Rainwater tank supply and install

Homeowners, hobby farmers, rural property owners and small builders who want to collect roof water for gardens, toilets or laundry.

You earn a margin on each tank and fittings, plus a charge for delivery and installation labour. Pumps, first-flush diverters and base preparation are useful add-ons.

• Practical handyman skills
• Basic plumbing knowledge
• Quoting and customer service
• Safe lifting and driving

• Connecting tanks to household plumbing usually needs a licensed plumber in most states, so check your state's rules or partner with one
• Check local council and state rules on tank size, placement and any approval needed
• Public liability insurance and, if you hire staff, workers compensation
• Heavy tanks and uneven ground are a safety and damage risk, so plan bases and lifting carefully
• Wholesalers may have minimum orders or lead times, so check these before promising dates

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, supplier arrangements and insurance. Check wholesaler minimum orders and lead times before promising delivery dates to customers.

Things to check: connecting tanks to household plumbing usually needs a licensed plumber in most states, so check your state's rules or partner with one. Also check council and state rules on tank size, placement and approvals, plus insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many tanks you sell and install and the extras you supply. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. Plan bases and lifting carefully.