Plumber Subcontractor Work: How to Find More Jobs Without Paying for Leads

Written by
Helpi Team
Published on
05 Dec 2025
If you're a self-employed plumber or running a small plumbing business, you know the drill: long hours on-site, late nights quoting jobs, and constant hunting for your next booking. The good news? There’s a better way to grow your income and keep your schedule full—without paying a penny for leads or platform fees.
Whether you’re just starting or want to cut your reliance on expensive job boards, here’s what you need to know about plumber subcontractor work—and how Helpi is flipping the model in favour of local trades.
The UK plumbing market is booming, with high demand for:
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Emergency callouts (leaks, burst pipes, blocked toilets)
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Kitchen and bathroom refits
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Boiler installations and repairs
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Landlord safety checks
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Heating upgrades and smart controls
But not every homeowner or letting agent wants to hire a big firm—and not every job needs a full-time hire. This is where subcontractor plumbers come in: skilled professionals brought in on a per-job basis to get the work done efficiently and professionally.
Subcontracting offers flexibility, steady income, and the chance to build your name in the local market—especially if you partner with platforms that prioritise your interests, not just theirs.
Most tradespeople are familiar with big-name lead platforms like Checkatrade, Rated People or MyBuilder. But here’s the catch:
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You pay just to see the job
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You compete against 4–5 other plumbers for the same lead
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You get no refund if the client goes quiet
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You still need to quote, chase, and invoice manually
That means less time on the tools—and more admin, more stress, and less money in your pocket.
Helpi is a new home services platform built to put tradespeople first. We call our trusted network of local professionals Helpi Heroes—and unlike other platforms, you don’t pay anything to join or accept jobs.
Here’s how it works:
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You create a free profile with your experience, qualifications, and the areas you cover
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Customers post jobs in your area, from leaks and repairs to full bathroom refits
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Helpi matches jobs to you, and if it suits your schedule, you accept it—no bidding or chasing
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You get paid directly, and we support with invoicing, customer care, and follow-up
There are no membership fees, no lead costs, and no hidden charges. You only pay a small pre-agreed commission once the job is completed and paid for—meaning you never risk losing money.
As a Helpi Hero, you’ll see a wide range of jobs coming in, such as:
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Tap replacements
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Leak detection and repair
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Toilet installations or unblocking
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Radiator fixes or replacements
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Outdoor garden tap installation
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Full bathroom plumbing fit-outs
Whether you're looking for evening callouts, weekend work, or regular bookings, Helpi gives you the control to choose the jobs that fit your skills and availability.
We welcome:
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Self-employed plumbers
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Qualified sole traders
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Small plumbing businesses with 1–5 team members
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Gas Safe engineers (for boiler and heating work)
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Emergency plumbing specialists
As long as you’re insured, qualified, and have a great attitude, there’s a place for you on Helpi.
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✅ No upfront costs – unlike other job boards
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✅ No chasing leads – we handle customer comms
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✅ No risk – you only pay a small fee after the job is completed
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✅ Build your reputation – reviews, repeat bookings, and referrals
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✅ Grow at your own pace – take one job a week or ten
Plus, you’ll be part of a growing network of reliable, verified professionals. That means you can pick up overflow work from other Heroes, partner on bigger jobs, or get referrals when a customer needs extra help.
Final Word: Subcontracting as a Smart Career Move
If you’re looking to grow your plumbing income without locking into costly platforms or spending hours chasing work, subcontracting through Helpi is a no-brainer.
You get access to local jobs in real-time, support from a professional team, and zero stress when it comes to finding your next customer. You do the job, we do the rest.
Ready to join the Helpi Heroes?
Sign up in minutes, set your availability, and start accepting real jobs—no fees, no fuss, just fair work.
👉 Join Helpi as a Hero
Download Helpi Team now
For all your home needs, download the Helpi Team app on the iOS App Store and Android Play Store now.
