Macs Drains – Background

James Mc Laughlin of Clar, Donegal Town whilst running a precast concrete and hire company saw an opportunity in Southwest Donegal to start a drain cleaning business. He purchased a tow behind high pressure jetting machine. Business in the drain cleaning industry picked up brilliantly for James and his team, which helped him to expand his fleet by introducing a tractor and tanker for emptying septic tanks. At this time his daughter Siobhan was assisting her mother with the accounts for the business. Business was great, but unfortunately the rescession hit which forced James to immigrate to seek work. Ten years passed in which James always loved being at home and he made the decision to return home to live in his family home in Donegal.

James was not home long before he was approached by a local well known plumber who asked him to start up drain cleaning again. James jumped at the opportunity and he started up Macs Drains. Over the next 15 years James built an impeccable reputation providing a professional, friendly and reliable service to his local area.

Within this time James’ grandson Shane McNulty was coming through school in the Abbey Vocational School. Shane spent summers working with his grandfather learning the trade as well as working in the local hotel at Harvey’s Point.

In 2012 James decided to take his well deserved retirement after a long hard working life. James approached Shane about continuing the family business and Shane jumped at the chance to have the privilege of continuing such a fine business, which he took over in June 2012.

Shane and his mother Siobhan devised the business plan and prepared to develop the business. Shane approached local businesses to expand his services. Mac’s Drains has now expanded into Grease trap cleaning and maintaining, septic tank & percolation area repair and replacement, drain repair and rehabilitation, CCTV, power-washing and pumping stations providing a 24hr emergency call-out service.

Over the past 5 years Shane has worked extremely hard, but given his hotel past he always focused on providing outstanding service with customer service to accommodate it. He also focused on building a personal relationship with his customers, so they could put their trust in him.

Shane has recently introduced a product and service called soft-washing to complement his power-washing, this allows him to clean external surfaces to remove algae and fungus.

To this day James still helps Shane out while Siobhan runs the office and together they continue to improve & develop the family business.