How to Start a Plumbing Business

1. Get your plumbing certification

Earning your state-required plumbing certification can give you the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to perform your job well.

Here’s how to become a licensed plumber in three steps:

• Get the right education. First graduate from high school or get your GED. Then attend a college or trade school to learn technical requirements like plumbing math and design, building codes, installation methods, residential and commercial repair, and more.
• Become an apprentice. A plumbing apprenticeship is paid on-the-job training under a master or licensed plumber. It helps you build a network, gain experience, and prepare for life on the job. Apprenticeships can last from two to five years and are a mandatory part of becoming a licensed plumber.
• Pass your license exam. Plumbing license exam requirements depend on your region, and some regions require you to renew your license periodically. Once you’ve passed your exam, you can work as a journeyman plumber within a company, or on your own as a self-employed plumber.

Depending on your state, you may be required to get your master plumbing license before starting a business. This can take up to five more years of on-the-job training and certifications.

State-by-state plumbing certification requirements vary, so double-check to make sure you meet the requirements for the right certifications.

2. Set plumbing business goals

Think about why your plumbing business will exist and where you want it to go. Then set short-term goals to help you work toward that vision, like:

• Get 10 five-star Google reviews within your first six months
• Earn $75,000 in sales in your first year
• Hire your first employee within two years
• Have a second vehicle and service team within three years

It’ll take time to reach your goals, but you’re a skilled plumber. You’ll get there before you know it.

3. Write a business plan

Writing a business plan will help you start your plumbing company on the right foot and move in the right direction.

Most likely, you’ll also need a business plan to attract investors and secure financing for your business. Your plumbing business plan should include:

• Cover page with your business name, logo, and contact information
• Executive summary with a quick overview of your business, how much funding you need, and what sets you apart from your competition
• Business overview with a summary of your business structure and history
• List of services and pricing strategy showing what your plumbing business will offer customers
• Market analysis describing your target market and the competition in your area
• Marketing plan outlining how you’ll attract new clients to your plumbing business
• Financial plan showing the money coming into and going out of your business for the first year (including sales forecast, budget, and any personnel costs)

FREE TOOL: Get paid faster with our free plumbing invoice template

5. Invest in the right plumbing equipment

Stocking your plumbing van with a few essential plumbing tools will save you from running to the hardware store for every job or service. Keep these items in your plumbing tool bag:

• Hand tools (crescent wrenches, pliers, grips, handsaw, pipe cutters)
• Cordless battery tool set (drills, saw grinder, screwdriver, impact driver)
• Inventory (fittings, plastic/copper pipes, inlet valves, elements, thermostats)
• Safety equipment (plumbing gloves, goggles, heat shields, knee pads)

Start with the basics and buy used items if you can. Only rent or purchase equipment for specialty jobs if you have the license, skills, and customer demand.

READ MORE: 7 plumbing safety hazards and 13 tips to stay safe on the job

Learn which plumbing tools master plumber Roger Wakefield recommends in this tour of his custom plumbing shop and studio.

6. Register your business and get insurance

You’ll need to legally set up your plumbing business and get insurance before you can start taking on your first customers. Use this checklist to get started:

• Choose your business structure. Register your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company. LLCs are common for small businesses because it limits liability if you’re ever sued. You can also choose to incorporate your business.
• Register your business name. Run a trademark search to make sure your plumbing company name isn’t already in use. Then register your business name with your local government.
• Apply for the required licenses and permits. Check with your local municipality to make sure you have the right local, state, and federal permits or licenses to operate your plumbing business.
• Apply for an EIN. If you work with a partner or plan to have plumbing employees in the future, get an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll need it when tax season rolls around.
• Get insurance. Small business insurance protects your business and your clients after an accident, injuries, or damages. Get a policy that includes general liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and inland marine insurance at the very least.

8. Advertise your plumbing business

When you’re just getting started, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on advertising right from the get-go. Try focusing on these easy strategies to get more plumbing leads:

Build your brand

Customers are more likely to choose a plumbing company that looks professional and stands out from competitors. Win customers with these service business branding tips:

• Build a simple and recognizable company logo with a logo generator like Looka
• Choose consistent company colors and a clean, easy-to-read font
• Pick a plumbing business slogan that describes what you do differently
• Get a uniform with your logo to represent your business while you’re on the job
• Print and hand out plumbing business cards, postcards, and door hangers

Create an online presence

Most of your customers will be looking for your services online. Make it easier for them to find you with these online marketing strategies:

• Claim your free Google Business Profile
• Sign up for lead generation sites to win more plumbing jobs
• Invest in online plumbing ads and Google’s Local Service Ads
• Set up a free Facebook Business page to build a following
• Build an easy-to-use plumbing website
• Use SEO for plumbers to rank higher in web searches

READ MORE: 13 plumbing marketing ideas to get more business

Offer amazing customer service

Happy customers turn into repeat business and refer friends and family to your services. The right plumbing software can help you manage operations and satisfy customers—here’s how:

• Collect new work requests through your website with online booking
• Provide personalized service by tracking customer details in a field service CRM
• Clearly communicate using appointment reminders, on-my-way texts, and customer service follow-up emails
• Let customers approve quotes and pay invoices on their own time through client hub
• Send out customer feedback surveys and use the answers to improve your services
• Thank customers for positive reviews and always respond politely to negative reviews

9. Hire technicians and grow your business

Eventually you’ll reach a point where you’re overbooked, overwhelmed, and falling behind on paperwork. Don’t worry, these are just growing pains—you’re ready to hire your first employee.

Follow these steps to hire skilled plumbing technicians for your business:

1. Decide what type of plumber (and type of person) you need.
2. Write a plumber job description that outlines the open position.
3. Advertise the job on your website, online job boards, and social media.
4. Meet with qualified candidates and ask the right plumbing interview questions.
5. Hire the best candidate, make an offer, and plan for their first day.

From there, you’re ready to take on more work, add new services, and expand your service area.

READ MORE: Hire better and faster with an employee referral program

10. Stay current with training and knowledge

Staying on top of plumbing industry trends will help you keep up with the competition when it comes to pricing, marketing, and more. These are just a few ways to do that:

• Network with other plumbers and learn from their success stories, starting with Modern Plumbing, Guest Plumbing, and Valor Plumbing.
• Check out plumbing blogs and plumbing business resources for tips and tricks that’ll help you be successful in the industry.
• Explore professional development resources, read books for entrepreneurs, and attend learning events like Jobber Summit.

READ MORE: 18 of the best plumber apps to make your life easier