Finance for plumbing businesses: vans, equipment & working capital

Plumbers and plumbing contractors can access hire purchase or finance lease for vans and specialist equipment; unsecured business loans for working capital, materials purchasing, or growth; and invoice finance to advance cash against unpaid invoices from commercial clients. Sorbus Finance compares all of these across 100+ UK lenders as a whole-of-market broker.

Yes. Sole traders can access van finance and business loans, though lenders will typically want at least 12 months of trading history and will assess affordability based on your self-assessment tax returns and bank statements. We work with lenders who specifically fund sole traders in the trades sector and can match you to the most suitable option.

Yes. Specialist plumbing tools and equipment (including pipe threading machines, pressure testing kits, drain jetting equipment, and CCTV drain inspection cameras) are all fundable through asset finance. Items can often be bundled into a single facility, making the paperwork and monthly payments simpler to manage.

Commercial plumbing contracts often carry 30–60 day payment terms. Invoice finance allows you to draw up to 90% of the invoice value within 24 hours of raising it, rather than waiting for payment. This is especially useful when you are purchasing materials upfront for a large project and need cashflow to cover costs before the client pays.

Yes. An unsecured business loan or a revolving credit facility can be used to bridge the materials cost on a large contract before your first stage payment arrives. Some invoice finance lenders will also advance against purchase orders rather than just issued invoices. We will advise on the most appropriate structure for your specific situation.

Most asset finance facilities start from around £5,000. Business loans are typically available from £5,000 to £5,000,000+. Invoice finance facilities are usually available from £10,000 turnover. If your requirement is below these thresholds, we can discuss alternative options including business credit lines.

Van finance and equipment finance decisions for straightforward applications are typically returned within 24–48 hours. Business loans can take 2–5 days depending on the lender and the amount. Invoice finance facilities usually take 5–10 working days to set up. We manage the process and keep you updated at every stage.