Local service technician thrives in niche market

Problems with domestic sewage?

Most people, particularly those living and working in rural areas, have been there before.

Typically, such problems stem from blocked internal and external pipework, fat and grease build-up, or issues with private wastewater treatment systems like septic tanks.

Such problems are quite common. But to the common person, a solution is much lesser known.

Not in the world of John Rowan, however, who has worked extensively in this field across the midlands for over 15 years.The Longford native can often be seen ling across Westmeath, Offaly, Longford and Roscommon – and further afield across the length and breadth of the country – seeing to domestic waste problems, after initially “sort of falling in to the job”, originally with Bord na Mona, in 2009.

“I came from a farming background in Longford,” John told the Westmeath Independent.

“I qualified as an electrician and work was plentiful in the era of the Celtic Tiger. I actually went for an electrical role with Bord na Mona, in 2009, but after interviewing they suggested I might be interested in a position in Newbridge, which involved aspects of an electrician's trade, plumbing and some sewage treatment. That was my introduction to sewage treatment, so I kind of fell into it, to be honest. Like a lot of people I knew, I had been thinking of moving to Australia for work but instead, spent two years with Bord na Mona and learned a huge amount,” he added.After those two years, John decided to go it alone, establishing his Sewage Treatment Solutions business, which has been going strong ever since.His daily output includes working on domestic and commercial on-site wastewater treatment systems, including septic tanks, and servicing sewage treatment systems installations.

He admitted that the job is quite exhausting, as he often spends up to seven hours a day on the road. It is also “dirty work”, as he puts it, as John can be knee-deep in sewage throughout a day's work.

“It wouldn't be for everyone,” he laughed.

“But look, a lot of companies who previously treated sewage systems years ago decided to focus more on servicing, and that left a big gap in the market for myself. It is non-stop and hectic, and time-management is a massive part in what I do, but I still enjoy it to this day,” added the former Athlone Institute of Technology student. “The most common misunderstanding is that the job is purely manual labour and requires little intellectual skill.

In reality, the role of a modern service technician must be that they are expert problem solvers, data analysts, and advanced technology specialists. All my call-outs are different and require taking a highly methodical and precise course of action to help fix the problem at hand,” he added.

John said that among the skills and qualities needed to succeed in the business are good time-keeping, listening, problem solving, patience, commutation, and integrity.

“In general, the most memorable days are when you resolve issues for your customers. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I get to meet with different people every day and sometimes they are in real difficulty in their domestic setting. Of course it's my job to help them, but it does give you a great feeling when you know you've resolved their issue. Some jobs can take only an hour but others are more complicated and require longer hours,” said John, who attended national school in Newtowncashel and secondary school in Lanesboro Community College.

John said that people should always be aware of the importance of regular servicing and maintenance for their wastewater systems.

“Something I often come across is that when people live in urban settings all of their lives, and then move to rural settings, they can be badly caught out with the sewage treatment system. This can be very problematic, if not dealt with quickly and professionally. But look, I am a long time doing this and have seen it all. Most sewage systems throw-up similar problems but the trick is that when systems are installed differently, you have to find the best solution for that particular installation,” he said.

“Anybody can pay to have a sewage system installed. But it's the servicing and maintenance of the systems, after installation, that can prove a problem. If you get a company from down the country to install it, that company is unlikely to come back to Athlone, Moate, Longford or wherever, just to service the system. So, it's a fairly niche market that I operate in. There's nobody else doing it around the midlands,” he added.

John also continues to do some work to provide peat fibre to Bord na Mona/Tricell Puraflo sewage systems.

“I suppose the travelling is difficult at times,” he said.

“But I have to go where the work is. Of course, it can be difficult some days. You are out there, on your own, in the elements and often on your hands and knees doing dirty work.

“Obviously, the workload then increases in the winter months. You have shorter working days and the winter time is when a lot of sewage system problems will arise. That's just the way it is in this country. Sure, you have to get on with it and get the job done, and that's what I plan to continue doing. I suppose people would sometimes wonder how you do a job like it, but it's what I have expertise in and what I enjoy doing. I realise it's a pretty unique job but it's what I know and what I do best.”