Drain repair and installation crew

Homeowners, builders, landlords, strata managers and small commercial clients.

Quoted fixed prices per job, often A$1,000s each, plus larger contracts from builders. Hiring a second person lets you run more than one job.

• Drainlaying or plumbing qualification and experience
• Operating or learning to operate earthmoving equipment
• Quoting and job management
• Reading plans and dealing with council

• Drainlaying and plumbing work generally needs a state or territory licence, and some jobs need council or authority approval or inspection
• Check for services like gas and power before you dig (such as Dial Before You Dig)
• Public liability, plant and equipment insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Trench safety and heavy equipment risks, check training and ticket requirements
• Fixed-price quotes can blow out if you hit rock or unexpected pipework, so allow a buffer

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on equipment such as a mini excavator, vehicle and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on job mix and crew size.

Check this before you start. Drainlaying and plumbing work generally needs a state or territory licence, and some jobs need council or authority approval or inspection. Also check training and ticket requirements for trench safety and heavy equipment.

Check for services like gas and power before you dig, such as through Dial Before You Dig. Also check public liability, plant and equipment insurance, and workers compensation once you hire. Allow a buffer on fixed-price quotes in case you hit rock.