Water is one of the most important needs of every family. From drinking and bathing to farming and household work, nothing is possible without a proper water supply. everywhere whether it is a village or a small town, people face problems like leaking taps, broken pipes or blocked drains. Many new houses are also being built where water connections and fittings are required. A plumbing and fitting service can solve these problems and give steady income to the person who starts it.
Why plumbing is so Important
In rural areas a plumber is often called only during emergencies. But good plumbing is needed all the time. Without proper fittings, water gets wasted, drains get blocked and families suffer. As more families build pucca houses, demand for plumbing is growing daily. Schools, hospitals, panchayat buildings and shops also need regular maintenance. So this is not just a job but a business that can support a person for years.
Learning the Plumbing skills
Plumbing requires some training but it can be learned in simple ways:
- Many ITI colleges in Assam and West bengal offer 1 year courses in plumbing. these teach how to install taps, pipes and basic sanitary fittings.
- Short term private courses (2 to 3 months ) are also available in towns like Guwahati, silchar or Kolkata.
- A practical way is to work under an experienced plumber for 6months to 12 months. By watching and helping a person learns real life skills.
What a plumber must know:
- fixing taps, showers and hand pumps
- installing new pipelines for houses
- Repairing leakage and blockages etc
- Setting up toilets, sinks and water tanks
- Using tools like pipe wrenches, cutters and sealing tape etc
Tools and materials Needed
The starting tools are not very costly. A beginner needs:
- Pipe wrench and pliers
- Hacksaw and cutters for pipes etc
- Measuring tape and screwdriver set
- Plumber’s tape and sealants
- Drill machine ( optional but useful)
Initial tools can be bought for rs10k to Rs15k. Over time, more advanced machines can be added.
Investment and setup
To start, a small shop near the main market is helpful. This shop can store tools, spare taps, pipes and other necessary fittings. Customers prefer buying directly from the plumber so keeping small stock gives extra profit. Investment may be around Rs30000 to Rs50000 depending on the stock.
For those with limited savings small loans under MUDRA scheme are available. Local cooperative banks also support such businesses, especially if there is demand in the area.
How to Get customers
In a village or small town, people call a plumber mostly through references. Once you fix one person’s problem neatly, others will contact you. Some simple ways to get more customers are:
- Put a small signboard in the bazaar with your phone number.
- Visit local hardware and cement shops , they can refer to customers.
- Tell masons and carpenters, often plumbing is needed along with construction.
- Offer services to schools, anganwadi centers and small offices.
Common problems faced
Plumbing service also comes with some struggles:
- Work will not always be regular , some months may be busy, others slow.
- Customers may expect you to come immediately even at night.
- Sometimes, families delay payment after work is done.
- carrying heavy pipes and working in water can be very tiring.
To handle this, a plumber should keep small savings for slow months, always take part payment before starting bigger jobs and invest in good tools that make work easier.
Income possibility
Daily wage for plumbers in small towns is around Rs500 to Rs700. For new pipeline work in houses, earnings can be Rs8 k to rs20k depending on size. By also selling fittings and spare parts, a plumber can increase income. A good plumber with steady customers can easily make Rs20000 to rs30000 per month, and more during the busy building season.
Story example
In Hailakandi, a young man named Salimuddin learned plumbing by helping his uncle. At first, he only carried tools and watched repairs. Slowly, he began fixing taps and pipes himself. With Rs20000 from his savings, he bought basic tools and opened a small shop in Katlicherra bazaar. Soon, families, tea shops and even the local madrasa began calling him for work. Now, Salim earns around Rs25000 every month and has trained another boy to assist him. He dreams of taking contracts for new housing colonies nearby.
Future growth
With time a plumber can expand his business
- hire helpers and take contracts for big construction projects.
- Become a dealer for taps, pipes and tanks.
- Add related services like bathroom tiling or borewell pump installation.
- Work with government schemes for toilet building under Swachh bharat Mission.
Last few Words
Plumbing and fitting is a business that will never go out of demand. Every house needs water and every family wants proper fittings. For rural youth this is a skill based service that requires small investment but offers steady work. With training, neat service and honesty, a plumber can build a respected name in the community and support his family for years to come.