S evolution of my career has brought me up to this point in which I am able to offer expert service in line with my values of treating people right. Hanging on my office wall are relevant certificates, dating back to the late 80’s, and more recently, the Water Sustainability Act registration card issued by the government, and now required for anyone working on groundwater systems. However, it is the years of experience, and the acquired network of suppliers and related trades people that I can trust to do the job right that gives me confidence in guiding clients through making informed decisions, laying out their options, and getting the necessary work efficiently done.
PAUL ROBINSON Paul’s Pump and Treatment
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orn and raised on a hobby farm in the Cowichan Valley, I have early memories of my father cursing at the old Duro piston pump on more than one occasion. Over the years, I have had the occasion to curse at a few pumps myself. My career in the water well industry started quite by chance, as many careers do. At 15 years of age, I had a weekend job at a local commercial greenhouse facility as a general labourer. One day, the owner appropriated my help, as an extra set of hands, to help some fellows lift a deep well pump from a well. Since that day, over 40 years ago, I have invested well over 50,000 hours in a career of moving and treating water in the Cowichan Valley. Although valuable knowledge was acquired, a short stint on the drill rigs proved that I was better suited to the task of pump installation and the treatment of water. The
We lead busy lives, but as consumers of products and services, if we are willing to carve out some time to get informed about the choices available to us, it is money better spent. If you are having water issues, it is prudent to gather information from various sources before committing to a plan. Often there is more than one option available to you and knowing this option will increase the likelihood that you spend well and only get what you need. Gathering information is generally free, or at a minimal expense; it is what you do with it that is the investment. Once a plan to fix the water issue has been settled on, I keep clients in the loop as the process unfolds. I have found this business practice to be of great use to help people understand their unique water system regarding operation, maintenance, longevity, as well as, the outcome of a satisfied costumer. Periodic maintenance, or check-ups, on water supply equipment, when properly performed, can identify any changes occurring. This especially holds true if prior check-up stats have been recorded. Some treatment equipment requires annual service, but not all.
with greater frequency. A common culprit is what is called ‘rapid cycling’ of pump motors and controls. This, in fact, may not be a sign of faulty equipment, but just equipment that is in need of servicing. A service checkup may be good investment if no previous services show any recorded information other than the price paid. Repair or replace? Water systems are made up of many parts varying in longevity due to their particular circumstance. Sometimes the answer is obvious but not always. A follow up question is often: Do I spend as little as possible, or spend as much as they say they want? Figuring out this dilemma brings me back to a conversation I overheard years ago between my employer and a prospective customer: Customer: “Wow!” How come your pump price is so expensive?” Employer: “Because it’s the Cadillac of pumps.” Customer: “Well, 15 years ago I bought the economy VW Bug model from ****” So tell me, what does this one do other than pump the water that I need it to” Point being made: Get what you need and not what you are being sold: Be informed and get treated right!
Come Spring and Summer, water usage goes up. As a result system faults begin to happen
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