How to Start a Plumbing Business: Your Ultimate Guide

Choosing to start a plumbing business can be a smart and rewarding move for driven entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an experienced plumber ready to run your own company or someone exploring stable, service-based small business opportunities, plumbing continues to be a high-demand, recession-resistant industry.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider before launching your business – from licensing and marketing to hiring and culture – and explain how franchising with a brand like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help simplify the process and set you up for long-term growth.

What’s included in this article?

• Who Makes a Great Plumbing Company Owner?
• Why Start a Plumbing Business?
• The Strength and Stability of the Plumbing Industry
• Initial Investment: Understanding Startup Costs
• Crafting a Comprehensive Plumbing Business Plan
• Navigating Plumbing and Business Licensing Requirements
• Profitability and Growth Potential in the Plumbing Industry
• Choosing a Territory and Location
• Building a Customer Base: Finding New Customers
• Delivering the Work: How Plumbing Businesses Operate Day to Day
• Hiring and Retaining Great Plumbers & Employees
• Earning a Reputation in Your Community
• How Franchising Can Help You Start a Plumbing Business
• Ready to Start Your Plumbing Business?

Who Makes a Great Plumbing Company Owner?

Whether you’ve worked in the trades for years or you’re new to the industry, certain characteristics can make all the difference when it comes to running a successful plumbing business. 

Owning a plumbing company is about more than just fixing pipes – it’s about leading a team, solving problems, and delivering a reliable customer experience.

If you’re thinking about launching a new plumbing business, consider whether these traits describe you:

Key Traits of a Strong Plumbing Business Owner:

• Leadership and accountability: Great owners know how to lead by example, build trust with their teams, and take responsibility for their outcomes.
• Customer-focused mindset: In a service-based industry, treating customers with professionalism, respect, and urgency can set your plumbing company apart.
• Willingness to learn and adapt: Whether you’re new to plumbing or shifting from working for someone else to owning your own plumbing business, being open to learning new systems and approaches is essential.
• Time and project management: Successful plumbing business owners know how to manage scheduling, oversee job progress, and keep the business running smoothly – even when they’re not on every jobsite.
• Comfort with delegation: You don’t need to do it all yourself. The best owners know how to hire skilled plumbers, train them well, and trust them to represent the business.
• Drive and consistency: Starting a new plumbing business takes effort and persistence. Owners who stay consistent in their operations and marketing efforts are more likely to see long-term growth.

How Franchising Can Help

Not sure if you have all these traits yet? That’s okay. Franchising with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing gives you the training, resources, and mentorship to strengthen your leadership skills and build a strong foundation. 

You’ll also have access to established tools and systems that make it easier to manage and grow a successful plumbing business – even if you’re just starting out.

Learn more about who makes a good plumbing franchise owner >

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Why Start a Plumbing Business?

There are plenty of reasons why entrepreneurs choose to start a plumbing business, and it’s not just limited to licensed plumbers. 

The plumbing industry is a vital part of the home services sector, offering stability, essential services, and opportunities to grow a profitable business over time. Depending on your background, the motivation to start a plumbing business may be different, but the potential is the same.

Common Reasons to Start a Plumbing Business:

• You’re a plumber who wants to be your own boss: Many experienced plumbers reach a point where they want more freedom, control over their schedule, and the ability to build something of their own. Starting a plumbing business lets you take charge and turn your skills into a long-term business and be self-employed.
• You’re an entrepreneur expanding your portfolio: Home services remain in steady demand, and plumbing offers recurring revenue opportunities, high-margin services, and a strong potential return on investment. If you already own a business or are looking to invest in one, plumbing can be a smart addition.
• You already operate a complementary home services business: Whether you’re in HVAC, electrical, restoration, or general contracting, adding plumbing can allow you to serve more customers, increase average ticket value, and keep more business in-house rather than referring it out.
• You’re in a corporate or office-based role and want something new: Some entrepreneurs come from entirely different industries, including finance, tech, sales, or operations, and are ready for a career shift that offers more flexibility, hands-on leadership, and tangible results. Even if you’re not a plumber, a plumbing business can provide that, especially with the right systems and support in place.

How Franchising Can Help

Franchising with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing makes the path to ownership more accessible, no matter your background. If you already own a plumbing business, franchising can help you expand your potential, solve challenges that may be limiting your growth, and strengthen your operations with built-in support, branding, and buying power.

If you’re just getting started, or don’t have plumbing experience, you can still own a plumbing business by hiring licensed professionals and focusing on leading the business. Our team will guide you through the process of understanding licensing requirements, building your team, and growing your brand in your local market.

Discover the benefits of owning a plumbing franchise > 

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The Strength and Stability of the Plumbing Industry

The plumbing industry is one of the most stable sectors within the home services market – and for good reason. Plumbing is essential. Whether someone is dealing with a burst pipe, a faulty water heater, or planning a bathroom remodel, they need trained professionals to get the job done right. That constant need makes plumbing a smart, long-term business opportunity.

Why Plumbing Is a Strong Industry:

• Recession-resistant demand: Plumbing services are not optional. When emergencies and property damage happen, or even just routine maintenance is needed, homeowners and businesses can’t afford to wait.
• New construction and aging infrastructure: As new homes are built and older properties require upgrades or repairs, demand for plumbing services continues to rise.
• Diverse service offerings: From repairs and maintenance to remodels and water filtration systems, plumbing businesses can offer a wide range of services to meet customer needs.
• Recurring revenue potential: Maintenance programs and long-term customer relationships allow plumbing businesses to build consistent revenue over time.
• Opportunities for innovation and specialization: The industry continues to evolve with smart home technology, energy-efficient systems, and water-saving solutions – giving owners the chance to grow with emerging trends.

How Franchising Can Help

When you invest in a plumbing franchise with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you’re stepping into a strong and growing industry. The added advantage of an established brand, national recognition, and a business model designed to adapt with the times can help you get your new plumbing company off the ground. 

You’ll be backed by a team that understands where the industry is headed and helps you stay competitive, compliant, and efficient every step of the way.

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Initial Investment: Understanding Startup Costs

Before you begin operations, you’ll need to plan for a range of startup costs. These include:

• Plumbing tools and plumbing equipment: For everyday service calls, repairs, and installations.
• Vehicles: A work van or truck with proper storage and branding.
• Licensing, insurance, and bonding: Every plumbing business must meet state and local business licensing requirements. You also need to consider business and liability insurance costs, employee insurance costs, bonding employees, and more. 
• Software and operations tools: For managing scheduling, billing, payroll, and more.
• Marketing assets: Including a website, signage, branded uniforms, and promotional materials.
• Staffing: If you’re planning to hire from the start, upfront costs may include technician salaries, office support, and training costs.

How Franchising Can Help

When you franchise with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you gain access to resources and support that help reduce the burden of startup planning. Instead of assembling a team of experts yourself, you tap into a brand that provides guidance for everything from branding to operations. 

You’ll also benefit from preferred pricing on vehicles, equipment, and software through BuyMax – making it easier to control costs, improve profit margins, and invest in the areas that matter most.

Franchise financing options can include SBA loans, third party financing, HELOC loans, and more. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing also offers exclusive franchise discounts for veteran, women, and minority-owned businesses. 

Learn more about the initial investment for a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise > 

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Crafting a Comprehensive Plumbing Business Plan

A plumbing business plan is more than a formality – it’s your strategic foundation.

It should include:

• Business structure: Will you form a limited liability company (LLC), S-Corp, or something else? What will your business name be, and how will customers identify you?
• Licensing and compliance: Research your state and local plumbing license requirements.
• Market analysis and service area: Who are your competitors? What services are in demand? Will you provide services for commercial plumbing, residential plumbing, or both?
• Marketing and sales strategy: How will you attract and retain customers?
• Financial projections: Outline startup costs, monthly expenses, cash flow needs, pricing strategy, and expected revenue. 

How Franchising Can Help

With Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, much of your business plan framework is already built. You’ll be provided with guidance and templates to craft a solid plan, along with insights into local market dynamics and pricing strategies. 

You’re not left to figure it out alone! You’ll have access to industry experts and business consultants who know what works and what to avoid. You can also tap into a support network of fellow franchise owners who have been in your shoes.

Explore the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise model >

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Navigating Plumbing and Business Licensing Requirements

Licensing is one of the most important early considerations when starting a plumbing business. To operate legally, you’ll typically need both:

• A business license through your state or local government. 
• A plumbing license or certifications based on the services you’ll offer. This can include a master plumber license, journeyman plumber certification, completed apprenticeships, plumbing contractor license, and more. 

Exact licensing requirements vary by state and municipality and can depend on your level of experience, the type of work you’ll perform, and whether you plan to hire licensed professionals.

If you’re not a licensed plumber or plumbing contractor, that doesn’t mean you can’t start a plumbing business. Many owners manage the business side and build a skilled team of licensed professionals to fulfill licensing requirements and perform the work, including master plumbers and plumbing technicians. 

How Franchising Can Help

When you franchise with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you don’t have to navigate licensing alone. Our team will help you understand the licensing landscape in your area and guide you as you build a team that meets all local and state requirements.

While we don’t issue licenses or make hiring decisions for you, we offer support and best practices to help you move forward. Whether you already have a plumbing license or are new to the industry, we’ll help you put the right pieces in place, so your business is fully compliant and ready to serve your community.

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Profitability and Growth Potential in the Plumbing Industry

The plumbing industry offers strong earning potential. Because plumbing services are essential – covering everything from emergency repairs to new installations – demand can remain steady even in economic downturns.

Opportunities to improve profitability include:

• Offering 24/7 emergency services
• Specializing in high-value services like water heater installation or sewer line repairs
• Introducing preventative maintenance plans for recurring revenue
• Upselling high-efficiency fixtures or water filtration plumbing systems

How Franchising Can Help

Franchising with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing allows you to maximize your earning potential by leveraging systems that support efficient operations. 

You’ll receive a blueprint for introducing new revenue streams, tools to track performance, and access to franchise-wide benchmarks to compare and improve profitability. Our partnership with BuyMax can help reduce the cost of products and equipment, while BuyFin offers financing options that allow your customers to say “yes” to larger jobs.

Franchising is on the rise! Find out why now is the time to join Benjamin Franklin Plumbing >

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Choosing a Territory and Location

Where you operate can directly impact your success. Choosing the right territory involves researching:

• Population density and demographics
• Competition in the area
• Local construction and housing trends
• Regulations and licensing in your state or municipality

Whether you plan to work from a home office or open a small storefront, location can influence how customers find and choose your business.

How Franchising Can Help

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing uses data and research to help you select a territory with strong growth potential. You’ll receive support to evaluate your market, assess competitor saturation, and determine your service area. 

Franchise owners are also granted exclusive marketing territories, ensuring you won’t be competing with other Benjamin Franklin Plumbing locations in your area.

Explore available territories for franchising with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing >

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Building a Customer Base: Finding New Customers

Attracting and retaining customers is one of the most important parts of running a successful plumbing business. A steady stream of leads – paired with consistent service – can keep your schedule full and your business growing.

But building a customer base doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a combination of smart marketing strategies, professional branding, and reputation-building to stand out in your local market.

Marketing Strategies for a New Plumbing Business

Your marketing approach should include both digital and local tactics to reach homeowners where they’re already looking for help. Here are some of the most effective strategies for growing your plumbing company:

Digital Marketing Essentials

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website content with relevant keywords like emergency plumbing services, drain cleaning near me, or plumbing company in [your city]. This helps build your online presence, so your business shows up in local search results and reaches potential customers actively looking for services.
• Google Business Profile: Claim and optimize your listing. Add service areas, business hours, photos, and encourage customers to leave reviews. A strong presence here builds credibility and boosts visibility in local search maps.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Google Ads can target high-intent customers who are ready to book plumbing services. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, making this a cost-effective option if you’re strategic with your targeting and keywords.
• Email Marketing: Collect emails through service calls or your website and follow up with promotions, seasonal reminders, and helpful tips. Email is a great way to stay top-of-mind and encourage repeat business.
• Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you showcase recent projects, promote offers, and build trust with your local audience. Visual content, including before-and-after images, customer testimonials, and team spotlights, can go a long way in attracting new customers.

Local Marketing Tactics

• Vehicle Wraps and Uniforms: Branded vans and professional uniforms serve as moving billboards and build trust when your team is out in the community.
• Direct Mail and Door Hangers: Well-designed mailers can still be effective, especially when targeting specific neighborhoods after completing a job nearby. Door hangers and business cards also help spread the word about your business. 
• Referral Programs: Offer a discount or incentive for customers who refer friends or family. Happy customers are often your best marketers.
• Community Involvement: Sponsor local events, partner with schools or sports teams, or participate in community clean-up days to build goodwill and brand recognition.

The Importance of Reviews and Reputation

Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews online can significantly influence future buyers. Monitor your reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook, and respond professionally to both praise and criticism. A consistent stream of great reviews is one of the strongest marketing tools for any plumbing business.

How Franchising Can Help

When you franchise with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you gain access to a full suite of marketing tools and resources without having to figure it all out yourself. 

Here’s how we help you build your customer base:

• Branded marketing assets: Professionally designed print materials, ads, and social media templates.
• Digital marketing support: SEO, PPC, and local search strategies managed by experts.
• Website and CRM tools: A professional web presence and software to manage leads, schedule jobs, and follow up with customers.
• Lead generation programs: National and local campaigns that drive traffic and leads directly to your business.

Instead of juggling marketing on your own, you’ll have a dedicated team to help you attract, convert, and retain the right customers, so you can focus on delivering great service and growing your business.

Learn more about the marketing toolbox available to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise owners >

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Delivering the Work: How Plumbing Businesses Operate Day to Day

Owning a plumbing business means more than just running the numbers – it’s about providing reliable, professional service to your customers from the moment they book an appointment to the moment the job is done. The quality of your work and the customer experience you deliver directly influence your reputation, reviews, and repeat business.

Whether you’re doing the plumbing work yourself or managing a team, the operational side of your business matters just as much as your marketing or financial planning.

Key Areas of Day-to-Day Operations

• Booking jobs efficiently: Customers want fast, easy ways to schedule plumbing jobs. Offering both phone and online booking options can improve your conversion rate and customer satisfaction.
• Communicating with customers: Timely updates, appointment reminders, and post-service follow-ups help create a more professional, trustworthy experience.
• Completing jobs to a high standard: Whether it’s a basic repair or a full installation, showing up on time, working efficiently, following safety standards, and keeping the work area clean go a long way toward building loyalty.
• Staying current on trends and regulations: From new plumbing technologies to changing safety codes, the best plumbing company owners keep up with industry developments to offer modern, compliant services.
• Collecting payments and offering financing: Make it easy for customers to pay right after the job – whether through credit card, mobile payment, or financing options for larger projects.

How Franchising Can Help

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise owners are equipped with tools and technology to manage every part of the customer journey, including:

• ServiceTitan Software: The industry-leading business management platform streamlines everything – booking appointments, dispatching technicians, tracking job progress, communicating with customers, invoicing, and collecting payments or credit card information. It also keeps service records organized and helps you follow up after the job to stay top-of-mind for future needs.
• BuyFin Financing Solutions: When customers face large or unexpected repair costs, BuyFin allows them to apply for financing with lenders on the spot – so you can close the job without delays, and they can get the work done without financial stress.

These tools remove much of the friction from both sides of the service experience making it easier for your team to do great work and for your customers to keep coming back.

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Hiring and Retaining Great Plumbers & Employees

A plumbing business is only as strong as the team behind it. Hiring and retaining qualified, professional employees is essential to scaling your operations and building trust with customers, especially as the trades experience a labor shortage.

Tips for building a strong team include:

• Hire for both technical skill and customer service
• Offer competitive pay and benefits
• Invest in ongoing training and development
• Create clear career growth opportunities
• Foster a positive, respectful workplace culture

How Franchising Can Help

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides hiring support and tools to make the process easier. You’ll gain access to customizable job descriptions, recruiting guidance, and templates. 

As your team grows, you can take advantage of on-site and virtual training from Success Academy, ensuring everyone is aligned with industry standards and customer service expectations.

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Earning a Reputation in Your Community

Reputation matters, especially in a local business where referrals and word-of-mouth can fuel long-term growth. Keys to building a positive reputation include:

• Being reliable and transparent in your pricing
• Showing up on time and treating every customer with respect
• Offering a satisfaction guarantee or follow-up service
• Engaging in local events or sponsoring community causes
• Collecting and promoting positive reviews

How Franchising Can Help

With a recognizable brand name like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you start with a level of trust that independent businesses have to earn over time. In addition, the franchise’s tools for collecting and showcasing reviews, managing customer satisfaction, and handling service follow-ups give you an edge in building credibility. 

Discover why Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list > 

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How Franchising Can Help You Start a Plumbing Business

Starting a plumbing business on your own can be overwhelming, but franchising offers a more supported, strategic path forward.

Here’s how Benjamin Franklin Plumbing helps simplify the process:

• Established business systems: Operations, scheduling, billing, and marketing systems are already in place.
• Training and onboarding: You and your team receive step-by-step guidance through our Sure Start onboarding program and Success Academy for ongoing learning.
• National brand power: You operate under a name customers already know and trust with top awards for customer service and franchising excellence.
• Marketing and sales support: Benefit from digital advertising, lead generation, SEO, and review management.
• Buying and financing programs: Save money with BuyMax and offer customer financing through BuyFin.
• Community and mentorship: Join a network of small business owners who are eager to share tips, advice, and encouragement.

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Ready to Start Your Plumbing Business?

If you’re ready to take control of your future, invest in your community, and build something of your own, starting a plumbing business might be the right path. 

If you’d prefer not to navigate that journey alone, franchising with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing gives you the tools, resources, and support to launch with confidence.
Want to learn more about how we help new business owners thrive? Visit our website or reach out to our franchise team today.