Is It Hard To Start a Plumbing Business? The Real Truth (2025 Guide)

Is It Hard To Start a Plumbing Business? Let’s Be Honest.

Let’s cut through the noise.

If you’re asking, “Is it hard to start a plumbing business?”—you’re not just curious. You’re probably imagining yourself in a pickup truck, toolbox in hand, calling your own shots… but you’re also wondering: “Do I have what it takes? Will I drown in paperwork? Can I actually make money?”

The truth? Starting a plumbing business isn’t impossible—but it’s not easy either. It demands grit, learning, and smart planning. But here’s the good news: thousands of people do it every year—and thrive. We’re going to break down exactly what you’re up against… and how to win.

1. How Much Does It Actually Cost to Start a Plumbing Business?

Let’s talk numbers—because money is the #1 blocker for most aspiring plumbers.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the average startup cost for a plumbing business ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. But here’s the breakdown:

👉 Pro Tip: Many new plumbers start part-time—keeping their day job while taking weekend jobs. This cuts your risk in half. One client in Ohio started with just $7,000 in tools and a borrowed pickup. Within 18 months, he bought his own van and hired his first apprentice.

2. Do You Need a License? (And How Hard Is It to Get One?)

Yes. You absolutely need a license—and it’s non-negotiable. Every state requires it. Some even require county or city permits on top.

Here’s what it typically takes:

• Apprenticeship: 4–5 years working under a licensed master plumber (paid, on-the-job training).
• Journeyman License: After apprenticeship, pass a written and practical exam.
• Master Plumber License: 2+ years as a journeyman + another exam (required if you want to own a business).
• Business License: Register your company with your state’s contractor board.

“In California, you need 4 years of experience plus 32 hours of business law training. In Texas, you can skip the master license if you’re only doing residential work—but you still need a journeyman.”
— State Plumbing Licensing Guide, Wikipedia.org

The Catch? It takes years to qualify. But here’s the silver lining:
✅ Many states allow you to take the journeyman exam after 3–4 years of paid work—even if you didn’t go to trade school.
✅ Online prep courses (like PlumbingSchool.com) help you pass the test on the first try.
✅ Some states offer “limited licenses” for specific tasks (e.g., drain cleaning only)—perfect for starting small.

3. What Are the Biggest Challenges New Plumbing Business Owners Face?

Let’s be real. The romantic version of “being your own boss” doesn’t show you the messy parts.

Here are the top 5 hidden struggles:

1. Finding Your First 10 Customers
   No one knows you exist. You’ll need to knock on doors, hand out flyers, run Facebook ads ($5/day works), and get listed on Google Business Profile. One plumber in Ohio got his first 5 jobs by offering $50 off to neighbors on Nextdoor.
2. Cash Flow Gaps
   Jobs pay after completion. Bills (insurance, fuel, tools) come before. You need a line of credit or emergency fund. 83% of small plumbing businesses fail within 5 years due to poor cash flow management (IBISWorld, 2024).
3. Hiring the Right People
   A bad apprentice can cost you $10k in damaged pipes and bad reviews. Hire slowly. Train relentlessly.
4. Dealing with Difficult Clients
   Someone’s toilet is backing up. They’re stressed. You’re late. Emotions run high. Learn to de-escalate. A simple “I understand this is stressful—I’ve got this” goes miles.
5. Keeping Up with Codes
   Plumbing codes change yearly. One missed detail = a failed inspection = lost paycheck. Subscribe to Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine or your state’s code updates.

Kelebihan vs Kekurangan: Starting a Plumbing Business

4. Step-by-Step: How to Start a Plumbing Business in 6 Phases (2025 Edition)

Ready to take action? Here’s your roadmap:

Phase 1: Get Licensed (Start Now)

→ Research your state’s requirements at [your state’s contractor licensing board website].
→ Sign up for an apprenticeship program through your local union (e.g., United Association) or trade school.
→ Timeframe: 4–7 years.

Phase 2: Build Your Toolkit (Budget Smart)

→ Start with basics: pipe wrench, plunger, tape measure, pipe cutter, basin wrench, drain snake.
→ Buy used tools on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
→ Save for a hydro jetter and camera inspection tool—these are your profit multipliers.

Phase 3: Register Your Business (Do This Before Your First Job)

→ Choose a business structure: LLC (recommended for liability protection).
→ Get an EIN from the IRS (free).
→ Register with your state’s business office ($50–$150).
→ Get general liability insurance ($800–$1,500/year).

Phase 4: Brand & Market (Don’t Wait!)

→ Name your business: Simple + local. “Smith Plumbing” > “Elite Drain Solutions.”
→ Build a simple website with Google Sites or Wix ($15/month). Include: services, photos, contact, reviews.
→ Claim your Google Business Profile. Add 5–10 photos (tools, truck, smiling you).
→ Run $5/day Facebook ads targeting homeowners aged 35–65 in your zip code.

Phase 5: Get Your First 5 Jobs

→ Offer free inspections to neighbors.
→ Ask friends/family to refer you.
→ List on Thumbtack, Angi, HomeAdvisor (pay for leads if needed).
→ One plumber in Indiana got 12 jobs in Month 1 by handing out 200 flyers at local hardware stores.

Phase 6: Scale Smart

→ Reinvest profits into a second truck or van.
→ Hire your first apprentice (pay $18–$25/hr).
→ Use scheduling software like Jobber or Service Autopilot ($50/month).
→ Track every dollar with QuickBooks.

5. Can You Really Make Money? (Real Income Stats for 2025)

Yes. And here’s how:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024

“I started with $3,000 in tools and no clients. 18 months later, I had 3 trucks, 4 employees, and $220K in revenue. It wasn’t glamorous—but it was worth it.”
— Marcus T., owner of Tarrant Plumbing, Dallas, TX

The key? Don’t just fix pipes. Fix problems. Offer 24/7 emergency service. Install water softeners. Upgrade old systems. These are high-margin services (60–80% profit).

FAQ: Is It Hard To Start a Plumbing Business? (Answered)

Q1: Can I start a plumbing business without being a licensed plumber?

No. You cannot legally run a plumbing business without holding at least a journeyman license in every U.S. state. Some states allow unlicensed individuals to handle minor tasks (like replacing a faucet), but you cannot advertise as a “plumbing contractor” or pull permits without a license. Skip this step, and you risk fines, lawsuits, or jail time.

Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?

Typically 4–7 years. Most states require 4 years as an apprentice + passing a journeyman exam. If you want to own a company, you’ll need 2+ more years as a journeyman to qualify for a master license. Trade schools can accelerate part of this—some offer 2-year programs that count toward apprenticeship hours.

Q3: Is there demand for plumbers right now?

Massive demand. The BLS projects 10% job growth for plumbers between 2022–2032—faster than average. Why? Aging infrastructure, new housing construction, and a shortage of skilled workers. In 2024, over 60% of plumbing companies reported difficulty hiring qualified staff.

Q4: Do I need a commercial vehicle?

Not immediately—but you’ll need a reliable vehicle. Many start with a personal truck or van. Once you’re making $80K+ annually, invest in a branded van ($20K–$30K). It builds trust. Customers see a clean, branded truck and think, “This guy is professional.”

Q5: What’s the #1 mistake new plumbing business owners make?

Underestimating the business side. Most plumbers are great with pipes—but terrible with invoices, taxes, and marketing. Hire a bookkeeper. Use accounting software. Track every job. Your tools won’t pay you—your systems will.

Q6: Can I start this business part-time?

Absolutely. In fact, 72% of successful plumbing business owners started part-time while keeping another job. Use nights and weekends. Build your client list. Save for your first truck. This reduces risk and gives you time to learn without pressure.

Final Thoughts: Is It Hard? Yes. Impossible? Absolutely Not.

So, is it hard to start a plumbing business?
Yes.
It takes years of training. It demands physical stamina. It requires financial discipline. And yes—there are days you’ll wish you’d become a barista.

But here’s what most people don’t tell you:
👉 Plumbing is one of the few trades where you can go from zero to $100K+ in under 5 years—with no college debt.
👉 You’re not just fixing pipes. You’re solving real problems for real people.
👉 You own your schedule. Your truck. Your future.

If you’re willing to put in the work—learn the trade, build the brand, manage the money—you won’t just survive. You’ll thrive.

Got questions? Found this helpful?
👉 Share this guide with a friend who’s thinking about starting a plumbing business.
👉 Tag them on Instagram or Facebook: “This is the real talk about plumbing I wish I’d seen 5 years ago.”

Your next job isn’t just a call—it’s your first step toward freedom.