By Terry Smith
How do you plan for what you can’t plan for?

Freepik
Life is unpredictable, and running a plumbing business comes with its fair share of surprises—some exciting, others challenging. Whether it’s navigating a global pandemic, facing personal health challenges, or adapting to changes in the industry, preparation is the key to ensuring your business survives and thrives.
As plumbers, we’re trained to solve problems on-site. But how often do we think about the bigger picture of our business and our lives? Let’s explore how to plan for the unforeseen and secure a sustainable future for yourself, your family, and your business.
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Planning for Unpredictable Events
When COVID-19 hit, plumbers in South Africa were only allowed to respond to emergencies during the hard lockdown. Many businesses struggled due to a lack of income streams or contingency plans. What can we learn from this?
Diversify Your Services: Offering a mix of emergency, maintenance, and advisory services can keep income flowing even during restrictive circumstances.
Build a Financial Safety Net: Maintain an emergency fund to cover expenses for at least 3–6 months. I know, this is easier said than done!
Stay Informed and Flexible: Monitor industry trends and legislation to adapt quickly. Water restrictions, water shedding and water saving are top issues in many provinces. And everyone wants to save on their electricity bills, with water heating being the most expensive part. What products are available? What services can you offer?
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Preparing for Personal Challenges
Life events like a critical illness or injury can be devastating for any business owner. Are you prepared for such challenges?
Your Health:
This goes without saying, but how healthy are you? And when last did you go for a check-up and tune-up of your body? Thinking that you are okay, and “built tough” like a Ford is not a good strategy. It’s a positive mindset, yes! But it’s not a fail-safe.
Insurance is Essential:
While having public liability insurance for your business is one thing, you need to have insurance on yourself. Speak to a trusted advisor to find out about the different types of insurance available, such as:
- Disability Insurance: Protects your income if you’re unable to work.
- Critical Illness Cover: Provides financial support during recovery.
- Key Person Insurance: Ensures your business can continue operating even if you’re unable to contribute.
Delegate and Build a Team:
- Train staff or trusted colleagues to handle operations in your absence.
- Create clear processes for tasks like quoting, invoicing, and customer communication.
- Consider hiring an office manager or outsourcing admin and finances.
Plan for the Worst:
- Draft a succession plan: Who will take over your business if you can’t run it anymore?
- Keep all essential business information, like contracts and passwords, organised and accessible to your trusted team or family.
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Rethinking Your Business as You Age
Plumbing is a physically demanding job. As you gain experience, you may find that your priorities, energy levels, and goals shift. How will your business evolve as you grow older? Here are a few examples of how you could leverage your expertise in the years ahead:
Plumbing Consultant: Work with architects, builders, or homeowners during the planning stages of renovations and new builds.
Home Inspector: Help clients ensure their plumbing systems meet regulations.
Project Manager: Oversee plumbing projects, coordinate teams, and ensure work is completed to standard and on schedule.
Trainer or Educator: Teach plumbing apprentices or run training workshops for aspiring plumbers.
Specialist roles in Niche areas: Advise businesses and homeowners on water-saving technologies, Focus on the installation and maintenance of energy-efficient water heating systems. Design systems to capture and reuse rainwater.
Plumbing Equipment Rental or Retail Business: Rent out specialised plumbing tools or open a shop to sell plumbing materials.
Sales: Work with suppliers to sell plumbing products backed by your hands-on knowledge.
Industry Advocate or Advisor: Work with trade associations, advisory boards, or government agencies to influence plumbing standards and policies
Franchise Owner: License your business model if there is something unique and valuable about the specific work that you do.
Plumbing Writer or Content Creator
Partner with industry brands or start a YouTube channel to share tips and tricks.
Plumbing Tools or Software
Create and produce tools or gadgets that plumbers need daily, or develop an app or design software that will help plumbers in their daily lives.
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Building Your Legacy
In between managing day-to-day life, at some point, you might ask yourself: What will I leave behind? Whether it’s for your family, staff, or the industry, building a legacy is a meaningful way to ensure your impact endures. Consider this framework and add your own points.
For Your Family:
- Establish a financially stable business that can be passed down or sold to support loved ones.
- Share your values and lessons with your children, even if they don’t enter the plumbing trade.
For Your Staff:
- Offer training and development opportunities to help employees grow.
- Create a positive work environment with fair pay and recognition.
Your clients:
- Set the bar on what quality workmanship looks like.
- Keep striving to leave a positive impression on those you work with.
For Your Industry:
- Join or contribute to professional organisations.
- Advocate for better training, standards, and opportunities for future plumbers.
Final Thoughts
Running a successful plumbing business is about more than just fixing pipes; it’s about preparing for the unknown and building a sustainable future. The art of preparation involves foresight, adaptability, and a clear vision of what truly matters to you.
Take the time to reflect on your business, your life, and your goals. Work on your game plan to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your legacy. After all, just like in plumbing, a little prevention goes a long way:)