Winter delivers a multitude of challenges for sewer cleaner operators, and protecting essential equipment from the ravages of freezing temperatures is among the top priorities. For owners of combination sewer cleaners, the potential for costly damage due to frozen water is a significant worry. p16
INSIDE
p8 MVP Plumbing & Repairs -This new company opened in 2023, by Master Plumbers Travis Huizar and Shawn Latino in Metairie, LA.
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CEO
Gideon W. Smith
SENIOR
Katherine Nolan
ADVERTISING
Tracy Rodean CREATIVE
Phoenix Global Media Inc.
P.O. Box 235, Stockton New Jersey 08559 866-418-4400 phone 973-532-0319 fax sales@americanliquidwaste.com
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SPOTLIGHT
MVP PLUMBING & REPAIRS
New Orleans LA
This new company opened in 2023, by Master Plumbers Travis Huizar and Shawn Latino in Metairie, LA. The company promotes its commitment to excellence of workmanship and standard of integrity, including fairness in pricing and service and material quality and prioritization of their customers' best interests above all in their business practices.
MEETING ANY AND ALL PLUMBING NEEDS
Today, just a year later, everywhere you look – Yelp,
Angie’s List, Home Advisor, etc., MVP Plumbing & Repairs, Metairie, Louisiana has multiple 5-Star ratings from customers for quality, service, and value. The small company’s message is simple and enthusiastic: Plumbing is what we do! MVP’s two Master Plumbers, Huizar and Latino, bring 20 years experience to these highly specialized plumbing repair services.
MVP’s list of featured services is equally straightforward: Sewer/Drain Cleaning & Unclogging,
Travis Huizar reflects on the life that led up to launching his new company last year with lifelong friend and now business partner, Shawn Latino,
The MVP plumbing professionals fully understand the diagnostic challenges and come prepared with the industry’s best remedial approaches and equipment.
ENTREPRENEURIAL INSPIRATION AND THE LAUNCH OF MVP
Travis Huizar reflects on the life that led up to launching his new company last year with lifelong friend and now business partner, Shawn Latino. “I had just worked for other people up to that point and wanted to do my own thing. It was time. We’re small, and this is our first year in business. Shawn and I were childhood friends. I spent 12 years working out of my shop at my house. This is our first year working as partners. We’ve been pretty busy.
Our new customers are mostly from word-of-mouth.
Water Heater Repair & Replacement, Video Pipe Inspection, Under Slab Repairs, Hydro Jetting, Toilet Repairs, and any and all plumbing needs.
The homeowners and business owners of coastal Louisiana are in good hands with MVP plumbing experts coming to their aid, even for the most challenging of underground plumbing needs deep in the marshy terrain of the Cajun country parishes, which are often below sea level.
We’ve also been doing a little on Angie’s List. But, now we keep Leads turned off most of the time. Right now, we’re at a good spot, and when you get big, it gets bad. Or, it can easily get bad.
Guys in big companies don’t necessarily treat the customers like we treat them, and they won’t do the job we do for people. We treat our customers the way we want to be treated. So, the customers really like us. We’re not trying to be big right now. If it gets there over time, great, but we’re definitely not focused on that today.”
SPOTLIGHT
SPECIALIZED SERVICES FROM MVP PLUMBING, NEW ORLEANS LA
MVP’s pair of plumbing experts offer high-precision services, from residential water heater and toilet repairs, to drain and sewer cleanout using video inspection as needed, to sophisticated under-slab repairs. They can even perform advanced hydro-jet treatment in commercial and industrial environments.
Huizar offers some insights:
Video Camera Inspection
“The camera helps find the problem and determine whether it’s a single small crack in a line impacting a small area or an issue affecting the whole home.
Plumbing is a very hard trade with numerous levels of skill and experience.
That’s very expensive equipment, between $8k-$20k, depending on various factors. It needs to be treated with caution. You need a clear pathway to avoid breaking the camera. It’s a wonderful tool. It helps in doing the job. And, we’re able to give our customers a video hard copy on disc for their computer. So, if they’re selling their house, they can provide it to a buyer, or if they just want it for their home care file, they’ve got it.”
Under Slab Repair
“Depending on the size of the repair, we may bring in a subcontractor for some tunnel digging. I’m the plumber,
so I pipe everything under there. You’ve got to have special tunnel insurance for that. A lot of plumbers don’t do that work. Some can’t do that. Plumbing is a very hard trade with numerous levels of skill and experience. For example, many plumbers can’t do Med Gas plumbing work for hospitals. We do commercial plumbing when a business needs us to go in there and clean things out, or help out in ways within our current scope of services. But, right now, we’re not really big enough to service very large commercial accounts for extensive plumbing projects. We do provide them with plumbing systems maintenance and general repairs”
Hydro-Jetting
“Hydro jetting is a better solution than the every-day approach in many cases. It can often clear lines much faster and more thoroughly. In some residential cases, you may or may not be able to use hydro-jetting. If you have clear access, again, it can be a lot easier to do a quality job than by using a cable. But, in other cases, it can put too much pressure on the pipes and is not worth the risk of causing damage.”
What They Don’t Do
MVP ownership is honest and direct about their position on promises of commitment to the common array of requisites for maximal competitiveness in the modern plumbing market. For example, Does the business possess any environmental accreditations? No. Does it offer senior discounts? No. Offer emergency response service? No. It’s arguably a little refreshing to hear new business owners stating clearly and upfront what they don’t do.
MVP MARKETING AND BRANDING PLAN
MVP has logos and dazzling graphics enveloping their beautiful work truck. They also publish advanced
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Multiple products & configurations technology all cleaning functions are in a single control panel
Comprehensive Service Support
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SPOTLIGHT
business posts on Facebook, Angie’s List. The partners plan to launch a website within the next year. However, more extensive marketing is not something the owners are investing in at this stage, as they’ve certainly proven they just don’t need it.
The MVP company’s growth over just the first months of operation and up to this current point, about a year into the startup, has been so rapid and steady that Travis tells ALW that they’ve turned off the lead generation option on the Angie site. That has been a strong producer for them. But, now they can barely keep up with the workload.
He said their growth is already driven primarily by word of mouth. And, the company has capitalized spectacularly on a few ideally designed and placed social media posts, such as this one:
CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF MVP PLUMBING, METAIRIE LA
Here are just a few of the exceptional customer reviews published about MVP Plumbing over this first year of operations:
HHHHH Nicole B. Marrero, LA (1/10/2024) –Clear a Clogged or Slow Drain
“I had a bad clog in one of my bathrooms and MVP came out and cleared it right up for me. The plumber who came was very polite, respectful, punctual, and very knowledgeable. He handled all my girly questions about the matter with tact and patience, for which I was grateful. He told me he had to do a Hydro jetting and run a camera and luckily was able to clear the clog with out any issue. I was very excited to hear there were no under slab issues. I was extremely satisfied with the work done in my home and will absolutely be calling MVP with any and all of my plumbing needs!”
(Home Advisor)
They are very experienced and basically knew what was going on before they sent the scope in...
HHHHH Woody I. Metairie,
LA (1/10/2024)
–Camera Locate Plumbing Break
“They are very experienced and basically knew what was going on before they sent the scope out in and made an understand repair leaving my yard looking like nothing ever happened.” (Angie’s list)
The company currently serves up to around ten customers weekly and are at capacity for the two plumbers. Travis acknowledges that he and Shawn do plan to hire at some point, but they’re not there yet and they’re prioritizing controlling their growth to prioritize maintaining quality performance, in both service to customers and in their abilities to manage a team efficiently as they scale their operations.
CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR MVP, NEW ORLEANS LA
Asked about the future challenges for the fledgling plumbing business, Travis acknowledges, “Growth is one. I would like to get a little bigger, gradually — not this year, but next. I think if we continue to do good work, we’ll be just fine. We tend to clean up a lot of messes from handy man plumbing work. There’s always a need for talented plumbers, so I believe we can expect to do well in increasing our customer base.
continued on page 14
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SPOTLIGHT
ADVICE FOR PLUMBING INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS FROM TRAVIS HUIZAR, MVP PLUMBING, NEW ORLEANS LA
My advice would just be, if you’re a young plumber, you’ve got a lot of things to learn. It’s a tough job. Don’t give up. Be ready to be married to your job, because you’re going to have to put in a lot of hours. It doesn’t happen overnight. It can be beautiful too, working for yourself, doing work you enjoy.
Also, whatever you have set on your pricing, stand on it. Don’t undercut yourself. There are always some people who expect too much for too little money. If they don’t want it, just go. There’s too much of your work, and knowledge, and cost involved to let yourself get beat.
For information about MVP Plumbing & Repair, Metairie, LA, call Travis Huizar (504) 237-7269, or email mvpplumbingandrepairsllc@gmail. com. Or visit the MVP Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61558317422118.
ADVERTORIAL
Fending Off Water Freeze in COMBINATION SEWER CLEANERS
WINTER DELIVERS A MULTITUDE OF CHALLENGES FOR SEWER CLEANER OPERATORS, AND PROTECTING ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FROM THE RAVAGES OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES IS AMONG THE TOP PRIORITIES. FOR OWNERS OF COMBINATION SEWER CLEANERS, THE POTENTIAL FOR COSTLY DAMAGE DUE TO FROZEN WATER IS A SIGNIFICANT WORRY.MANUFACTURER OF THIS CLASS OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
When temperatures plummet below freezing, the sewer cleaner's system’s water is at risk of turning to ice. This expansion of water within the system turning to ice can cause severe damage to hoses, pumps, and other components. The resulting downtime and repair costs can be substantial, disrupting operations and impacting productivity.
By understanding the risks and implementing proactive measures, owners and operators can safeguard their equipment and ensure uninterrupted service.
SOME TIPS FOR PROTECTING SEWER CLEANER EQUIPMENT IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES INCLUDES:
1. Understand the Equipment: Specific
recommendations are outlined in the operator's manual. This guide provides invaluable insights into equipment's vulnerabilities and recommended care practices.
2. Park in a Warm Environment: If possible, store equipment indoors or in a heated garage during periods of extreme cold. This provides the best protection against freezing.
3. Insulate Exposed Components: If feasible, insulate hoses, pipes, and other vulnerable components to minimize heat loss. This can be particularly effective in areas where equipment is exposed to the elements.
4.Drain Systems Thoroughly: Before freezing temperatures arrive, completely drain the water from hoses, pumps, and tanks. Residual water can freeze and cause damage.
continued on page 18
5. Protect the Water Pump: The water pump is a critical component of any sewer cleaner, and protecting it from ice is essential. To minimize the risk of ice formation, ensure all water is removed from the pump and pump housing. Then, run the pump for a short period to expel any remaining water. Finally, cover the pump with a tarp or cover to protect it from external elements.
6. Utilize the Recirculator: While driving on worksites, use the recirculator. This keeps the water flowing and will reduce the risk of freezing.
7. Conduct Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of equipment for signs of wear or damage. Addressing issues promptly can prevent more significant problems down the line.
8. Make an Emergency Plan: Develop a plan for responding to a frozen water situation. This should include steps to thaw the system safely and identify potential repair needs.
9. Recognize the Signs of Ice Formation: Early detection of ice formation is crucial. Signs to watch for include unusual noises coming from the pump, reduced water flow, difficulty starting the engine and visible ice formation in hoses or tanks. If an ice formation is suspected, immediately cease operation Conduct
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and move the vehicle to a warm environment. Allow the system to thaw completely before attempting any maintenance or use.
When working on or around a sewer cleaner, always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection, foot protection, and gloves. Follow all manufacturer guidelines and safety precautions. Every Vactor truck comes equipped with a decal specifying how to properly drain and winterize the truck.
By investing time and effort into preventive maintenance, the life of the sewer cleaner can be significantly extended. Furthermore, costly repairs can be avoided or minimized. Regular inspections, proper storage, and timely addressing of issues are key to
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THE GEAR BOX
7 COMMON RED FLAGS THAT INDICATE A SEPTIC SYSTEM NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ARE LIKE THE UNSUNG HEROES OF A PROPERTY, QUIETLY WORKING AWAY IN THE BACKGROUND TO MANAGE WASTEWATER. BUT WHEN THEY START SHOWING SIGNS OF TROUBLE, THINGS CAN GO DOWNHILL FAST. AS A SEPTIC OR SEWER CONTRACTOR, YOU’VE LIKELY BEEN CALLED OUT TO RESCUE SYSTEMS THAT COULD’VE BEEN SAVED EARLIER IF SOMEONE HAD NOTICED THE WARNING SIGNS. SO, LET’S TALK ABOUT SOME RED FLAGS YOU SHOULD BE KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR AND WHY ADDRESSING THEM QUICKLY MATTERS.
1. FOUL ODORS: A CLEAR WARNING SIGN
You walk into a backyard and are greeted by the unmistakable smell of, well, sewage. It’s an all-toocommon complaint from homeowners who call for help. That foul odor is often caused by gases escaping from a clogged or overfilled tank.
Homeowners often dismiss persistent foul odors around their property, assuming the smell is coming from something unrelated, like garbage bins or a nearby source. If something smells off, it’s worth checking the septic system right away.
Have you ever heard a client say, “It’s probably nothing”? That’s your cue to step in and investigate.
2. SLOW DRAINS OR BACKUPS
When homeowners start noticing slow drains, their first instinct is often to fix it themselves. They’ll pull out the plunger, try a drain snake or even pour boiling
water down the pipes, hoping to clear the problem. But when those quick fixes don’t work, it’s usually a sign of something more serious. Slow drainage can mean a blockage in the system, root intrusion or even trouble with the drain field. If the issue is happening in more than one part of the house, that’s a clear signal the septic system might be struggling and needs professional attention. It’s always better to address it sooner rather than later before the problem gets worse.
THE GEAR BOX
3. STANDING WATER OR SOGGY SPOTS IN THE YARD
Stepping into a backyard and finding soggy, waterlogged patches of grass might not seem like a big deal at first. Homeowners often assume it’s just poor drainage or the result of recent rain. However, persistent wet spots are often a sign that the septic system’s drain field is overloaded or failing. These areas can quickly become a bigger problem if the system starts leaking to the point where standing water gives off an unpleasant smell. It’s always worth explaining to clients that soggy spots aren’t just a landscaping issue — they’re a red flag that the septic system might need immediate attention.
4. UNUSUALLY LUSH GRASS AROUND THE DRAIN FIELD
At first glance, greener grass might seem like a homeowner’s dream until you realize it’s a signal that the septic system is leaking nutrients into the soil. This is something to point out during routine inspections. You might even ask, “Have you noticed anything unusual about the grass in this area?” Clients might not think to connect a lush lawn with a leaky septic system.
5. HIGH NITRATE LEVELS IN NEARBY WELLS
For clients in rural areas, this one is worth discussing. High nitrate levels in drinking water can be a dangerous sign that the septic system is contaminating the groundwater. Think about this: What’s worse than a failing system? One
continued on page 30
THE GEAR BOX
that’s quietly causing health problems for an entire household. Contractors can make a big difference by encouraging regular water testing and explaining why it matters.
6. GURGLING SOUNDS IN PLUMBING
You might not think much of a homeowner mentioning “weird gurgling noises,” but it’s actually a common sign of air trapped in pipes due to blockages. A common blockage is a buildup of grease in pipes caused by, for example, years of pouring cooking oil down the sink. The gurgling is the system’s way of saying, “Help!”
Ask your clients, “Have you noticed any strange noises coming from your drains?” These little details often point to bigger problems that need fixing.
7. SUDDEN INCREASE IN SEPTIC PUMPING FREQUENCY
If a client calls saying they’ve had their tank pumped
twice in six months, it’s time to dig deeper (figuratively speaking). Regular pumping is important, but needing it too often might signal a drain field issue or another underlying problem.
Explain to clients that a healthy system shouldn’t require frequent pumping. This is also a great opportunity to discuss how regular maintenance can extend the life of their system without scaring them into thinking they need to replace everything.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL
MINOR ISSUES BECOME
COSTLY
PROBLEMS.
For expert advice, industry insights and the tools you need to tackle septic system challenges, subscribe to American Liquid Waste magazine today!
CUSTOMER SERVICE
EXCELLENCE: BUILDING TRUST AND LOYALTY IN THE LIQUID WASTE INDUSTRY
IN THE LIQUID WASTE INDUSTRY, COVERING SERVICES LIKE SEPTIC MAINTENANCE, SEWER CLEANING AND PORTABLE RESTROOM RENTALS, CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS THRIVING. SURE, THE WORK ITSELF IS IMPORTANT, BUT THINK ABOUT IT: HOW OFTEN DO CUSTOMERS STICK AROUND IF THEY FEEL LIKE AN AFTERTHOUGHT?
BUILDING TRUST AND LOYALTY
ISN’T JUST A NICE BONUS. IT’S THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS. LET’S TALK ABOUT A FEW SIMPLE, PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS.
UNDERSTANDING
THE CHALLENGES CUSTOMERS FACE
A homeowner realizes their septic system is backing up. They’re stressed, maybe even panicked. Or think of a festival organizer who discovers half the portable restrooms aren’t functioning properly on the event day.
The liquid waste industry is often about stepping in at critical moments, and customers want to know their contractor gets it. Timely service, clear communication and a focus on keeping things running smoothly...
In these situations, customers aren’t just looking for a fix — they’re looking for someone they can count on. The liquid waste industry is often about stepping in at critical moments, and customers want to know their contractor gets it. Timely service, clear communication and a focus on keeping things running smoothly without unnecessary disruptions can make a world of difference. When you approach every job with empathy and an understanding of the stakes, you’re already building a stronger connection.
TRANSPARENCY AND PROFESSIONALISM: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF TRUST
Have you ever had someone explain a service so clearly that you felt like an expert by the end? That’s the kind of transparency customers love. Walking them through what’s happening, what the options are and how long it might take can take a lot of stress off their shoulders.
Professionalism also matters, and it shows up in ways you might not think about every day. A clean, well-maintained truck pulling into a customer’s driveway speaks volumes. So does a friendly hello, a uniform that’s not covered in grime and being on time. These little details may not seem like a big deal in the moment, but they stick with people.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS IN SMALL BUT MEMORABLE WAYS
Let’s say you’ve finished pumping a septic tank or setting up portable restrooms for an event. The job’s done, right? Well, maybe not quite. What if you left a card with a reminder for the next recommended service date? Or offered a quick tip on preventing clogs in the future?
These small touches might seem insignificant, but they show customers that you’re thinking ahead for them. It’s the kind of thing they’ll remember the next time they need help.
And don’t overlook how technology can make the process easier for everyone. For instance, automated appointment reminders can be a lifesaver for busy clients, and tracking service vehicles in real time can provide peace of mind. However, don’t just rely on tech. Personal follow-ups, like a quick “thank you”
BUSINESS CORNER
Feedback is one of the best ways to keep improving. Plus, people like knowing that their voice matters.
email or a phone call, can make your service feel less transactional and more personal.
WHY FEEDBACK IS A GOLDMINE (AND HOW TO USE IT!)
When was the last time you asked your customers how
TACKLE THE TOUGHEST JOBS
you’re doing? No, really. How often do you actively seek out their opinions? Feedback is one of the best ways to keep improving. Plus, people like knowing that their voice matters.
Take this scenario: A septic contractor starts sending out short surveys after every job, asking a few simple questions like, “Was our team polite?” and “Did we address all your concerns?” One day, a client mentions they’d appreciate a heads-up call when the team is on the way. It’s an easy change, and implementing it shows the contractor is listening.
But here’s the thing: asking for feedback is just the first step. Responding to it is what builds loyalty. Fixing problems quickly, acknowledging mistakes and even celebrating glowing reviews all reinforce that you’re
continued on page 36
BUSINESS CORNER
...customer service is all about building real connections. It’s about being the company people trust to fix a problem...
connections. It’s about being the company people trust to fix a problem when things go wrong and the one they feel confident calling again when they need help. It’s not always the big, flashy moves that leave a lasting impression. More often, it’s the small, consistent gestures that show you care and make a difference.
For more tips and insights on growing your business and strengthening those customer relationships, subscribe to American Liquid Waste Magazine today!
paying attention. And when customers see that their input shapes your business, they’re more likely to stick around.
THE BOTTOM LINE: RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
In the end, customer service is all about building real
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