How to Increase Plumbing Sales: Proven Techniques for Boosting Drain and Sewer Calls

Drain and sewer services are a core part of any plumbing business. Whether it’s unclogging drains, hydro jetting, sewer line repairs, or inspections, these high-demand services can be a major revenue generator. However, increasing sales in this area requires a mix of strategic marketing, exceptional customer service, and smart upselling techniques.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to attract more drain and sewer calls, effectively close more sales, and position your plumbing business as the go-to choice for these services in your market.

1. Understand Your Market and Target Audience

To effectively increase drain and sewer calls, it’s critical to identify who your customers are and what problems they’re facing. This allows you to tailor your messaging and marketing to their needs.

Common Customer Segments:

  • Homeowners: Often require drain cleaning services due to clogs or slow drains, as well as sewer inspections and repairs.
  • Landlords and Property Managers: Need regular maintenance and emergency sewer line services to keep properties in working order.
  • Commercial Clients: Businesses like restaurants, hotels, and offices frequently face drain issues caused by heavy use.

Common Pain Points:

  • Recurring clogs or slow drains.
  • Sewage backups and bad odors.
  • Tree root intrusions in sewer lines.
  • Aging or damaged sewer systems causing costly repairs.

By understanding the specific challenges your target customers face, you can position your services as the solution.

2. Highlight Drain and Sewer Services in Your Marketing

Your marketing materials should clearly promote your expertise in drain and sewer services. Whether through your website, social media, or local ads, make it easy for potential customers to see that you’re the expert they can trust.

What to Include in Your Marketing:

  1. Specific Services You Offer:
    • Drain cleaning (manual or machine augering).
    • Hydro jetting for tough clogs.
    • Sewer line repairs or replacements.
    • Video inspections to identify issues.
  2. Key Selling Points:
    • 24/7 emergency services for sewer backups.
    • Licensed and insured plumbers with years of experience.
    • Advanced equipment like hydro jetting machines and video inspection cameras.
  3. Proof of Expertise:
    • Before-and-after photos of clean drains or repaired sewer lines.
    • Customer testimonials about how you solved their drain or sewer problems.
    • Certifications or warranties that build credibility.

3. Optimize Your Website for Drain and Sewer Leads

Your website is one of the first places customers will look for drain and sewer services. Make it easy for them to find information, book services, and trust your expertise.

Website Optimization Tips:

  • Dedicated Drain and Sewer Page: Create a page specifically for drain and sewer services with details about the issues you solve, your process, and pricing transparency.
  • Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Add CTAs like “Schedule Your Drain Cleaning Today” or “Get a Free Sewer Line Inspection” on every page.
  • Online Booking: Offer a simple online scheduling system for immediate appointments.
  • Local SEO: Use keywords like “Drain cleaning near me” or “Sewer repair in [City]” to rank higher in local search results.

For example, a page title like “Expert Drain Cleaning & Sewer Repairs in Austin – Call Now!” can help you attract more organic traffic.

4. Leverage Local SEO and Google My Business

Drain and sewer issues are urgent problems, meaning customers are likely searching for services in their immediate area. Local SEO ensures your business appears at the top of search results when potential customers look for help.

Local SEO Strategies:

  1. Google My Business (GMB):
    • Keep your GMB listing updated with accurate contact information, business hours, and services.
    • Add high-quality photos of your team and equipment.
    • Post regular updates, such as promotions or seasonal drain cleaning specials.
  2. Local Keywords:
    • Target phrases like “Emergency sewer repair [City]” or “Clogged drain service near me.”
    • Add location-specific content to your website, such as city names in blog posts or service pages.
  3. Positive Reviews:
    • Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google.
    • Highlight positive reviews in your marketing materials.

5. Use Paid Ads to Target Urgent Drain and Sewer Calls

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a great way to capture leads for urgent plumbing services. Platforms like Google Ads allow you to target customers searching for immediate help with drain or sewer issues.

Effective Ad Strategies:

  • Emergency Keywords: Bid on keywords like “24/7 drain cleaning,” “Emergency sewer repair,” or “Plumber for clogged drain.”
  • Geo-Targeting: Focus ads on specific zip codes or neighborhoods where you want more business.
  • Compelling Ad Copy: Use headlines like:
    • “Clogged Drain? We’ll Clear It Today!”
    • “Sewer Line Repairs Starting at $XX – Call Now!”

Social Media Ads:

  • Use Facebook or Instagram ads to promote seasonal offers, like discounted drain cleaning or free sewer inspections.

6. Educate Customers with Content Marketing

Homeowners often delay calling a plumber for minor drain or sewer issues because they don’t realize the risks of waiting. Use content marketing to educate your audience and build trust.

Content Ideas:

  1. Blog Posts:
    • “5 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repairs Immediately.”
    • “How Hydro Jetting Can Solve Your Toughest Clogs.”
    • “Preventative Drain Cleaning: Why It Saves You Money.”
  2. Videos:
    • Show how a clogged drain is cleared using hydro jetting.
    • Explain the dangers of tree root intrusion in sewer lines.
    • Demonstrate a live video inspection to show transparency.
  3. Infographics:
    • Create visual guides that show the differences between traditional snaking and hydro jetting.

7. Upsell During Service Calls

Your existing customers are one of the best sources for increasing drain and sewer sales. By training your team to recognize opportunities and offer solutions, you can increase revenue per job.

Upselling Techniques:

  • Offer Preventative Maintenance: Recommend regular drain cleaning or a sewer inspection to avoid future issues.
  • Upgrade Services: Suggest hydro jetting instead of basic snaking for a longer-lasting solution.
  • Sell Sewer Line Replacement: If you notice recurring issues, explain how replacing the sewer line could save them money in the long run.
  • Offer Add-Ons: Sell enzyme drain cleaners or maintenance packages during the visit.

For example, if a customer has a clogged drain, you can upsell hydro jetting by saying:
“While I can unclog this drain with a snake, hydro jetting will clear out all the buildup and prevent future clogs for a much longer time.”

8. Run Seasonal Promotions and Discounts

Promotions can help generate more calls, especially during times when plumbing work slows down.

Ideas for Seasonal Offers:

  • “$50 Off Hydro Jetting Services – This Month Only!”
  • “Free Sewer Line Camera Inspection with Any Drain Cleaning.”
  • “Get 10% Off Drain Cleaning for First-Time Customers.”

Promote these offers through your website, social media, email newsletters, and Google Ads.

9. Build Trust and Loyalty

Happy customers are more likely to refer you to friends and family, leading to more drain and sewer calls. Focus on providing exceptional service and building long-term relationships.

Tips for Building Trust:

  • Always be transparent about pricing and solutions.
  • Arrive on time and leave the worksite clean.
  • Follow up after the service to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Offer warranties on your work to give customers peace of mind.

10. Partner with Real Estate Agents and Property Managers

Real estate agents and property managers frequently encounter plumbing issues during inspections or rental turnovers. Build relationships with these professionals to secure repeat drain and sewer work.

How to Partner:

  • Offer discounts for bulk services or ongoing contracts.
  • Provide business cards or flyers they can give to their clients.
  • Highlight your 24/7 availability and quick response times.

Increasing drain and sewer calls for your plumbing business requires a multi-faceted approach that combines effective marketing, customer education, and upselling strategies. By positioning yourself as an expert, leveraging local SEO and paid ads, and providing exceptional service, you can build trust with your audience and generate consistent leads for these high-demand services.

Focus on addressing customer pain points, promote preventative maintenance, and always deliver value—these techniques will help you grow your plumbing business and boost sales for drain and sewer calls.