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How to start a plumbing business

By Zippia Team - Dec. 9, 2022

To start a plumbing business, you need to get properly prepared, perform market research, and acquire the necessary tools and equipment. For more information on each of these steps and others you can take to start a plumbing business, use this guide:

  • Get properly prepared. There are many things you can do to prepare for your plumbing business.

    The first thing you should research and take care of is any training or licensing you are going to need to perform plumbing work unsupervised.

    You can choose to work under an apprenticeship to gain experience and earn a plumbing license or you can also choose to take a program at a local trade school.

    Many states require you to get a plumber contracting license or a master plumber certification in order to legally operate your plumbing business. You might also have to have gained at least three to four years of training through an accredited journeyman program in order to be eligible.

    Other possible requirements include:

    • Proof of liability insurance

    • Business insurance

    • Minimal bond amount, in the event something goes wrong on a job

Requirements vary from state to state, so make sure to do your research concerning these issues. You should also consider forming a limited liability company (LLC) for your plumbing business to protect your personal assets.

  • Perform market research. It is critical to do a lot of research on your local plumbing market, this means finding out the consumer base in your area, as well as any competing handymen, contractors, businesses, or companies.

    You need to look into all types of plumbing and maintenance-related businesses, those that service residential homes, ones that service commercial buildings, and those that do both.

    Understanding your competition is vital. You need to determine who they serve, and the price quotes they have. This will help you to make a successful plumbing business that will stand out.

    Another great way to learn about competitors is to talk with their customers. Here you can get information on what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong, and at the same time, you'll be doing customer research. This will be of great value later when you plan your business and decide on marketing strategies.

  • Acquire the necessary tools and equipment. Starting a plumbing business requires the right tools for your work.

    Here are some standard plumbing-related items you are likely going to need:

    • Tool kits

    • Tool belts

    • Tape measure

    • Pipe components

    • Augurs

    • Plumbing chemicals

    • Uniforms for you and your staff

    • Reliable company vehicle or vehicles

    The cost for these items varies depending on where you source them from.

    To give you an idea of costs, the average plumbing business costs anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000 to start. This all depends on the decisions you make concerning the structure and services of your plumbing business, and how much equipment you already own.

  • Market your plumbing business. Utilize the internet to market your plumbing business.

    In the modern world, social media is a critical marketing tool. You should create social media accounts for your plumbing business and try to gain friends and followers. On your business' social media accounts, you can post about your plumbing services and pricing.

    Another crucial form of digital marketing is the development of a website for your plumbing business. This is relatively inexpensive, and if you have some extra cash, you can hire a professional to do a professional-grade website for your business.

    • Contact information

    • Specific plumbing services

    • Pricing

    • Customer testimonies about your plumbing services

    • Links to your social media accounts

    Remember, one of the most reliable forms of marketing for a plumbing business is word of mouth. Here you don't actually have to do much of the marketing at all, just simply provide excellent services to your customers and ask them to recommend you to other possible clients and customers.

    How to start a plumbing business

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