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Are these predictions worth a contractor's concern? Perhaps. Hard-hitting, sustained rain, puts a maximum stress-test on: every storm drain, every area drain, every overflow setup, every sump pump, every septic system's leach field, every cesspool, and every broken sewer that takes in muddy groundwater. Roots growing around and through sewer lines are suddenly nourished and grow rapidly. Any system that is remotely affected by rain is at risk of failure or inadequate performance in keeping up with the demand. Municipal water treatment facilities face the possibility of being overwhelmed by rainwater inflow into the sewer systems. California faces a potentially severe mudslide problem along the Malibu coastline, where some of the most expensive homes in the world are located.
Keep in mind, everything is being torture-tested simultaneously. It just seems to me that an avalanche of work might be generated for companies with drain cleaning, pumping and pipeline repair services. Jetters, for example, typically used for degreasing drainpipes will be utilized for mud, sand and stone removals that invade rain systems. Cameras and locators are an absolute necessity if you're going to diagnose problem pipes accurately. I'll tell you this: when I was actively contracting — rain meant money. Every available truck at my disposal, (nearly 50) worked around the clock. We stocked extra rain gear, pumps, hoses, parts and anything else we needed. There are three things that you can do as a company with respect to El Niño. You can heed the weather predictions and offer your customers a way to prepare for the rain with a preventative service. You can deal with the rains, if and when they come. You can ignore all of the clues and business implications, (not a smart move in my opinion.) In my consulting business, my clients are looking for the best approach. It's pretty simple really, but the approach you take depends on the type of business you have and the services you offer. The first thing I would do is contact my customers in writing. Have something you can also include with your invoices on daily jobs — a "get ready" note. Educate them about El Niño and its ramifications — create the need. Secondly, let them know how your service will minimize the risk of property damage if performed before the rains come— fill the need. Thirdly, prepare your inventory.
I'll tell you this — if you ignore "the clues in the news, you lose." Don't be in a position where you are forced to react to a storm. Rather, you should anticipate and promote your services. Get in there early. If you wait, you will lose plenty of customers, and you deserve it. You may end up waiting in long lines at supply houses, scrambling for parts and equipment that normally would be easy to get, or worse yet, your customers may call someone else. That could cost you a fortune in lost business and referrals. Customers appreciate a service company who anticipates, informs and prepares.
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A storm like this can create not only immediate work, but creates long term work as well. I still see underground, earthquake damage in LA — 4 years after the fact. Contractors such as roofers, carpet cleaners, gutter installers, carpenters, plumbers, drain cleaners, pumpers and many others are beginning to offer special rates in anticipation of El Niño. Businesses and homeowners are taking advantage of preventative maintenance programs in an effort to minimize the risk and damage of flooding.| Peter Morici - [Intro] | [Articles] | [Email] | [Website] |
| The views expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the management or staff of MasterPlumbers.com |
