The Real Problem: Why Getting Quality Wastewater Leads Is So Hard

If you run a wastewater business, you’ve probably asked yourself: Where should I be getting leads? Should you rely on a platform like HomeAdvisor, or is investing in your own website the smarter move?

We get it. You’re great at handling septic repairs, drain field installations, and wastewater management. But getting steady, high-quality leads? That’s the challenge. When the calls slow down, it’s frustrating. You wonder if you should sign up for a lead service to fill the gaps or finally build a website that works for you 24/7.

The problem? Not all leads are created equal. Some are time-wasters, some go to the lowest bidder, and some never even respond. And if you’re paying for leads that don’t turn into jobs, you’re losing money fast.

So, let’s break it down: Is HomeAdvisor worth it? Or is building your own website the best way to get wastewater leads?

How HomeAdvisor Works (and Where It Falls Short for Wastewater Pros)

HomeAdvisor (now part of Angi) is a pay-per-lead platform where homeowners search for services, and contractors like you pay to get matched with them.

How HomeAdvisor Gets You Leads:

• A homeowner submits a request for a septic repair or installation.

• HomeAdvisor sends that request to multiple contractors.

• You pay for that lead—whether you land the job or not.

The Downsides of HomeAdvisor:

❌ Leads are shared with multiple contractors – You’re competing with 4-6 other companies for the same job. This turns into a race to the bottom on price.

❌ Not all leads are high quality – Many leads are just people “shopping around,” and some may not even respond after you contact them.

❌ Expensive with no guarantees – You could spend hundreds on leads without securing a single job. If you aren’t closing at a high rate, your ROI plummets.

For some businesses, HomeAdvisor can work—especially if you have a strong follow-up system. But for many wastewater contractors, the competition, pricing pressure, and unpredictability make it a risky bet.

The Power of Your Own Website: Why It’s the Best Long-Term Investment

Your website is your digital storefront. Unlike HomeAdvisor, where you’re just another name on a list, your website lets you stand out, show authority, and attract exclusive leads.

How Your Website Generates Leads:

1. Local SEO Optimization – Your website ranks for searches like “septic system repair near me.”

2. Google Ads – You can run targeted ads that bring people directly to your business.

3. Conversion-Optimized Pages – Your site convinces visitors to call you (not your competitors).

4. Trust-Building Content – Reviews, case studies, and before/after images make you the obvious choice.

The Benefits of a Strong Website:

✅ You own your leads – Every lead that comes through your site is exclusive to you. No competition, no middlemen.

✅ Higher close rates – People who find you through organic search or well-targeted ads are usually ready to hire.

✅ Lower long-term costs – While a website and SEO require an initial investment, they cost less over time than paying for leads indefinitely.

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Comparing Costs: HomeAdvisor Fees vs. Website Marketing ROI

Let’s talk about money. Here’s how HomeAdvisor and a website stack up in cost over time.

If you’re paying $50 per lead on HomeAdvisor and only closing 20% of them, you’re actually paying $250 per new customer. Compare that to a well-optimized website that brings in consistent leads at a lower cost.

Lead Quality: Shared vs. Exclusive Leads—Which Gets You More Jobs?

When you get a lead from HomeAdvisor, 5 other companies do too. The homeowner is bombarded with calls, and often, the lowest bid wins.

With your own website? You control the conversation. There’s no price war. The customer came to you because they trusted what they saw online.

Which lead do you think is easier to close? Exactly.

Long-Term Business Growth: Which Strategy Actually Builds Your Brand?

Marketing isn’t just about getting jobs today—it’s about building a business that thrives for years.

What HomeAdvisor Does:

• Gets you short-term leads (at a high cost)

• Keeps you dependent on their platform

• Doesn’t help you build a brand

What Your Website Does:

• Establishes your company as the local expert

• Creates a steady stream of organic leads

• Builds trust, authority, and long-term visibility

Final Verdict: Where Should You Focus Your Marketing Efforts?

If you need quick leads and are okay with competing on price, HomeAdvisor might get you some jobs. But if you want consistent, high-quality leads that convert at a higher rate, investing in your own website is the clear winner.

A strong website doesn’t just get you leads—it builds your brand, reputation, and future-proof marketing engine.

What’s Next?

We know that marketing your wastewater business isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Excavation Marketing Pros, we build custom strategies that bring in real, paying customers without burning through your budget on bad leads.

Want to stop relying on lead brokers and start owning your marketing? Let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation today! 🚜💧