Turning Drywall Repairs into Extra Income:
The Smart Plumber's Guide
Let's be honest. Every plumber knows this scenario all too well:
You've just finished a job that required cutting into drywall. The pipes are fixed, water's flowing again, and your customer is relieved... until they look at that gaping hole in their bathroom wall.
"So, do you fix the drywall too?"
We all know the answer: "No, but I know someone who can."
And there it is—another opportunity that walks right out the door with nothing to show for it.
The Hidden Goldmine in Your Everyday Work
Think about it. How many times per week do you create a situation that needs drywall repair?
- Water heater replacements
- Access panels for valve work
- Leak investigations
- Shower/tub plumbing
For the average plumber, that's anywhere from 3-10 potential drywall referrals every single week.
If each drywall job averages $300-500, you're essentially creating up to $5,000 worth of business for other contractors every month.
Business they get because of YOU.
From Hassle to Hustle
What if instead of just handing out a phone number or saying "sorry, not my department," you could:
- Give your customer better service by connecting them directly with a trusted drywall pro
- Track the referral from start to finish
- Get paid when the job completes
- Build a stronger network of reliable contractors
That's not just good customer service—it's smart business.
Real World Example: How It Works
Mark from Quality Plumbing had to cut a 2x2 access hole to repair a shower valve. After completing the plumbing, he used RevLink to send a referral to Perfect Patch Drywall.
Within an hour, Jim from Perfect Patch contacted the customer, scheduled the repair, and quoted $350 for the patch, texture, and paint.
The customer was thrilled to have the whole problem solved without having to hunt down a reliable drywall contractor themselves.
After completing the job and getting paid, Jim sent Mark a $35 referral fee through RevLink. Mark earned extra income without any additional work, and Jim got a pre-qualified customer who was ready to hire.
This Isn't Just About Drywall
The same approach works for every trade you regularly refer to:
- Electricians for panel upgrades
- HVAC techs for water heater installations
- Tile setters for bathroom remodels
- General contractors for larger renovations
Every job you can't (or don't want to) handle is a potential revenue stream when you connect with the right network.
Building Your Revenue-Generating Network
The most successful plumbers aren't just those who fix pipes the fastest—they're the ones who maximize every aspect of their business.
Here's how to start:
- Identify your most common referral needs - Which trades do you recommend most often?
- Build relationships with quality contractors - RevLink makes it easy to connect with verified pros in your area.
- Make the referral process part of your workflow - Just a few taps on your phone before you leave the job site.
- Track results and strengthen relationships - See which connections are generating the most additional income.
The Numbers Add Up
Let's do some quick math:
- 5 referrals per week
- Average 70% conversion rate
- Average job value of $400
- Standard 10% referral fee
That's about $140 in extra income per week or over $7,000 per year—without any additional labor, materials, or overhead.
All from jobs you were never going to do anyway.
The Bottom Line
Every time you create a situation that needs another contractor, you're creating value. Smart plumbers don't give that value away—they turn it into a win for everyone:
- Your customer gets a seamless solution
- Your referral partner gets reliable business
- You get compensated for your network and reputation
Ready to turn those drywall repairs and other referrals into a steady stream of extra income? Join RevLink today and start getting paid for connections you're already making.
Connect with other plumbers and expand your referral network in our contractor community.