How to Find Plumbing Jobs to Bid On (Proven Strategies)

Struggling to find consistent plumbing work? You’re not alone. Many skilled plumbers waste hours searching for reliable job leads or lose bids to competitors who know where to look. The good news? How to find plumbing jobs to bid on doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right strategies, you can tap into high-quality opportunities—both online and offline—that match your expertise and location. In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven, actionable methods used by top-performing plumbing contractors across the U.S.

Where Can Plumbers Find Jobs to Bid On?

One of the most common questions from new and growing plumbing businesses is: “Where do I even start looking?” The answer lies in diversifying your lead sources. Relying on just one channel—like word-of-mouth or a single app—limits your growth potential.

According to a 2023 report by IBISWorld, the U.S. plumbing services industry generates over $130 billion in annual revenue, with steady demand driven by aging infrastructure, new construction, and emergency repairs. This means plenty of bidding opportunities exist—you just need to know where to find them.

1. Use Online Bidding Platforms (The Fastest Way)

Online marketplaces connect contractors directly with homeowners and businesses seeking plumbing services. These platforms vet clients, provide job details, and often include customer reviews—making it easier to assess project viability.

Top Platforms for Plumbing Bids:

• HomeAdvisor (now Angi) – Submit bids after paying a lead fee. Great for residential jobs.
• Thumbtack – Free to join; you pay only when a client messages you.
• Bidsketch – Not a lead gen site, but useful for creating professional proposals once you have leads.
• BuildZoom – Focuses on licensed contractors and larger renovation projects.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check a platform’s lead quality before committing. Some charge $30–$60 per lead, so calculate your conversion rate. If you close 1 in 4 leads, that’s a $120–$240 customer acquisition cost—only sustainable if your average job is $800+.

2. Tap Into Government & Commercial Bidding Portals

For plumbers with a business license and bonding capacity, public-sector contracts offer stable, high-value work.

Key Resources:

• SAM.gov – The U.S. government’s official contracting site. Search for “plumbing” or “mechanical contractor” opportunities.
• BidNet Direct – Aggregates municipal and state-level RFPs (Requests for Proposals).
• Local city/county websites – Many post bid opportunities under “Procurement” or “Public Works.”

📊 Case Study: A plumbing contractor in Austin, TX, landed a $250,000 school district contract after monitoring Travis County’s bid portal weekly. The job required union labor and EPA compliance—but the profit margin was 32%, far above their typical 18% on residential work.

Always ensure you meet bonding and insurance requirements. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers guidance for contractors new to public bidding—learn more here .

3. Leverage Local Networking & Referrals

Despite digital tools, word-of-mouth remains the #1 source of high-conversion plumbing leads. A 2022 HomeServe survey found that 68% of homeowners hire plumbers based on personal recommendations.

Action Steps:

• Join your local Chamber of Commerce or BNI (Business Network International) chapter.
• Partner with real estate agents, property managers, and HVAC technicians—they often need reliable plumbers.
• Offer a $25–$50 referral bonus to past customers who send new business your way.

✅ Real Example: Mike’s Plumbing in Denver grew 40% year-over-year by giving realtors branded “emergency plumbing kits” (with his contact info) to include in new home closing packets.

4. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (Free & Powerful)

When someone searches “emergency plumber near me” or “plumbing contractor [city],” Google pulls results from Google Business Profile (GBP). If you’re not listed—or your profile is incomplete—you’re invisible.

Must-Do GBP Optimizations:

• Verify your business and select “Plumber” as your primary category.
• Add high-quality photos of your team, van, and completed jobs.
• Collect 10+ genuine reviews (ask satisfied customers politely).
• Post weekly updates (e.g., “Now offering free water heater inspections!”).

Businesses with complete GBP listings get 7x more clicks than those with minimal info (Google, 2023).

5. Monitor Construction & Renovation Activity

New builds and remodels = plumbing work. Track local development to bid early.

Tools to Use:

• BuildFax or ConstructConnect – Show active permits and project timelines.
• Local building department websites – Most publish weekly permit reports (often free).
• Drive through new housing developments and note builder signs—then call their site office.

🔍 Stat: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports over 1.4 million housing starts annually in the U.S.—each requiring at least one plumbing rough-in and final install.

Pros vs. Cons of Common Bidding Sources

Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Winning Plumbing Bid

1. Review the Scope – Clarify if it’s repair, install, or full-system design. Ask for blueprints if commercial.
2. Inspect In Person (If Possible) – Never bid blind. A 15-minute site visit prevents costly assumptions.
3. Calculate Costs Accurately:
   • Labor: $75–$150/hr (U.S. average)
   • Materials: Include 10–15% waste factor
   • Overhead: Vehicle, insurance, tools (~20% of total)
4. Add Profit Margin – Residential: 25–35%; Commercial: 15–25% (lower due to volume).
5. Write a Clear Proposal – Include timeline, warranty, payment terms, and license number.
6. Follow Up Within 24 Hours – 60% of clients choose the first contractor who responds (HomeAdvisor data).

FAQ: Common Questions About Bidding on Plumbing Jobs

Q: Do I need a license to bid on plumbing jobs?

A: Yes, in all 50 states. Most require a state-issued plumbing contractor license for jobs over $500–$1,000. Check your state’s requirements via the National Contractor License Guide on Wikipedia .

Q: How much should I charge to bid on a job?

A: Never charge to bid on residential jobs—it’s standard practice to provide free estimates. For complex commercial proposals requiring engineering review, some firms charge a nominal fee (e.g., $150), refundable if hired.

Q: Are online lead platforms worth the cost?

A: Only if your conversion rate is strong. Track your close rate: if you win 3 out of 10 leads at $40 each, your cost per job is ~$133. If your average job profit is $500+, it’s sustainable.

Q: How can I stand out from other bidders?

A: Offer a clear warranty (e.g., “5-year leak guarantee”), show before/after photos, and include a short video walkthrough of your plan. Personalization wins.

Q: Can I bid on jobs outside my city?

A: Yes, but factor in travel time and fuel. Many platforms let you set a service radius (e.g., 25 miles). Bidding too far reduces profitability and response speed.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake plumbers make when bidding?

A: Underestimating time or skipping site visits. One missed pipe reroute can turn a $2,000 job into a $500 loss.

Conclusion

Knowing how to find plumbing jobs to bid on is half the battle—winning them is the other half. By combining digital tools (like Angi and Google Business), offline networking, and smart bidding practices, you’ll build a steady pipeline of profitable work. Start with one new strategy this week—whether it’s claiming your GBP or checking your city’s permit list—and track your results.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or your local trade group! The more skilled contractors thrive, the stronger our industry becomes. 💧🔧