Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
What happens when a simple toilet swap turns into 50 gallons of water destroying a second-floor hallway? In this video, I am sharing the true story of the worst flood my plumbing company ever caused—and exactly what we did to fix it.
When my youngest apprentice snapped an old plastic angle stop, it sent full city water pressure straight into the ceiling. As a plumbing business owner, moments like this are the ultimate test. Do you scream and fire the kid, or do you step up, take responsibility, and lead?
In this video, I break down:
- The Emergency Protocol: The exact steps we take when a pipe bursts, from shutting off the
water to getting professional restoration crews on site in under an hour.
- The Reality of Insurance: Why carrying heavy general liability insurance is a non-negotiable for
any residential service business, and why you should never hide from your carrier.
- The $20,000 Mistake: Why firing an apprentice over an honest, panic-inducing mistake is terrible
leadership and a massive waste of training dollars.
- The System Change: The one mandatory process we implemented (locating and testing the
main shutoff before touching a valve) that has prevented at least 10 floods since that day.
Whether you are a homeowner wanting to know how a true professional handles a disaster, or a home service business owner learning how to lead your crew, this video is for you.
👇 Business Owners: Tell me your worst "Apprentice Nightmare" story in the comments!
📈 Scale Your Plumbing & Home Service Business You know how to turn a wrench, but do you know how to run a highly profitable business? This series is dedicated to the systems, strategies, and leadership skills required to scale a residential service company. From handling catastrophic insurance claims to training the right techs and creating operations that run without you, learn how to build a business that actually makes money. Watch the full Business Mastery playlist here: [Insert Playlist Link]
Welcome to the Biggest Voice in Plumbing. I’m Roger Wakefield, a Texas Master Plumber and LEED AP with over 40 years of experience in the dirt, under houses, and running the boardroom. I am here to give you the no-nonsense truth about the plumbing industry.
Subscribe to master the trade with:
- Trade Education: Discover why the skilled trades are the ultimate alternative to college for
Gen Z, and how to fast-track your career.
- Plumbing How-To’s: Get expert breakdowns of plumbing systems, repairs, and code-compliant
installations done the right way.
- Business Strategies: Learn real-world systems to build, scale, and maximize profitability in your
residential service business.
Whether you are an apprentice starting out, a homeowner seeking expert advice, or an owner looking to scale, join over 1.6 Million subscribers and hit SUBSCRIBE. Let's get to work!
Connect with Roger:
🌐 Website: rogerwakefield.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/therogerwakefield
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@therogerwakefield?lang=en
🤝 Business & Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsors@rogerwakefield.com
Download the Wakefield App ▶️ https://wakefield.app/
Join our FREE community ▶️ discord.gg/zu3KHudqAB
Get More Calls, Close More Jobs —Without Lifting a Finger! ▶️ rogersmarketingmachine.com
Get the BEST Leak Detection Equipment ▶️ leak-pro.com
▶️ My favorite equipment & tools on Amazon - amazon.com/shop/rogerwakefield
________________________________________________________________________________________________
*NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at NO COST TO YOU. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
____________________________________________________________________________
What happens when a simple toilet swap turns into 50 gallons of water destroying a second-floor hallway? In this video, I am sharing the true story of the worst flood my plumbing company ever caused—and exactly what we did to fix it.
When my youngest apprentice snapped an old plastic angle stop, it sent full city water pressure straight into the ceiling. As a plumbing business owner, moments like this are the ultimate test. Do you scream and fire the kid, or do you step up, take responsibility, and lead?
In this video, I break down:
- The Emergency Protocol: The exact steps we take when a pipe bursts, from shutting off the
water to getting professional restoration crews on site in under an hour.
- The Reality of Insurance: Why carrying heavy general liability insurance is a non-negotiable for
any residential service business, and why you should never hide from your carrier.
- The $20,000 Mistake: Why firing an apprentice over an honest, panic-inducing mistake is terrible
leadership and a massive waste of training dollars.
- The System Change: The one mandatory process we implemented (locating and testing the
main shutoff before touching a valve) that has prevented at least 10 floods since that day.
Whether you are a homeowner wanting to know how a true professional handles a disaster, or a home service business owner learning how to lead your crew, this video is for you.
👇 Business Owners: Tell me your worst "Apprentice Nightmare" story in the comments!
📈 Scale Your Plumbing & Home Service Business You know how to turn a wrench, but do you know how to run a highly profitable business? This series is dedicated to the systems, strategies, and leadership skills required to scale a residential service company. From handling catastrophic insurance claims to training the right techs and creating operations that run without you, learn how to build a business that actually makes money. Watch the full Business Mastery playlist here: [Insert Playlist Link]
Welcome to the Biggest Voice in Plumbing. I’m Roger Wakefield, a Texas Master Plumber and LEED AP with over 40 years of experience in the dirt, under houses, and running the boardroom. I am here to give you the no-nonsense truth about the plumbing industry.
Subscribe to master the trade with:
- Trade Education: Discover why the skilled trades are the ultimate alternative to college for
Gen Z, and how to fast-track your career.
- Plumbing How-To’s: Get expert breakdowns of plumbing systems, repairs, and code-compliant
installations done the right way.
- Business Strategies: Learn real-world systems to build, scale, and maximize profitability in your
residential service business.
Whether you are an apprentice starting out, a homeowner seeking expert advice, or an owner looking to scale, join over 1.6 Million subscribers and hit SUBSCRIBE. Let's get to work!
Connect with Roger:
🌐 Website: rogerwakefield.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/therogerwakefield
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@therogerwakefield?lang=en
🤝 Business & Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsors@rogerwakefield.com
Download the Wakefield App ▶️ https://wakefield.app/
Join our FREE community ▶️ discord.gg/zu3KHudqAB
Get More Calls, Close More Jobs —Without Lifting a Finger! ▶️ rogersmarketingmachine.com
Get the BEST Leak Detection Equipment ▶️ leak-pro.com
▶️ My favorite equipment & tools on Amazon - amazon.com/shop/rogerwakefield
________________________________________________________________________________________________
*NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at NO COST TO YOU. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
____________________________________________________________________________
