How to Become a Drainage Specialist

Lily Sweeney, writer

Published at 26/07/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 6 min

How to Become a Drainage Specialist — Photo © How-to-Become-a-Drainage-Specialist.jpg

Starting a franchise is an exciting adventure, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options and make the investment that’s truly right for you. The drainage industry is varied and lucrative, and if becoming a drainage specialist might be of interest to you, this article is a great place to start.

In this article, we’ll look into what a drainage specialist is, what they do, and how you could become a franchisee with a drainage franchise today. This is step one in a long journey towards drainage franchise success and profitability.

What is a drainage specialist?

A drainage specialist is able to investigate, prevent and solve drain problems, as well as implement measures that make drastic improvements to the water drainage systems of customers in both commercial and domestic spheres. When you’re choosing the right drainage franchise for you to make your investment in, you’ll see that there are a few different options to choose from in the sector, and a few different areas of specialism.

Some drainage franchises are more focused on commercial solutions, whereas others might be more domestic-focused. There are also emergency drainage services companies, and opportunities in the sister sector of plumbing and pipework. Regardless of specialism, most drainage experts will be able to:

Unblock drains
Clear sewers
Complete CCTV drain surveys
Design and install irrigation systems
Line and repair pipes
Empty septic tanks and cesspits
Install and repair baths and showers
Provide tanker services
Provide gas services
Detect and repair leaks
Repair and replace toilets

>> Read more:

How do you become a drainage professional?

So, knowing what drainage specialists do on a day-to-day basis, how do you become one? How do you make a career change that smoothly takes you from your current role into a role as a drainage professional? By following these three steps, of course…

1. Figure out whether your transferable skills and professional preferences are a match to a career as a drainage specialist

Most franchise opportunities within the drainage sector won’t require previous experience as a necessity. This is due to the fact that your franchisor will be providing you with an extensive programme of training and support in most cases, fully equipping you for success as a drainage franchisee regardless of your previous background and experience.

Still, there are certain transferable soft skills that would make you better suited to a role in this sector, and there are certain preferences about your working experience that you’ll need to make a career change. You’d be well prepared for a career in the industry if you are:

Hands-on
Practical
Organised
Reliable
Efficient
Able to communicate effectively

2. Research the drainage market and the specifics of every franchise opportunity that interests you

Before committing to a contract with one franchise or another, make sure that you know:

A. What franchise opportunities are out there?

B. What’s happening in the drainage market?

Discover your answers to these questions through the completion of thorough and diligent research, looking to find a realistic picture from a variety of sources including the internet, your potential franchisor and current franchisees in your potential network (and, when it comes time to sign the agreement, a legal professional). Make sure that this research considers all of the following:

Costs - What are the initial costs of investment, and can you cover them? If not, can you access funding? Are you willing to do so? What other costs are involved beyond launch (running costs, commercial property rent, so on)?
Available franchise locations/areas of operation - What territories are open to you, and are you interested in working in them? How do these territories work - are they exclusive or not? Will you need business premises, and if so, what kind? What advice and support will your franchisor offer during the site selection process?
Provision of training and support - What concrete provisions are made regarding training and support? What does your franchise agreement promise that you’ll receive? Is that level of training right for you, or would an opportunity with more (or less) training and preparation be better suited?
Current state of the network and market - How is the business currently performing? Is there customer demand? Are current franchisees finding success?

>> Read more:

3. Create a business plan with franchisor approval and pay particular attention to marketing plans

Plan for the future and help yourself to get ahead of the curve by investing in plans to market your drainage franchise early on. Draw from the marketing support likely already included in your franchise package, and push things to the next level to help your franchise stand out from the moment of its launch.

Be sure your business plan also covers any employees you’re planning to hire, and funding you’re planning to access, and any and all of your franchisor’s requirements, so that it’s clear to them that you’re on the same page.

Franchise opportunities in the drainage sector

If you’d like to start your own drainage business, an investment in an established franchise is one of the safest, least risky ways to get it done. Here are just a couple examples of available opportunities in the sector:

1. Metro Rod

Founded in 1983, Metro Rod is now a leading UK drainage network with over 40 franchisees. The company continues to grow at a substantial rate, and is part of a highly profitable industry sector.

Becoming a Metro Rod franchisee: No previous experience is required, but the ideal franchisee would be dedicated and willing to work hard.
How much you need to invest: To become a Metro Rod franchisee, you’ll need to invest a minimum of £50,000.
What you get for your investment: As a franchisee, you’ll be entitled to extensive training and support (including marketing assistance and access to an in-house call centre).

2. DALROD

DALROD, established in 1985, is one of the fastest growing drainage solutions franchises in the country. Often referred to as the fourth emergency service, DALROD mainly supports commercial and B2B clients.

Becoming a DALROD drainage solutions franchisee: No previous experience is required, but DALROD is on the hunt for franchisees who are ready to grow, not afraid of hard work, and not afraid to lead a team of engineers and staff.
How much you need to invest: To become a DALROD franchisee, you’ll need to invest a minimum of £20,000, with franchise fees of £34,500 and a total investment cost of £70,000.
What you get for your investment: As a franchisee, you’ll be entitled to training, support and administrative assistance.

Make a career change and enjoy a rewarding professional adventure with a drainage franchise

Making a career change is a risk, but if you take the right risk, it’s one that can massively pay off, changing your life for the better. If franchising in the drainage sector ticks all your boxes, it’s time to make your move. Browse a range of drainage franchise opportunities and find your fit today.