So, you’ve decided to start a plumbing business. After all, not only do you have excellent technical skills and experience, you also know you have what it takes to provide the best possible customer service.

Or perhaps you’re in the process of developing those technical skills and want to learn what you can do now to learn how to start a plumbing business once you graduate from your trade school program.

Let us give you a reality check: owning a plumbing business is hard work.

Not only do you need to have the right skills, but you also have to master the ability to market yourself.

What else do you need to ensure that your business is a success?

Keep on reading this post to find out.

Develop Your Skill Set :

Starting a plumbing business is impossible unless you’ve first defined and developed the skill set that you need to be a success.

Remember that this includes both hard and soft skills.

You’ll need to learn about the tools you’ll use, how to identify and repair common plumbing problems, and how to create a budget for your business.

You will also need to have a solid understanding of algebra and geometry, as you may need to draw up plans and diagrams. Additionally, having excellent mathematical skills will help you when it comes to providing accurate project estimates for your clients.

The best way to learn these types of skills is by enrolling in a local trade school that specializes in plumbing education. Plus, it’s an awesome way to start building your network!

Additionally, you’ll need to have superior problem-solving skills, the ability to manage relationships with your clients, and even the physical dexterity that you need in order to get the job done right.

Finally, you’ll need to make sure that you can keep a cool head — even when you’re dealing with seriously difficult and demanding clients!

Take Care of Licensing and Registration :

There are also a few legal steps that you’ll need to take when learning how to start a plumbing business.

First of all, you’ll likely need to apply for a plumbing business license, a plumbing permit, and your general contractor’s license.

And since you’re starting a business, you’ll also need to register it with your state. You’ll also need liability insurance, a solid business plan if you plan to meet with investors, and you’ll have to open a bank account up for your business.

You’ll even need to familiarize yourself with the tax laws your business will need to follow.

Be sure that you check the laws in your specific state when it comes to the documentation and fees associated with owning your own business.

The last thing that you want is to run into any legal trouble.

Make Relationships with Quality Vendors :

When you’re starting a plumbing business, you learn pretty quickly just how beneficial having the right connections can be.

When you need parts and tools, you want to work to build excellent relationships with your suppliers.

For example, businesses like Classic Clawfoot Tubs will help you to give the best possible tub options to customers who are redesigning their bathrooms or need you to help them install a bathtub.

You may even network with other local businesses, like electricians, interior designers, and even architects. Not only is this an awesome way to ensure you get referrals, but it also helps to make the project your customers are trying to complete much simpler.

Even if you can’t provide the services that your customers need, giving them the contact information of someone who can is a huge help to them — and great for your reputation.

Focus on Local Marketing :

As you’ve likely already understood, owning your own plumbing business means that the majority of your clients will come from within your local market.

You’re not exactly going to drive halfway across the country in order to fix someone’s kitchen sink or toilet.

Of course, you also know that, as much as you wish it was the case, you’re not the only plumbing business in your area.

Your marketing approach should have two main goals. The first should be to establish yourself as the premiere and most reliable plumber in your area. The second should be to find innovative ways to reach out to and connect with your local market.

This means that you’ll need to take strategies like hyperlocal marketing, location-based keywords, and by submitting your business to local online and print directories seriously.

Additionally, include a Google Map to your business on your website, so that you can better connect with customers searching on mobile devices.

Finally, always take the time to claim your third-party business listings and your social media accounts. Keep your web presence consistent, get active in the comments section, and encourage your past customers to leave you reviews.

You’ve Mastered How to Start a Plumbing Business :

While starting a plumbing business certainly won’t be easy all of the time, it’s also an incredibly rewarding industry.

You can make lasting relationships with your clients, put your mechanical skills to work, and steadily grow your company over time.

Of course, things like local marketing strategies and ensuring you have the right licenses and educational background is only part of learning how to start a plumbing business.

You still need to know how to hire the right employees, develop a winning lead generation strategy, and learn how to start a blog for your business.

We know it can feel overwhelming — so we’re here to help.

Be sure to check out our website and blog for more business tips to ensure that your plumbing business continues to succeed.

Read Also : 

• How To Market Your New Plumbing Company
• 5 Useful Plumber Marketing Tips That’ll Expand Your Reach