How to Use Plumbing Services to Generate Steady Water Damage Jobs

In a recent conversation with Rocky and Kameron Hensley, founders of 1-Tom-Plumber, we talked about how plumbing can give restoration companies a steady stream of jobs. Their system works by tying plumbing and restoration together in a way that just makes sense—plumbing is the first step in fixing water damage, and that connection builds trust and creates opportunities for restoration work.

Why Having a Plumbing Franchise  Makes Sense for Restoration Companies

Restoration companies often struggle with finding consistent jobs, especially in the commercial space. Most buildings don’t need restoration services very often—maybe once every year or two. But plumbing? That’s something they might need every week. Pipes break, toilets clog, and leaks happen all the time.

When a plumbing company handles an emergency, it’s often the first step in a water damage situation. If the restoration work can flow naturally from the plumbing side, there’s no gap where the customer might go looking for another company. Plumbing becomes a way to get your foot in the door, build trust, and keep the work coming.

Keeping Things Simple for the Customer

The Hensleys have a straightforward approach: make it as easy as possible for the customer. When plumbing and restoration are tied together, there’s no need to make the customer call multiple companies or figure out who’s handling what. The plumbing team takes care of the emergency and then hands the job off directly to the restoration team.

At 1-Tom-Plumber, they’ve set up a system where the plumbing dispatcher notifies the restoration team when a job needs follow-up. To the customer, it feels like one company handling everything. This kind of setup keeps customers happy and makes sure no one falls through the cracks.

Emergency Plumbing Is the Key

Instead of chasing every kind of plumbing job, the Hensleys focus on emergency services. Remodeling or renovation jobs might bring in good money, but they take time and tie up resources. Emergency plumbing is fast-paced, has high margins, and almost always leads to restoration work when there’s water damage.

By keeping their plumbers focused on emergency calls, they make sure they’re always ready to jump on a new job. This not only keeps the plumbing side busy but also ensures a steady flow of work for the restoration side.

Building Relationships That Last

One of the most important parts of the system is building relationships. The salespeople at 1-Tom-Plumber don’t spend time pitching services directly. Instead, their job is to create long-term connections with property managers, business owners, and other decision-makers. Plumbing becomes the way to start those relationships because it’s something people need all the time.

Once the plumbing relationship is in place, it’s easy to shift the conversation to restoration. When a water damage issue comes up, the customer already knows and trusts the team, so they don’t hesitate to call. The relationship starts with plumbing but grows into something much bigger over time.

How the System Works

The connection between plumbing and restoration is seamless in the Hensleys’ system. When a plumber identifies a water damage issue, they don’t just give the customer a phone number for the restoration team—they take care of it themselves. The plumbing dispatcher contacts the restoration team directly, and they’re on-site as soon as possible.

This setup ensures that every job is handled smoothly from start to finish. The customer doesn’t have to deal with extra steps, and the restoration company doesn’t miss out on opportunities. It’s a simple process, but it works because it keeps everything in-house.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The Hensleys’ approach has had a big impact. Sales teams that used to struggle to bring in $1 million a year are now producing over $3 million. That growth isn’t just luck—it’s the result of a system that keeps jobs flowing from plumbing to restoration. By creating a steady stream of work, they’ve been able to grow their business and help their franchisees do the same.

What Restorers Can Do

For restoration companies looking to bring in more consistent work, plumbing is a practical solution. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start with Plumbing: Add plumbing services to your business or partner with a plumbing company to create a steady flow of leads.

2. Focus on Emergencies: Prioritize emergency plumbing calls, as they’re more likely to lead to restoration jobs.

3. Make It Seamless: Set up a system where plumbing and restoration work together without gaps or extra steps for the customer.

4. Build Relationships: Use plumbing as a way to create long-term connections with commercial clients.

Wrapping It Up

Plumbing and restoration are a natural fit. Plumbing emergencies happen all the time, and they’re often the first step in dealing with water damage. By combining these services, restoration companies can create a system that keeps the work coming in, builds trust with clients, and makes life easier for everyone involved. The Hensleys’ approach shows that sometimes the best way to grow isn’t to reinvent the wheel but to make sure it’s turning the right way.

READ MORE:

12 Proven Strategies to Boost Profit Margins as a Restoration Business