ClearFlow Plumbing & Heating
“Service plans pay the office staff. Emergencies pay for growth.”
LOLuis Ortega · ClearFlow Plumbing & Heating · Since 2015
12-mo revenue$1,153,140+13% vs last yearStripe + QuickBooks
How to start a plumbing business in the US
0 of 15 doneStart with: Know your licence path
Plumbing is licensed by states and sometimes by cities. Most require years of supervised work before the journeyman and master exams, and a contractor licence to run the business. Check with your state board first.
You can’t skip this. Your licence level decides what work you can sell.
Paperwork that can run while you wait for the licence.
A well-stocked van means fewer trips to the supplier and more jobs a day.
Plumbing calls come from search and referrals. Service plans keep them coming back.
Hire before you burn out, and keep the office side under control.
Open for business15 steps to go
Stage 1Get the licence you need
0/3- Find your state plumbing board and its levels
- Count your logged hours and years
- Check if your city licenses plumbers too
- Apply for the contractor or business licence
- Get a bond if your state asks for one
- Keep copies of every licence in the truck
- Run the odds calculator with your budget
- Compare starting with buying an existing company
Stage 2Set up the company
0/3- Register the LLC with your Secretary of State
- Apply for the EIN on irs.gov
- Open a business bank account
- Get general liability cover with water damage included
- Put the van on a commercial auto policy
- Quote workers’ comp before your first hire
- Find how your city takes permit applications
- Add permit fees to your quotes
- Book inspections before you close walls
Stage 3Van and tools
0/3- Fit shelving and label every bin
- Stock the 50 parts you use most
- Add a drain machine and a pipe camera when you can
- Open accounts at two supply houses
- Ask for 30-day credit terms
- Learn their opening hours and delivery rules
- Try two or three field service tools
- Take card payments on the spot
- Send a photo report after each job
Stage 4Price and win customers
0/3- List your 30 most common jobs
- Set a flat price for each
- Charge a call-out fee for after-hours work
- Claim your Google Business Profile
- Show your licence number and service area
- Answer every call or call back within 10 minutes
- Offer a yearly maintenance plan
- Add plan members to a reminder list
- Give members priority booking
Stage 5Run and grow
0/3- Stock up on winter parts by fall
- Decide your after-hours policy
- Save some summer profit for slow weeks
- Check each hire’s licence level
- Register as a sponsor for apprentices if your state allows
- Pay for licence renewals and training
- Read the warnings from plumbing owners
- Hire office help before the third plumber
No steps match.
Open for business, with numbers to prove it.
Owners who started one
Questions people ask
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
In most states, about four to five years of supervised work and an exam to become a journeyman. A master licence usually needs more years as a journeyman and another exam.
Do I need a master plumber licence to start a business?
In many states, yes, or you need a licensed master or qualifier on staff. Some states also require a separate contractor licence and a bond.
How do plumbing businesses keep income steady?
Service plans for yearly checks, priced job lists and a mix of homes and commercial customers. Owners who made it also trained apprentices to grow.