Starting A Drain Jetting Business in London

[plumber&dumber]

Hi Peeps,

My name is Jeff, I'm 34 and Live in Croydon,

I have been working on drainage and jetting for a large company for 10 years doing commercial work, and am just about to start my own business and could really do with some pointers for domestic stuff (i expect most of the work i get will be domestic to start with)

I will only be doing unblocking, (jetting) CCTV surveys, and digging up and fitting collars where needed, possibly expanding into lining if all goes well (I have a mate who can sub the lining from me)

So far I have bought a van (ex dyno) and the full set of kit, I finish up from my job in 3 weeks and will be going it alone.....

Please could any of you answer me this

1) whats the best way to get work
2) is there much demand for out of hours unblocking
3) how many jetting jobs would you expect to do in a day
4) do people shop about for prices much?
5) any other advice you would give me?
6) how much would i be best charging? ie for first 30hr then thereafter?

I am thinking of offering an out of hours service in central london, is there a market for this?


Thanks for your advice

Jeff,

 

[WHPES]

1) whats the best way to get work

Advertise - I get most of mine through local papers. Farmers are some of my main customers so target places where they go -auction marts, agricultural merchants etc. Parish mags are cheap to advertise and have generated far more work per £ than any commercial ads (Yellow pages free mags etc)

2) is there much demand for out of hours unblocking

Yes - homeowner with overflowing toilets for example, hotels, restaurants etc

3) how many jetting jobs would you expect to do in a day

About 1 a week for me but plumbing and heating is my main business and jetting is a sideline - I haven't pushed the advertising much but there would be more work if I was prepared to travel further. I am more competitive than Dyno Rod etc. Most times its just a case of getting out some Bailey rods and plunging through so I dont need to use the jetting machine.

4) do people shop about for prices much? Oh yes!

5) any other advice you would give me?

Do it as part of a general portfolio. Are you qualified and experience in installing and repairing drainiage? If so do the full package. People prefer to have someone clean a drain and if it needs repairing do that as well and not have to find someone else. Also you will find that people will be looking for new drainiage work.

6) how much would i be best charging? ie for first 30hr then thereafter?

Look at what the competition charges and undercut them to begin with. I charge £50 for the first hour and £40 for every hour thereafter and am a bit cheaper than my local competition (1 man outfit). For me its also a way to get known in the area and it gets repeat work and recommends plus plumbing and heating work on the back of it. WHen I am running flat out I will look again at pricing.