Struggling to make ends meet between big plumbing contracts? You’re not alone. Many licensed plumbers are looking for how to find side work as a plumber to supplement their income, gain more experience, or test the waters of self-employment. Whether you’re a full-time tradesperson or just starting out, side gigs can offer financial flexibility, professional growth, and a stronger local reputation—all without quitting your day job. In this guide, we’ll walk you through actionable, realistic strategies that actually work in today’s gig economy.
Why Plumbers Should Consider Side Work
Before diving into how to find plumbing side gigs, it helps to understand why. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers is around $60,000, but top earners—especially those with side businesses or specialized skills—can make over $90,000. Side work lets you:
- Fill income gaps during slow seasons
- Build a client list for your future business
- Test new services (like water heater installations or drain cleaning)
- Strengthen your resume with diverse experience
As veteran plumber and trade educator Mark Henderson notes:
“Side jobs aren’t just about extra cash—they’re your on-the-job MBA in customer service, pricing, and problem-solving.”
Where to Find Plumbing Side Gigs (Step-by-Step)
1. Leverage Online Platforms and Apps
Digital marketplaces are booming for skilled trades. Here’s how to get started:
- TaskRabbit: Great for small residential jobs like faucet replacements or toilet repairs.
- Thumbtack: Clients post detailed requests; you submit quotes. Focus on completing your profile 100% to rank higher.
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List): Requires licensing verification—ideal for building trust.
- Facebook Marketplace & Local Buy/Sell Groups: Post services with before/after photos. Example post: “Licensed plumber offering weekend drain cleaning—$75 flat rate (within 15 miles).”
💡 Pro Tip: Respond within 2 hours of a lead. Studies show leads contacted within this window are 3x more likely to convert (HomeAdvisor, 2024).
2. Network Locally—Offline Still Works
Don’t underestimate word of mouth. Try these proven tactics:
- Tell friends, family, and neighbors you’re available for small jobs
- Leave business cards at local hardware stores (with owner permission)
- Partner with handymen or HVAC techs who get plumbing-adjacent requests
- Attend community events or neighborhood association meetings
Case Study: In Austin, TX, plumber Dana Rivera landed 12 side jobs in 3 months just by handing out QR-code flyers at a local laundromat. One scan led directly to her Calendly booking page.
3. Use Your Existing Employer’s Downtime (Ethically)
If you work for a plumbing company, check your contract first—but many employers don’t mind if you take on non-competing side work during off-hours. Avoid:
- Working for their clients
- Using company tools or vehicles
- Offering lower rates that undercut your employer
Instead, focus on residential micro-jobs: leak fixes, garbage disposal installs, or outdoor spigot repairs.
Building a Simple Side Hustle System
You don’t need a full business—just a repeatable process. Follow this 4-step system:
- Define Your Niche: Stick to 2–3 services (e.g., “emergency leak repair + water heater checks”). Specialization builds trust.
- Set Clear Pricing: Charge flat rates for common jobs. Example:
- Toilet repair: $95
- Faucet replacement: $120
- Drain unclogging (sink): $80
- Create a Booking Flow: Use free tools like Calendly + Google Forms to collect job details upfront.
- Collect Reviews Immediately: Text a Google Review link right after payment. Aim for 10+ 5-star reviews to dominate local SEO.
Pros and Cons of Plumbing Side Work
| Extra $500–$2,000/month | Time management challenges |
| Builds client portfolio | Liability if uninsured |
| Tests business ideas risk-free | Potential conflict with main job |
| Improves troubleshooting skills | Inconsistent demand |
⚠️ Important: Always carry general liability insurance, even for side gigs. A single water damage claim can cost thousands. You can get basic coverage for ~$30/month through providers like Next Insurance.
How to Stay Compliant and Safe
Working legally protects you and your clients. Remember:
- Licensing: Most states require a license for plumbing work over $500. Check your local rules at Wikipedia: Plumbing Regulations in the United States .
- Taxes: Track every dollar earned. Use apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed to separate personal and side-income.
- Permits: For any structural plumbing (like rerouting pipes), pull permits—don’t skip this step.
Tools & Apps That Save Time
Maximize efficiency with these free or low-cost tools:
- Jobber: Invoice, schedule, and track jobs ($29/month)
- Housecall Pro: All-in-one for tradespeople (free tier available)
- Canva: Design simple flyers in minutes
- Google Voice: Get a free business number to protect your privacy
FAQ Section
Q: Do I need a business license for plumbing side jobs?
A: It depends on your city and job size. In most U.S. municipalities, you don’t need a business license for occasional side work under $1,000—but you do need a valid plumbing license if your state requires one for the work performed. Always verify with your local building department.
Q: How much should I charge for side plumbing work?
A: Research local rates on Thumbtack or HomeAdvisor. As a rule, charge 20–30% less than full-service companies but never below your break-even point. Example: If your hourly cost (truck, fuel, insurance) is $45, don’t charge less than $65/hour.
Q: Can I do side plumbing work while employed full-time?
A: Yes—as long as your employment agreement doesn’t prohibit it and you avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., stealing clients). Most employers are fine with weekend or evening gigs.
Q: What’s the fastest way to get my first side gig?
A: Post in 3 local Facebook groups today with:
“Licensed plumber available this weekend for small jobs—$75 for sink leaks, $95 for toilet fixes. DM me!”
Add a photo of you in uniform for credibility.
Q: Should I form an LLC for side plumbing work?
A: Not immediately. Start as a sole proprietor. Once you hit $10,000+ in annual side income, consider an LLC for liability protection. Consult a local CPA first.
Q: How do I handle no-shows or last-minute cancellations?
A: Require a $25–$50 booking deposit via PayPal or Venmo. Refund it after the job—or keep it if they cancel within 2 hours.
Conclusion
Finding side work as a plumber isn’t just about extra cash—it’s a smart career move. With the right strategy, you can build a loyal client base, sharpen your skills, and even lay the foundation for your own plumbing business. Start small: pick one platform, define two services, and post your offer this week.
👉 Liked this guide? Share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook or LinkedIn! Your network might need this—and you could be the reason they finally break into side income.
Remember: Every master plumber started with one small job. Yours could be next.
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