Solo service plumber for repairs and maintenance
Fix leaks, blocked drains, taps and hot water systems for homeowners and landlords in your area.
- A$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-person plumbing business doing day-to-day jobs: leaking taps and pipes, blocked drains and toilets, hot water system repairs and replacements, and general maintenance, working from a ute or van.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state or territory licensing body what licence you need to contract on your own account, and confirm your qualification meets it
- Get an ABN, public liability insurance and a ute or van fitted out with core tools and common parts
- Introduce yourself to local property managers and set up a Google Business Profile to start getting calls
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses needing quick, reliable repairs.
How it makes money
Call-out fee plus hourly rate or quoted price per job, with extra for parts, after-hours work and emergency call-outs. Repeat work from property managers helps keep the diary steady.
Skills that help
- Qualified and licensed plumbing trade skills
- Diagnosing problems quickly
- Clear quoting and customer service
- Managing your own diary and paperwork
Watch out for
- Plumbing is a licensed trade in every state and territory, so check the exact licence and any separate contractor licence you need before taking paid work
- Public liability insurance, and check whether your state requires home warranty or similar cover for certain work
- Some work (gas fitting, backflow prevention, drainage) may need extra licences or endorsements, check your state's rules
- Compliance certificates may be required for certain jobs, check what applies in your state
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire anyone
- Unpaid invoices and unquoted extras, use clear written quotes
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: solo service plumber (repairs and maintenance)
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a plumbing business?
Estimates typically put startup costs at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your vehicle, tools and equipment, and insurance. Costs vary with whether you already own a ute or van and a basic tool kit.
How much can a solo plumber earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on how many jobs you take, the type of work and your area. Clear written quotes help you avoid unpaid extras.
What licences should I check before working as a plumber?
Plumbing is a licensed trade in every state and territory, so check the exact licence and any separate contractor licence before taking paid work. Also check extra endorsements for gas, backflow or drainage, compliance certificates and insurance.
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