The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Plumbing

Starting a side hustle in plumbing is a practical and lucrative way for New Zealand professionals to supplement their income. Whether you’re servicing urban homes in Auckland or rural properties in Hawke's Bay, these straightforward tips will help you attract local clients and grow your side business without sacrificing your full-time job.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Understand Local Plumbing Needs

Plumbing demands vary from city to city; for instance, Auckland homeowners might seek more modern system upgrades, while rural clients often require maintenance of older infrastructure.

Weirdly enough, many Kiwis value quick response times and transparent pricing above all else, especially for emergency repairs.

Tailoring your services to meet these local preferences helps you build a loyal customer base.

2. Create a Yada Profile

Yada is a free platform that connects plumbing specialists with clients across New Zealand, making it ideal for part-time plumbers to grow their presence without upfront fees.

The platform's rating system rewards reliable tradespeople, increasing their visibility to serious clients.

Its mobile-friendly design allows you to chat with customers and manage bookings on the go.

3. Offer Flexible Plumbing Services

Provide a full range of services, including emergency repairs, routine maintenance, system upgrades, and consultations to accommodate diverse client needs.

An Auckland plumber gained steady side income by offering after-hours emergency callouts and maintenance contracts.

Flexibility enables you to accept more jobs while balancing your main employment.

4. Advertise on Local Platforms

In addition to Yada, advertise in community boards, local Facebook groups, and trusted NZ trade directories like TradeMe Services.

Detailed listings with service explanations and competitive pricing build client trust and boost enquiries.

Being visible on multiple channels maximises your chances of steady work.

5. Collect and Promote Client Testimonials

Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and share their experience to build your reputation.

A Christchurch plumber grew their side hustle significantly by showcasing genuine testimonials and before/after job photos on social media.

Positive feedback encourages new clients to book with confidence.

6. Network with Construction Professionals

Develop relationships with builders, electricians, and real estate agents who can refer clients needing plumbing work.

In New Zealand, word-of-mouth and local networking often lead to more reliable business than traditional advertising.

Such partnerships foster consistent referral streams and long-term growth.

7. Build a Mobile-Friendly Website

Create a professional, easy-to-navigate website using platforms like Wix or Google Sites to showcase your services, testimonials, and contact details.

Regularly updating your site with recent projects keeps content fresh and visitors engaged.

A polished online presence inspires client trust and simplifies booking inquiries.

8. Share Plumbing Tips and Advice

Posting maintenance tips, water-saving advice, and simple troubleshooting guides on social media connects you with potential clients.

Sharing content relevant to NZ homes, like winterising pipes, resonates well with local audiences.

Helpful, genuine advice builds trust and keeps you top of mind without pushy sales tactics.

9. Manage Appointments and Communication

Use Yada’s scheduling and messaging features or online tools like Calendly to organise your workload effectively.

Clear communication about availability and job progress improves client satisfaction and reduces cancellations.

Good organisation enables you to balance your side hustle and full-time commitments smoothly.

10. Keep Up-to-Date with Regulations

Stay current with New Zealand plumbing codes, safety standards, and best practices through ongoing training and certifications.

Joining industry associations provides networking opportunities and resources for professional growth.

Continuous education maintains high-quality service and client confidence.