A typical plumbing & heating business in the US and Canada that's still open after three years brings in $32k a month ($384k a year) and keeps about $18 of every $100. That leaves about $69.1k a year.
The top 10% make more than $95.1k a month. The bottom 10% make under $10.8k.
Thinking of starting a plumbing & heating business?
- Typical cost to start
- $11.3k
- Still open after 3 years
- 74%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,800 | $13,400 | $26,400 | $48,400 |
| Year 3 | $18,000 | $32,000 | $56,800 | $95,100 |
| Year 5 | $22,700 | $41,600 | $76,300 | $131,800 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $11,300.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Van & racking | $7,000 |
| Tools & test equipment | $3,000 |
| Insurance | $800 |
| Marketing | $500 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
74% are still trading after three years, and 62% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Sold annual boiler and HVAC service plans
- Priced by the job from a published rate card
- Hired an office manager before the third engineer
How to start one, step by step
Verified plumbing & heating businesses on HumDays
ClearFlow Plumbing & Heating
“Service plans pay the office staff. Emergencies pay for growth.”
Questions people ask
Is a plumbing & heating business profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical plumbing & heating business in the US and Canada keeps about $18 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $69.1k a year. 26% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a plumbing & heating business?
The typical cost to start is $12.5k. The biggest items are van & racking and tools & test equipment.
How long until a plumbing & heating business makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 2 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do plumbing & heating businesses fail?
The most common reason owners give is “couldn't hire qualified staff” (30% of closures), followed by “underquoted jobs” (23%).
Is a plumbing & heating business seasonal?
Winter peak for heating. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
Ask plumbing & heating owners
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