake can cost your reputation, not to mention your customers’ homes, dearly, so it is important you do everything you can to avoid those common errors that can spell disaster. In order to do that, let’s look at some common mistakes plumbers make, so you can hopefully avoid Read more
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When you’re a professional plumber, making a mistake can cost your reputation, not to mention your customers’ homes, dearly, so it is important you do everything you can to avoid those common errors that can spell disaster.
In order to do that, let’s look at some common mistakes plumbers make, so you can hopefully avoid them in your working life.
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Ignoring the Almighty Pressure Washer
First off, let’s give a big shoutout to pressure washing equipment, which is, as you should know, not just for cleaning driveways or graffiti off walls. No, dear friends, it’s also a pipeline’s best buddy. When faced with the Herculean task of clearing out years of sludge and grime from sewer lines, the pressure washer steps in like a hero. So, don’t ignore this powerhouse tool. Embrace it, cherish it, and for heaven’s sake, use it—because nobody likes a comeback story starring last year’s grease.
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Skipping the Double-Check
Here’s a scene: You finish a job, pack up, and give a confident nod to your work—only to get a call hours later about a leak. The culprit? A connection you forgot to tighten. Always double-check your work. The five minutes you save by rushing off to your next appointment can cost you hours of return work and buckets of reputation points.
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Tool Mismanagement
Raise your hand if you’ve ever used a screwdriver as a chisel. It’s okay, this is a safe space. But let’s be real: using tools for purposes they weren’t intended for is like using a loaf of bread as a doorstop—it might work temporarily, but it’s not a great idea. Respect your tools, and they’ll respect you back (and maybe save you from a mid-job meltdown).
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The ‘Eyeball It’ Method
Precision in measurements is not just a fancy concept—it’s a cornerstone of good plumbing. “Eyeballing” pipe cuts or fixture alignments can lead to jobs that look more like abstract art than professional work. Always use the right measuring tools because, unlike horseshoes and hand grenades, close enough just doesn’t cut it in plumbing.
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Forgetting Customer Service Skills
Remember, folks, plumbing isn’t just about pipes; it’s about people. The gruff, silent type might work for movie cowboys, but in the plumbing world, communication is key. Don’t just fix and flee. Explain what went wrong, what you did to fix it, and how it can be prevented in the future. A little chat can turn a customer into a repeat customer.
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Neglecting Continuing Education
Plumbing technology evolves faster than many of us realize. If you’re still relying on techniques you learned decades ago, you might be missing out on easier, more efficient methods that could save your back and your bottom line. Keep up with the times and invest in ongoing education. It’ll keep you sharp and possibly introduce you to new gadgets and gizmos in the industry.
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Underestimating the Cleanup
Last but not least, leaving a work site looking like a crime scene is a big no-no. A clean work area not only shows professionalism but also prevents those pesky “you left a mess” calls. Plus, who doesn’t love the sight of a spotless space post-job? It’s almost as satisfying as popping bubble wrap.
Keep these tips in mind, and not only will your pipes be flowing smoothly, but so will your business.
Approximately one in five small businesses close every year, and the most common reason for this is the inability to scale, grow, and compete in the market. There are specific strategies and tools that you need to employ to keep your business running. This also applies to a plumbing business, which requires long-term investment and Read more
Approximately one in five small businesses close every year, and the most common reason for this is the inability to scale, grow, and compete in the market. There are specific strategies and tools that you need to employ to keep your business running. This also applies to a plumbing business, which requires long-term investment and consistent hard work to grow.
Growing a plumbing business will help you increase your profits tenfold if you expand it according to suit industry and home changes. In this article, we’ll discuss three effective strategies and tools that can help you revolutionize your plumbing business.
1. Leverage a Plumber Answering Service
A plumbing business primarily deals with customers who have an immediate need, whether a frozen pipe, a clogged drain, or anything else that needs a plumbing solution. Your phone is going to ring 24/7. That means you’ll lose customers if your phone goes to voicemail, has long hold times, or can’t assist your clients immediately. That’s where a plumber answering service comes to the rescue.
These services bridge the gap between your business and customers and can attend calls professionally, swiftly, and around the clock. When calling a plumbing business, people prefer that their calls don’t have a long hold time and they can talk to an actual person and not hear jargon that will waste their time. A plumber answering service can follow the exact call protocol and scripts you give them to give the customers an experience as pleasant as possible.
In addition, with the call answering outsourced, you can significantly reduce the chaos in your plumbing office and have the management focus on other administrative tasks and plumbing assignments that come your company’s way. It’s an effective tool to keep your plumbing customer base from entering your competition’s hands.
2. Optimize Your Website
While traditional plumbing has existed for ages, it must evolve to stay relevant. Unlike the past, where plumbers solely relied on word of mouth to get business and clients, more consumers now use the internet to search for a plumbing professional, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. A search-engine-optimized, interactive, and easy-to-navigate website is now just as essential to expand your customer base.
You don’t need a coding expert to prepare your website, nor must it be very dense in information. You need to ensure the user has an uncomplicated navigating experience. The website should have easy-to-find information about your plumbing services and how much they will cost your customers. Your contact information and a call to action should be among the first things people see when they open your website.
Keep the design simple yet attractive, and avoid stuffing the pages unnecessarily. You can always use WordPress templates if you need them. Adding testimonials from your previous clients would also be a good idea. That way, prospective customers can know you’re reliable for plumbing.
3. Diversify Your Services
Speaking of your plumbing services, you might have started your business with just one or two, such as repairs. However, expanding your service pool is essential if you wish to grow your business and its reach. That can include water heater installation, sewer line repair, and bathroom remodeling, which can broaden your clientele significantly.
Endnote
To wrap up, the world of plumbing is now becoming very dynamic and advanced, with the newest technologies making their way through. Customers now expect efficient and seamless plumbing service where they don’t have to deal with long waits or unreliable plumbers. Hence, it’s crucial to refurbish your website, have compelling call answering 24/7, and offer various services. That way, your plumbing services will stand out from its competitors, and you’ll be able to foster long-term relationships with your clients while expanding your business.