More people are learning trades like plumbing, a job unlikely to be automated. These side hustles let plumbers earn extra money outside of regular hours using skills they already have.
Respond to Emergency Call-Outs
Advertising 24/7 availability means doing the same work with the same tools at off-peak hours. The trade-off is less control over personal time, but individual call-outs pay $100.00 to $300.00 or more.
Listing on Checkatrade, Rated People, and local directories is the fastest way to reach customers searching for emergency help.
Offer Property Maintenance to Landlords
Landlords with rental portfolios need regular maintenance across multiple properties. Going on retainer through landlord Facebook groups and forums like OpenRent creates predictable recurring income at $150.00 to $500.00 per property per month.
Bundling plumbing with general handyman services widens the scope of work per visit and increases the chance of referrals to other landlords.
Teach Plumbing Online or In Person
Experienced plumbers can charge $25.00 to $100.00 per lesson by offering instruction online or in person. Building a reputation in the plumbing community and some social media presence are the main prerequisites.
Preparation time is significant upfront, but recording lessons and publishing them on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare turns that effort into ongoing passive income.
Build a Video Content Channel
A YouTube channel focused on plumbing can earn through ad revenue, affiliate links, and sponsored content. How-to videos for common household repairs and lifestyle content about the trade both attract consistent audiences.
Recommending replacement parts with affiliate links adds income on top of views. Returns range from nothing to over $1,000.00 per video depending on reach and monetisation strategy.
Rent Out Your Tools
Platforms like Fat Llama let you rent tools to local users when they're not in use. Setup is minimal and the main risk is damage or loss, which is manageable with local, vetted renters.
Daily rates typically run $5.00 to $50.00 per item, making this one of the lower-effort ways to generate income from equipment you already own.
Write Freelance Articles and Blog Posts
Plumbers have access to genuine trade knowledge that publications and blogs actively look for. Freelance writing pays $10.00 to $250.00 per article depending on the outlet and length.
Starting on Medium or WordPress builds a portfolio. Reaching out to trade publications like Installer Online for guest posts adds backlinks and credibility over time.
Sell Plumbing Checklists and Digital Resources
Well-organised process documents, invoicing templates, and job checklists have real value to newer plumbers. Selling them on Etsy, Gumroad, or a personal site generates $5.00 to $50.00 per download with no ongoing time commitment after the initial build.
Marketing in plumbing forums and trade communities connects the product with the right buyers. It's a niche audience, but one that actively searches for this type of resource.
