Gone are the days when plumbers were considered a stereotyped profession. Today, plumbers come from all walks of life and are of a variety of different ages and backgrounds, meaning that the industry is becoming more diverse. However, that’s not to say that there are enough plumbers in the UK.
According to the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, there’s currently a “massive” shortage of these skilled professionals and a shortfall of 27,000 plumbers is predicted by 2027. That can translate into huge problems for people who need a plumber. But it’s also a great opportunity for plumbers to make some money.
If you’ve got an interest in plumbing and you’re wondering about starting a plumbing business, it’s worth knowing what qualifications you need and how much you can expect to make. That’s exactly what we cover in this article, in addition to the steps to starting your own plumbing business. Keep reading to find out more!
In this article:
How do I become a plumber?
As a starting point, you may be wondering what qualifications do you need to be a plumber in the UK? In order to begin your career in plumbing, you’ll need a minimum of a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating. These are industry-recognised qualifications and should set you up for success.
Once you’ve obtained your qualifications, the standard route is to work as an apprentice for several years before forging an independent path for yourself. Also, when it comes to your qualifications, make sure to avoid short and cheap courses that aren’t industry recognised.
How much do plumbers earn in the UK?
Once you’ve completed your qualifications and apprenticeship to give you experience, you’ll want to know how much does a plumber make in the UK. A recent general industry snapshot indicates that the going rate for 2023 is approximately £19.44 per hour. But what does this translate to?
In short, if you’re a newly-trained plumber, you can expect to earn in the region of £19,000 – £25,000 a year. For experienced plumbers with professional training, you are looking at earning approximately £25,000 – £30,000 a year. For more senior plumbers, this figure can double and even go beyond, earning upwards of £90 per hour in some areas.
How much does it cost to start a plumbing business?
Starting a plumbing business is usually on the lower end of the spectrum of business formation in the UK. It can be considered a low-investment business because often, it doesn’t require extensive tools and equipment. However, with that in mind, it’s important to note that you will need to set aside funds for the following aspects of the business start-up process:
- Business registration
- Bookkeeping/accounting services
- Training and accreditation
- Tools and vehicles
- Insurance
- Marketing and advertising
Because these costs will differ for every individual business owner, putting a fixed amount on the price of starting a plumbing business is variable and the average will depend on each individual case.
How to start a plumbing business
If you’re ready to begin and you now would like to ask how to start a plumbing business, we’ve got the answers. Below is a step-by-step guide to helping you on the road ahead.
- Do your market research: studying your competitors and your target market is essential before you get started. This will help you gain insights into what market gaps there are currently and how your service can address this. As such, it’s about considering your customers – domestic, commercial or both? Specialist services? Work as a contractor or sub-contractor?
- Create a business plan: this will not only help you create the “road map” for your business’ success but will also help you in your attempts to secure financing for your business venture.
- Join an industry-recognised trade body: the more your business is associated with industry-recognised trade bodies, the more your clients will trust you. It’s also a way of gaining new clients. Examples of bodies you can join (although they often have a set of minimum requirements before letting you join) include The Construction Health and Safety Scheme (CHAS) and The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).
- Purchase your tools and vehicle(s): these will be the bread and butter of your business because you’ll need to travel to customers’ homes to carry out their service. As such, having high quality tools and equipment along with a functional and safe (and at best, branded) vehicle should be a priority.
- Get your accounting systems up and running: accounting is a basic necessity for any business that enables you to manage your finances more efficiently (and, of course, legally). Whether it’s getting help with a self-assessment tax return or managing your income and expenses from day one, be sure to have an accountant or accounting software in place when you get started.
- Decide which services to offer: the world of plumbing is not as straightforward as it may seem because there are many sub-niches that you can go into and remain competitive. Examples of these include installation of sanitary fittings or other appliances; general repairs to existing pipe-work and systems; installation, maintenance and testing of gas appliances; gas checks for landlord’s safety certificates; legionella inspections and risk assessments for landlords and other organisations; installation and maintenance of water heating and central heating systems; central heating power flushing; installation and maintenance of air conditioning and ventilation systems; drain unblocking, surveys and repairs; emergency repairs and more.
- Work out your trade rates: this will mean studying what the competition is currently pricing for their services, ensuring that you can break even and turn a profit with your sales all while working out business costs such as tax and running costs.
- Acquire insurance: although some types of insurance are obligatory, others are nice-to-haves. In any case, considering the following types of insurance should be a must for any future plumber: public liability insurance (for general injury or property damage), personal accident insurance (for your health), tool insurance (for tools and expensive equipment), professional indemnity and contractor’s liability insurance, employer’s liability insurance (for those who use contractors or employ staff), product liability, motor insurance (for your business vehicle), loss of earnings insurance, etc.
- Market your services: starting your business and getting the basics in place is just one part of the puzzle. The rest involves the all-important marketing and advertising of your plumbing business. You will need to spread the word through various channels to ensure you have a steady stream of customers. Examples of these channels include: your website, social media business accounts, online ads, organic search engine optimisation (SEO), traditional marketing techniques (flyers and pamphlets), partnerships with other businesses, etc.
Do plumbers need to be licensed in the UK?
There are no requirements for licensing in order to perform most plumbing jobs in the UK. However, you will need to be Gas Safe Registered if you will be working on boilers, cookers and gas heaters. Apart from this, it’s good to have a solid knowledge of building and water regulations as well as having proper industry-recognised qualifications.
Plumbing franchise opportunities
If all the above sounds like a lot of work, there is an easier way to start your own plumbing business. And that is by studying and choosing among the variety of plumbing franchises we have in our franchise portal.
These opportunities are considered in the low to medium investment range. And they come with a wide range of benefits. Among these include recognised trade names within the industry, incredible levels of training and support, proven business models, assistance with marketing and advertising and a whole lot more.
Some franchisors we’ve chosen to highlight in the franchise plumbing industry include:
Final thoughts
Starting a plumbing business can be a highly lucrative endeavour because there is so much demand for quality services in the UK market. While you may consider going independent, weighing your options will most certainly prove to you that working with a recognised franchise brand is the way to go.
It’s about having a solid support structure in place as you get started with your plumbing business and as you continue building and scaling it in the future.
With massive support behind you, you’ll be your own boss while enjoying the rewards that come with business ownership under an industry recognised brand name.
Find your next franchise opportunity.
Browse our extensive franchising portal and find the perfect business opportunity for you. Pick your choice of industry, location and/or investment.
