1. Get Certification
Aside from having a strong foundation in various math and science skills, becoming a plumbing professional also requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Many people start their careers by taking advantage of apprenticeship programs.
2. Become an Apprentice
The next step in becoming a professional plumber is to become an apprentice with a plumbing company. Through various training programs, you can connect with experienced professionals and gain hands-on training in a real-world environment.
3. Choose Your Specialty
As an apprentice, you must pick the type of tasks that you’re good at and which ones you enjoy doing. You can choose to work as a residential or commercial plumber. You can handle projects such as fixing damaged pipes, performing plumbing repair services, and doing home inspections.
4. Invest in Plumbing Equipment
Depending on the specialty that you choose, you may be able to start a relatively low-cost plumbing business. Aside from a van or truck, you’ll also need various tools and equipment for your work.
5. Register Your Business
To operate a plumbing business properly, you need to follow all of the local and state licensing requirements. Doing so can help avoid getting fined or imprisoned.
6. Create Pricing Formula and Service Agreement
Before you start working with customers, you must have a selection of prices and a formula that will determine the cost of each job. Consistency in pricing is very important for a business. It can help prevent potential customers from criticizing or even suing you.
7. Find an Office Space
One of the most important tasks that a new plumbing professional needs to complete is administrative tasks. This includes keeping track of all of your documents and marketing campaigns.
To start your business at a low cost, consider leasing a home office. This can help you save money on utilities and other expenses.
8. Create Online Presence
While it’s important to create a website and social media profiles, it’s also important to focus on local reviews on sites such as HomeAdvisor and Yelp.
9. Keep Up With Industry Advancements and Training
Despite the changes in technology and the methods of operation, the profession of plumbing has remained a viable career path for decades. It’s important to keep up with the latest trends to provide the best possible service to your customers.
Today’s plumbers use the latest tools and equipment to perform their jobs. They can also install toilets that automatically flush and repair damaged sewer lines.