Here Are the Best Vans for Self-Employed Plumbers in the UK

There are thousands of self-employed plumbers working in the United Kingdom now. The benefits of working as a plumber are multifarious. Self-employed plumbers earn an average of £31,000 per year and have experienced pay increases of around 16 percent in the last year, almost keeping up with the rampant inflation all workers are suffering from. Plumbers are often free from bosses and get to work directly with their clients to improve their reputations and earn more employment.

If you want to be your own boss and work as a plumber, you are going to need to buy or lease a van. Here are some of the best vans for plumbers in 2022.

Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vauxhall Vivaro is based upon earlier Citroen and Peugeot designs. It is a relatively compact and boxy van, which makes it very easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It is one of the most fuel-efficient vans on this list, although owners will still benefit from using a fuel card for self employed traders to make fuel accounting easier. The Vivaro is relatively cheap to buy and lease, although it does suffer from some of the reliability issues that Vauxhall drivers will be used to.

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit van has been a favorite with British tradespeople since it was released in 1965. Millions of these vans have been produced at factories in the UK, China, USA, and Germany. Transit vans have a reputation for good road performance, lots of space, and excellent fuel economy. Modern iterations of the transit come in all shapes and sizes. Self-employed plumbers can make good use of the large side panels featured on the transit, which are perfect for the application of livery advertising services. 

Mercedes Vito

While the Mercedes Vito might be one of the most expensive vans to purchase on this list, it is also one of the most fuel-efficient. These smart, luxurious vans might not be suitable for plumbers with a limited budget, but they are a great choice for more established tradespeople. Expect the usual great Mercedes build quality, but also the usual expensive Mercedes spare parts.

Volkswagen Caddy

The Volkswagen Caddy is a rather small van, with the smallest iteration being only 1.7 meters long. Perfect for plumbers that operate with very little equipment, the Caddy is a remarkably efficient and reliable machine that is sure to last for many years as a practical runaround.

Renault Trafic

This French workhorse is quickly becoming a favorite among plumbers – sometimes even beating the Ford Transit in the estimations of users. It is a boxy little van that is perfect for adding external racks and is remarkably efficient. Renault engines are famed for their efficiency and reliability, and the traffic is fitted with a great example. While perfect for plumbers, the Trafic’s performance does suffer slightly when hauling heavy construction equipment. With a good network of dealerships available to help and a standard 4-year warranty, the Trafic is a great choice.