Guide

How to get more work as a plumber

Updated 1 October 2026 · 5 minute read

Most plumbers live on word of mouth, and that's the best kind of work. But word of mouth has quiet months. These are the ways that reliably bring in more jobs, roughly in order of cost.

Short answer: Start with the free things: a complete Google Business Profile, a steady flow of genuine Google reviews, and a website with a page for each job you want more of. Then add paid sources carefully, such as directories or Google Ads, knowing what each lead costs. Landlords, letting agents and repeat customers are worth more than any single lead.

1. Your Google Business Profile (free)

This is what shows up on Google Maps when someone searches "plumber near me". Google says complete, accurate profiles are more likely to show in local results. Fill in every section, add your areas and services, post photos of real jobs, and keep your hours right. Our SEO for plumbers guide goes through it step by step.

2. Ask every customer for a review (free)

Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking, and customers read them before they ring. Send your review link by WhatsApp as soon as the job's done. Ask everyone, and never offer anything in return. See how to get more Google reviews.

3. A website with a page for each job

People search for the problem: "burst pipe", "blocked drain", "bathroom fitter". A page for each job gives you a chance to show up for each of those searches, and it gives anyone who's been recommended to you somewhere to check you out.

4. Decide which jobs you want more of

If you'd rather do bathrooms than dripping taps, put bathrooms first on your website and your Google profile, show photos of bathrooms, and ask bathroom customers for reviews. You tend to get more of the work you show off.

5. Landlords and letting agents

Landlords and letting agents need reliable plumbers for leaks, blockages and repairs, often for many properties at once. Introduce yourself to local agents, turn up when you say you will, and send a clear invoice. One good agent can be worth dozens of one-off jobs.

6. Directories, if the sums work

Directories can fill gaps, but know what you're paying. Local Ladder's UK Trade Lead Cost Tracker (verified 30 September 2026) puts MyBuilder shortlists at typically £5 to £35 each, non-refundable, and Bark leads at roughly £9 to £36 or more. Checkatrade costs £30 a month for its Approved plan or from £59 a month for Growth, plus VAT, on 12-month contracts. Track which jobs each one actually wins you. Our guide on websites and Checkatrade explains how the two fit together.

7. Google Ads, carefully

Ads put you at the top straight away, but you pay for every click, whether or not they ring. The same tracker puts a top-of-page click on "plumber near me" at £2.09 to £13.41. If you try ads, start small, target only the areas you cover, and send clicks to the right page on your website, not your home page.

8. Look after past customers

Someone whose boiler or bathroom you've done will need you again, and will recommend you if you're easy to find. Keep your number the same, keep your Google profile up to date, and make sure your website comes up when they search your name.

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Sources

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