Rainwater harvesting systems for homes and farms

Self-builders, small developers, farmers, equestrian yards, smallholders and businesses wanting to cut mains water use.

A margin on the tank and equipment plus labour and groundworks, quoted as a fixed price per project. Jobs are larger and less frequent, and servicing can bring repeat work.

• Plumbing or groundworks experience
• Quoting and project planning
• Working with builders and architects

• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you take on staff
• Water Regulations and Building Regulations may apply, so check with your water company and local building control
• Check for buried services before any digging, and plan safe excavation
• Large tanks may need planning or drainage checks, so confirm with your council
• Cash flow, as equipment costs come before the customer pays

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the equipment, tools and the scale of systems you plan to install. These are estimates. Equipment costs come before customers pay, so plan your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the number and size of projects you win. These are estimates of revenue, not profit. Expect to work at least around 25 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you take on staff. Check Water Regulations and Building Regulations with your water company and building control, and planning or drainage needs for large tanks with your council. Check for buried services before digging.