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Green Plumber

Hiring a plumber is often a stressful situation for most people- you rarely need a plumber, until it is an emergency situation. However, if you are updating or upgrading your plumbing, you need to make sure that you do it with a green plumber on board. The concept of a "green" plumber began in Australia in 2001 and came to the United States through California in 2008.

How Do I Become a Green Plumber?

You can become certified as a green plumber by taking and passing five courses through Green Plumbers USA. These courses include: climate care, water care, solar hot water, efficiency technology and inspections (Wisegeek.com).

Once you have earned your certification, you can help individuals and business customers to make green choices in their hot water heaters, pipes, shower heads and faucets.

What additional Education or Training do I need?

Being trained as a plumber can take many routes but for most there is some period of apprenticeship as well as formal training that must be completed before obtaining the proper licenses. This is in addition to the green plumber certification as well. The cost for a certification starts from around $175 onwards. (www.greenplumbersusa.com/files/FLPHCCNov13.pdf_)

What is the Market Size/Market Potential?

Plumbers, unless they are really bad, with an equal reputation are historically successful. While every industry may have times of slow growth or progress, plumbing is something that will always be needed, in every area of the country. Even if there is no building being done in the area, there are still repairs, upgrades and updates that will need to be done.

What are the Income Projections?

Depending on the business itself and the area, the income levels that can be attained are nearly limitless. In some areas an hourly rate for a plumber can be over $100. If the going rate for plumbers is $60 per hour and you have your green certification you may be able to earn $70 or even $80 per hour in the same area.

What makes it Green?

Being a green plumber means that you will be setting an example and providing an image from the very beginning. From driving an energy efficient vehicle to utilizing all green practices in the office and on the job site, it is important that you do not just say that you are green, but that you show it as well.

In addition, as a green plumber you should make every effort to educate your customers whenever possible- but do so in a way that does not make it look like you are talking to get them to buy goods and services. For instance, when you tell them how much money they can save by installing a low flow shower head, remind them that this is a simple procedure, one that they could handle on their own, if they wanted to. If they choose to have you do it, then that is their choice.

References: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-green-plumber.html

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