Is 40 too old to become a plumber?

Rob in Kent · Jan 20, 2009

Go for it mate I started at 30 from the Army I spent a fortune on advertising all a waste of time all you need is a sign written van. If you do a good job don’t take the pee with your prices and can talk to people you’ll find the work will come rolling in you can’t buy the trust people have in a friend recommending you and as for the guy that said £100 a week I think you’ll be presently surprised

johnmcginty · Jan 20, 2009

That was me that said 100 pounds , I am now making a lot more than that now thank God ! Good luck 🙂

obseen16 · Jan 20, 2009

johnmcginty said:
That was me that said 100 pounds , I am now making a lot more than that now thank God ! Good luck 🙂

how long were you earning £100 a week for? did you sign write your van?

Rob in Kent · Jan 20, 2009

Just worked out my labour rates I made at the beginning hope it helps, this is starting halfway through Sept 2004 labour only Sept £110 Oct £0 Nov £2064 Dec £880 Jan £2057 and I was under charging so it can be done just remember the best thing you can do is be honest and keep the customer informed

kwakerdude911 · Jul 2, 2009

nah if u are able to lift the tool bag u should be fine - btsc seemed ok but i thought 10 k was too much - i went with OLCI for 5 k for nvq 2 level instead
if u cam crawl under a bath and dont mind being a contortionist under sinks u will be fine LOL
it very varied - it can pay good but u cant screw too many times coz word gets around so make sure u learn as much as u can
it will always be summin to fall back on- i am thinking of doing another business too but u can earn a packet over xmas wiv call outs - he he
oh and earning a hundred pound a week for a year i dont beilive that - u can earn that in half a day
good luck

secret squirrel · Jul 2, 2009

No, I am 41 and haven't been going for that long. Not earning a fortune but it is improving slowly, I had a very basic tool kit and I seem to be adding to it constantly.

Also bits and bobs, if there not to expensive I will buy 2, you get to know what you use constantly.

Just a quick diversion, I haven't got my van sign written, Does it really help?
Cost? when customers call you do you ask where they got your number.....

johnmcginty · Jul 2, 2009

I have my van sign written and have had jobs from it usually while i am parked outside someone elses house or leaving it in b and q carpark all afternoon😉

gtiplumber · Jul 6, 2009

Go for it, i have just completed my 6129 and water regs at NTPS in hyde and i am 43 !! I was an engineer prior to changing career and found the guys at NTPS full of knowledge without doing the hard sell and have been supportive since i have gone on my own.

borth1967 · Jan 2, 2013

Hi Guys,
Just following this thread: im 46 and have been in a management postition last26years, always been DIY minded and put my mind to anything. Just a bit concerned if ive left it to late? is the plumbing trade saturated with other plumbers? How long will it take me to learn to become a plumber and be qualifed?

know these are million dollar questions but i need to make sure as this is life changing stuff eh? any help and advice would be much apprechied,( based in the west midlands)

any help or advice would be great, thanks Jon.

SimonG · Jan 2, 2013

borth1967 said:
Hi Guys,
Just following this thread: im 46 and have been in a management postition last26years, always been DIY minded and put my mind to anything. Just a bit concerned if ive left it to late? is the plumbing trade saturated with other plumbers? How long will it take me to learn to become a plumber and be qualifed?

know these are million dollar questions but i need to make sure as this is life changing stuff eh? any help and advice would be much apprechied,( based in the west midlands)

any help or advice would be great, thanks Jon.