Start a local domestic plumbing business

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents and older people who need a reliable local tradesperson.

Call-out fee plus hourly rate, or fixed prices for set jobs such as replacing a tap or toilet. Materials are usually charged on top.

• Recognised plumbing qualification or time served experience
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Clear quotes and friendly customer service

• There is no general licence needed to work as a plumber in the UK, but some types of work have legal requirements, so check before taking them on
• Public liability insurance, and tools cover for your kit
• Gas work (such as boilers, gas hobs or gas fires) legally requires Gas Safe registration, so do not take on gas jobs unless you are registered
• Unvented hot water cylinders require a specific qualification (commonly called G3), so check before taking those jobs
• Water Regulations: certain installations must be notified to your water supplier, or can be self-certified through a competent person scheme, so check which applies to the work you do
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records for tax
• Emergency call-outs can disrupt evenings and weekends, so decide your hours up front

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your van, tools, insurance and stock of fittings. These are estimates, so price up your own kit list before deciding how much you need.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your rates. These are estimates, and the business could start at around 15 hours a week.

There is no general licence for plumbers, but check requirements for specific work. Gas work needs Gas Safe registration, unvented cylinders need a specific qualification, and some installations must be notified under Water Regulations. Check which apply to you.