Mobile radiator repair and replacement
Visit homes to repair, swap and service radiators, and supply replacements for landlords and homeowners.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that fixes leaking or cold radiators, replaces valves and swaps old radiators or baseboard units for new or reconditioned ones. You can also sell the radiators you fit.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state licensing board what license is needed for heating or plumbing work, and get qualified if required
- Set up an account with a local plumbing and heating supplier and build a stock of common valves and fittings
- Introduce yourself to landlords, property managers and local contractors, and offer a fixed-price first radiator repair
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small contractors who want a specialist for radiator jobs.
How it makes money
A service call fee plus labor for repairs and replacements, with a markup on the radiators, valves and parts you supply.
Skills that help
- Hydronic or steam heating knowledge
- Pipe fitting and basic plumbing
- Troubleshooting
- Clear customer communication
Watch out for
- Most states require a plumbing, HVAC or contractor license for work on heating systems, check before taking jobs
- General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
- Older systems may involve asbestos, lead paint or steam pressure, know when to stop and refer the job out
- Water damage risk when draining or removing radiators, so carry protective materials
- Check local permit rules for replacing heating components
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile radiator repair and replacement
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 mobile radiator repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your van, tools and the radiators you stock. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup before you buy.
Do I need a license to repair radiators in the US?
Check whether your state requires a plumbing, HVAC or contractor license for heating system work before taking jobs. Also check local permit rules for replacing heating components, insurance, and know when older systems with asbestos, lead paint or steam pressure mean referring the job out.
What skills do I need for mobile radiator repair?
Useful skills include hydronic or steam heating knowledge, pipe fitting and basic plumbing, troubleshooting and clear customer communication. The estimate is at least about 15 hours a week. Carry protective materials, since draining or removing radiators carries a water damage risk.
Other ways to run this business
Similar home services ideas
Water softener sales and installation
Sell, install and service water softeners for homes on hard water in your area.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Asbestos surveys for contractors and property managers
Run pre-renovation and pre-demolition asbestos surveys for builders, landlords and commercial property owners.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Home water treatment dealer and installer
Test home water, then sell, install and service softeners and filters for homeowners.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pest control for local businesses
Service restaurants, offices and shops on monthly contracts for steady, repeat work.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile gas log installer and supplier
Sell and install gas log sets in existing fireplaces for homeowners, working from your truck or van with no storefront.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Full-service house sitting agency
Build a full-time agency with screened, trained sitters for second homes, snowbirds and longer trips.
- $3k-15k
- Full-time
- From home
Photo: ri on Pixabay