Callbacks are more than just an inconvenience for installers – they’re a silent profit killer. For many plumbing and heating professionals, a small oversight can cost more than a return trip. It can damage reputation, cut into margins and, in worst-case scenarios, pose serious risks to life.
Arctic Hayes, a UK supplier of specialist heating and plumbing consumables, is calling on the trade to take a closer look at the true cost of callbacks and how preventative tools and checks can stop small issues becoming costly ones.
“Every time an installer goes back to a job, they’re not just losing time, but also eroding trust,” says Lee Parsons, Managing Director of Arctic Hayes. “The real cost is often invisible until it starts to hurt the bottom line – and when safety is involved, the stakes are even higher.”
Many callbacks caused by small oversights – like an unchecked joint, missed leak, or loose seal – are all too common. These minor errors can quickly escalate, draining valuable time and resources. Beyond lost labour hours and fuel costs, repeat visits reduce scheduling efficiency and can put pressure on customer satisfaction. More worryingly, when those oversights involve gas leaks or carbon monoxide, the implications are potentially life-threatening.
Arctic Hayes claims its tools, like the Gas Leak Detector Spray and Smoke Pen Kit, can catch early-stage issues before they escalate. The company’s CO detection and flue testing products are, they say, also widely used by heating and plumbing professionals.
“Prevention is always better than a cure. Whether it’s testing joints, checking for fumes, or carrying out a quick visual inspection with a smoke pen, there’s no excuse not to double-check,” continues Lee. “Investing in the right tools upfront helps installers avoid costly callbacks, keep customers safe, and protect their reputation – it more than pays for itself in time, trust, and peace of mind.”