Starting A Plumbing Business

rackman

I am looking at starting a general pumbing business, doing just the basic, stuff nothing to big or crazy, what do some of you suggest? just looking at getting idea's from others in the business. Is it worth while to do, and is there alot of need for it with alot of company's already out there doing it so that is why I ask this question. I have my overhead business now that is ok, but I do have a previous background in plumbing for about 10 years. I have had many cert's and went to school as well, I used to have my Journeyman's Lic but let that laps so, I am just looking to get a general feel from some other owners.

Thanks

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Ron The Plumber

You have 9 post on this site, and you want us to believe you have done plumbing in the past. yet your profile says Garage Storage. Something is not kosher about this.

Good Luck

rackman

What's not kosher, why you so judgemental, you don't know my back ground or what I've done in the past, just because I have a overhead storage business doesn't mean I don't know how to plumb. For your information I was a commerical plumber for over 10 years just so you know. Being a journeymen and being a business owner are two different things that is why I asked the question. I'd be more than willing to send you a resume if you'd like. You might be suprised.

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thom

Since construction work is way down throughout most of the world, there is likely little to no need for those services where you live. In fact, almost everywhere there is a surplus of all the trades. That surplus is both tradesmen and trades contractors.

Ron The Plumber

You nailed on the head, I don't know your background, as far as I know your just someone from somewhere, that's all.


Call your state licenses board, they will tell you all you need to know about opening up a business, you have to make your own mind up, is it worth it, you live there, I don't, how can anyone but those that are in your area known what the market is like.

Good Luck on your endeavor. My your dreams become a reality.

retired rooter

In alabama you have to have a masters certification to get a license.A license is required in every little po dunk place you go if you are legal.To get a licence to do plumbing first you must have masters card for both plumbing and gas if you put in water heaters. Then the insurance bond that each city wants.And if inspector likes you you can get a license to work in his domain little towns usually have 1 inspector for everything.I at one time had my state license 6 county licenses and no telling how many city licences.We were working on a statewide license but it never seemed to get thru every little town wants their 100 bucks for plumbing and another 100 for gas(average) Now only the big companies have most of their licenses and they usually wait until they get a big job in the rural areas or get caught eating lunch in their marked truck aww business nothing like it thats why I am fishing more than working and then usually for other plumbers

22rifle

Forget it in Charlotte area. It's overloaded with plumbers in a big way. Some outfits laid off 80% or more of their guys. Guess what those guys are doing? Running around doing what you want to do.

The only way you will make a go of it right now in that area is finding a good, profitable niche and going for it. I said profitable. Working cheap may get you work but you will just screw yourself and your clients.

From the sound of it, you don't have anything to offer of value in a profitable niche market. So go get a job for a year or two if you can find one. Or move.

donovplmb01

You've probably found your answers already.

I'm in Ontario Canada and to be ignorant, I can't see qualifictions being very different in the U.S. but again, I'm not sure.
Ontario you can't open or operate a business in plumbing w/o a Master Plumbers License.
Millions of hours logged (exageration), apprenticeship training, class room training, journeymen certification.....before our government even looks at us as legit. Not to mention, your clients will want that security when they hire you. And of course, the continuous education as the code book seems to update regularly and new products become available.
It's a competitive market here and there is still work available.....for how long does anybody really know?

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gallerytungsten

Contrary to some of the other replies, I suspect there's plenty of business available, but if, and only if, you can set yourself above the rest, in terms of expertise, professionalism, "bedside manner" and so on.

Here, there are plenty of plumbers, but most of them can't even be bothered to show up when they say they will, or return calls.

ct plumber

I dont know how things work down there,but here in ct you dont go from hanging racks to plumbing,it doesnt sound like you know to much about plumbing or you wouldnt be asking what to specialize in.Plumbing is not a hobby.People could get hurt or sick with a plumbing mistake.Stick with what you know or go back to school,it always makes me laugh when people say they have a back ground in plumbing.Good Luck and do it the right way