Solo service plumber with a van

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses who need a licensed plumber for repairs and replacements.

Hourly rate or flat-rate pricing per job, plus a markup on parts. Emergency and after-hours calls usually earn a higher rate. Repeat work comes from landlords and property managers.

• Journeyperson-level plumbing skills
• Diagnosing problems quickly
• Clear quoting and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and scheduling

• Plumbing is a regulated trade in most provinces, so check whether you need certification and a permit for each job
• Commercial general liability and vehicle insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Water damage from mistakes can be costly, so check your insurance covers it
• Winter brings frozen pipes and busy emergency calls, while quieter months may need planning
• Check GST/HST registration rules once your revenue grows

Estimated startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the van, tools, stock and insurance you need. Treat this as an estimate only, and price your own setup before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many hours you work, local demand and the jobs you take on. This is revenue, not profit, and busy winter emergency calls can affect it.

Check the rules in your province. Plumbing is regulated in most provinces, so check whether you need certification and a permit for each job. Also check liability and vehicle insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, and GST/HST registration.