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How to Set Up as a Self Employed Plumber UK — Complete Guide 2026

Updated June 2026 · 11 min read · PlumberLog Team

Going self employed as a plumber is one of the best moves you can make for your career and your income. This guide covers everything you need to do — in the right order — from the day you decide to go out on your own.

Step 1: Register as a sole trader with HMRC

Register online at gov.uk by 5 October in the tax year after you start working for yourself — but do it on day one. You’ll get a UTR number by post within 10 days.

Step 2: Get Gas Safe registered

Required by law for any gas work. Costs £370–£450/year, and it’s a fully claimable business expense. Water-only plumbers can consider CIPHE instead.

Step 3: Get insured

Public liability insurance at minimum (£2m–£5m cover, £200–£500/year, fully claimable). Consider professional indemnity and tool insurance too.

Step 4: Open a business bank account

Not legally required but strongly recommended. Starling, Tide and Mettle all offer free sole trader accounts, set up in about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Sort your van

• Simplified mileage — 55p/mile for the first 10,000 miles, 25p after. See New 55p Mileage Rate 2026.
• Actual running costs — track every receipt and claim the business proportion. Compare both properly in Can I Claim My Van as a Self Employed Plumber.

Step 6: Set your prices

Most self employed plumbers charge £150–£300/day depending on location and specialism. See the full worked-out numbers in How Much Should a Self Employed Plumber Charge Per Hour.

Step 7: Keep records from day one

From April 2026, sole traders over £50,000 must comply with Making Tax Digital. Log every job, cost and invoice as you go — see our step-by-step tax return guide for how that pays off at year end.

Step 8: Tell people you exist

• List yourself on Checkatrade, MyBuilder, or Bark
• Create a free Google Business Profile
• Post in local Facebook groups
• Leave a business card or fridge magnet with every customer

What you can claim from day one

• Gas Safe registration (£370–£450/year)
• Public liability insurance (£200–£500/year)
• Van mileage (55p/mile from April 2026)
• Tools, workwear and PPE
• Phone bill (business proportion)
• Accounting software or app subscriptions
• Training courses to maintain existing skills

The bottom line

Many plumbers miss £1,000 or more in legitimate claims every year. Start recording everything from day one — our full PlumberLog Guide shows you exactly how.