Still complaining that there’s no money in plumbing? Truth is, you’re sitting on a goldmine—you’re just digging in the wrong spot. If you’re stuck in remodels or new construction, it’s time to pivot to residential service and start charging what you’re actually worth.
In this episode, we break down how to know your honest hourly rate, factor in every cost of doing business (yes, including your time), and stop treating your business like a hobby. And if you’re still playing bank for your customers—waiting days or weeks to collect—that’s on you. Collect at the time of service, stop the cash leaks, and finally start building real profit.
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Busting the Biggest Myth in Plumbing: Can’t Make Enough Money
Every plumber’s heard it: “You can’t make money in plumbing.”
Well guess what? That’s a load of crap.
Welcome to Episode 480 of Potty Talk, where we roll up our sleeves, dive into crawl spaces and clean out the mental sludge that’s keeping good plumbers broke. Today, we’re busting one of the biggest myths out there: that you can’t make real money in plumbing.
Truth is, you’re sitting on a goldmine — but most of you are digging in the wrong damn spot. If you’re stuck chasing remodels, new construction, or commercial contracts, you’re in the wrong game. That’s fool’s gold. The real money? It’s right under your nose. It’s in residential service.
1. You’re Sitting on a Goldmine
➤ Residential Service: The X Marks the Spot
Builders and commercial gigs are fine if you like chasing invoices and making someone else rich. But if you want predictable, profitable, repeatable work? It’s in residential service. Homeowners need help now. They pay faster, complain less (when handled right), and respect your time — when you present yourself like the pro you are.
➤ Dig Better, Not Harder
Chances are, you’ve got hundreds of leads coming in already…you’re just not targeting the right folks. Stop wasting money on shotgun marketing. Get laser-focused on your ideal customer — homeowners who want it done right, not cheap. Fish in the right pond.
➤ Package It, Don’t Auction It
If you’re still doing time and materials pricing, you’re auctioning yourself off by the hour. That creates tension, not trust. Flat-rate pricing changes the game. You sell peace of mind, not parts and labor. Customers love it. You make more money. Win-win.
2. Know Your Honest Hourly Rate
➤ Stop Stealing from Yourself
Every time you discount to “get the job,” you’re stealing from your family. That’s time you’ll never get back, dollars you’ll never see. You’re worth more — but only if you believe it first.
➤ All Your Time, All Your Expenses, All Your Growth
Your rate has to cover everything. Insurance. Tools. Marketing. Taxes. Your future. Your freedom. Your hourly rate isn’t just about today’s job—it’s about building a business that lasts.
➤ This Ain’t a Hobby
You either run a business or you play around with plumbing. There’s no in-between. Stop apologizing for your pricing. Set it. Own it. Defend it.
3. Stop Being the Bank
➤ Get Paid Today
You’re not a financial institution. Stop fronting the cost of parts, labor, and overhead while you wait for payment “in a few weeks.” That’s not business—that’s chaos. Flat-rate pricing + clear payment policies = money in the bank before you pull out of the driveway.
➤ Cash Flow Is Oxygen
No cash, no business. And you’re suffocating because your money’s stuck in someone else’s wallet. Time to fix that.
Here’s What to Do Next:
👉 Join My FREE Skool Group – Get training, resources, and connect with other plumbing pros who are scaling their businesses. Click here to join.
👉 Book a Free Strategy Call – Stop guessing. Let’s map out your pricing, hiring, and marketing so you can get out of the truck and grow a business that works without you. Book your call here.
