Inside the October 2008 Issue

Features

Special Feature: Weapon of Mass Detection

Sleuth Plumbing Technologies takes pride in being a resource for customers in a wide range of investigation and rehabilitation services

Special Feature: The Dope on Diesel

Market conditions and other factors drive up the price of fuel for heavy trucks and equipment. Expect prices to remain high in the foreseeable future

Tech Perspective: Main Entrance

Lateral-to-main connections can be major sources of sewer leakage. Manufacturers have devised a variety of remedies for sealing that junction

Cover Story: A Hard-Won Lesson

Virginia contractor credits trade association seminars, and the colleagues they introduced him to, with boosting his business from pitiful to profitable

Columns

Money Manager: Smart Leasing

It’s important to know when it makes sense to lease instead of buying, and to understand the lease terms and conditions

Safety First: Shine On

Knowing what to do for a black eye can save valuable time and prevent possible loss of vision

Better Business: Service: Another View

A new book says businesses can best increase satisfaction, build loyalty and control costs by liberating customers from customer service

After Hours: Scaring Up Business

Halloween King raises funds for community programs and gains visibility for his drain-cleaning franchise with an annual haunted house attraction

Product Spotlight: Monitor Tells When It’s Time for Grease Trap Service

Determining when a grease interceptor needs cleaning can be an inexact science.

Reader Pipelines: Look Before You Line

CIPP repair is a valuable pipe-rehabilitation technology that also demands commitment to training from contractors who use it to solve customer problems

From the Editor: It’s Your Time. Use It Well.

You can gain more control over your time and get more done by conquering the problems of procrastination and interruptions

Industry News: Industry News

Federal Signal Expands Dealership; Logiball Celebrates 25th Anniversary; Lenzyme Installs Solar Heating Panels; Simple Solutions Adds Distributors; Mr. Rooter Presents Franchise Awards; WJTA Offers Vacuum Safety Seminar

Tough Job: High and Low

Fiberglass-reinforced lining enables a California contractor to rehabilitate 10 miles of sewer piping in backyards and canyons

Money Machines: Business Partners

Fully outfitted service vans support The Waterworks’ technicians in a compensation program that links pay to productivity