Did you know that 130,348 plumbing companies are operating in the US right now, and this huge industry is $124.2 billion in the US alone?
2023 was another profitable year for commercial plumbing businesses. As a commercial plumbing contractor, you know that you need to get through many challenges to gain profitable success in this profession. But it’s VERY important to stay on top of the latest industry trends and plumbing software so you can provide the best available solutions to your customers.
The more you know about what to expect in 2024 and over the next few years, the better you can future-proof your plumbing business, take advantage of the available technology, and anticipate changes in customer expectations.
Below are some new plumbing industry trends and predictions that will impact the plumbing industry. Read on to learn how you can implement them and expand your business.
Consumers seek more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.
Consumers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, particularly in plumbing fixtures and systems. This trend extends to water treatment and conservation systems, landscape sprinkler systems, fire sprinklers, and waste management systems, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental responsibility.
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The awareness of water consumption has also grown, and commercial businesses are also exploring innovative approaches to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the creation of environmentally friendly buildings.
This shift is evident in the rising demand for tankless water heaters, known for their energy efficiency. Additionally, greywater recycling systems are gaining popularity due to their low-cost nature and ease of installation, aligning with the consumers' desire for sustainable alternatives.
Smart plumbing fixtures are gaining popularity.
The hype around smart plumbing fixtures in the United States is real, and it's not just because they make your home easy. These nifty fixtures are popular because they are a great source of water and energy conservation. Some popular smart plumbing fixtures include:
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Voice-Activated Faucets: Control taps with your voice, promoting cleanliness and ease. |
Smart Irrigation Systems: Activate sprinklers based on weather forecasts and sensor data, minimizing water usage. |
Smart Shower Heads: Program water settings through voice commands for a tailored experience. |
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Smart Toilets: Enjoy hands-free toilet operation with auto-open, flush, and self-clean features. |
Leak Detectors: Monitor the water flow through a pipeline. If the system recognizes a leak, then it can automatically close a valve. |
WiFi Water Filtration: Track filtration status via mobile app and remotely shut off the water in case of leaks. |
The future looks bright for smart plumbing fixtures, with some impressive stats.
- By 2027, these smart fixtures are projected to be worth a whopping $6.6 billion, as per PR Newswire.
- The smart toilet market is expected to hit $12.9 billion by 2026, as reported by Contractor Magazine.
- According to Grandview Research, the smart bathroom market is gearing up for significant growth, with an estimated annual increase of 10.25% from 2020 to 2027.
With smart fixtures, be smarter in the way you run your business operations and try IndusTrack – a software designed especially for commercial plumbing contractors. Want to know it can work for you? Book your FREE consultation today.
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Read More: Real-World Field Service Management Survey
There’s a skilled labor shortage in the plumbing industry.
Despite the growth in the plumbing industry, the ongoing issue of a talent shortage poses a significant challenge for construction companies seeking to fill important positions.
The plumbing sector, in particular, felt the impact of the widespread labor shortage experienced across various industries in 2020 and 2021, and the effects are still there. With more plumbers approaching retirement age, the shortage of labor is anticipated to persist as a significant challenge in the future. Building a solid company culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.
According to the Better Business Bureau, by 2024, the percentage of plumbers over the age of 55 is expected to reach nearly 25%.
Customers want convenient online payment options.
When everything is happening digitally, customers expect the convenience of simple and online payment solutions. The trend has got more popular after the COVID-19 times.
By adopting modern yet easy FSM software like IndusTrack, plumbing techs can easily collect payments without having to deal with the problems associated with messy paperwork. Using the plumber contractor invoicing software, you can easily keep up with the trend by creating invoices in the field and getting paid, ASAP.
Online reviews are critical for your search visibility.
You already know that your reputation is your livelihood – and that’s not changing anytime soon. But what has changed is the way consumers learn about your business.
Customer reviews have already become a deal breaker and the trend is rising in the coming times. In 2024, people will not be visiting the shops physically, but looking them up online, knowing other people’s experiences, and making a decision. So, increase your positive reviews by asking happy customers to write a brief comment about your professionalism.
Solar-powered water heating solutions are preferred.
In today's eco-conscious era, people are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of household appliances. And solar-powered water heaters are emerging as a popular choice. Opting for solar heaters not only aligns with eco-friendly values but also translates to significant savings on heating bills and energy consumption.
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To facilitate this transition, consumers will require the expertise of a plumber for the initial installation.
Tip: On your website, you should list solar heater installation as a service, as the U.S. market is expected to grow roughly 8.1 percent through 2025.
Read More: Empower Field Technicians and Retain Them with a Powerful Mobile App
Automate Daily Tasks with the Best Plumbing Software
When a call comes in that a pipe burst or a leak is discovered, plumbers have to be on top of their game to handle these emergencies—this is where the top plumbing software is critical.
The #1 software for commercial plumbing contractors is rich in features that can make you more profitable and save valuable time. Here are some of the top features to consider when choosing a software for your business:
Business Dashboards: Gain insights into your business at a glance, covering key metrics such as time spent on each job, service agreements, equipment usage, and profitability.
Technician Mobile App: Take control of your operations from anywhere with the ability to create work orders on the go and dispatch plumbers using your mobile device, providing flexibility and efficiency.
Service Agreements: Create contracts in a few taps and let the software auto-create jobs out of it. Drive repeat business, customer loyalty, & referrals.
Quotes and Invoices: Improve cash flow by minimizing unpaid invoices, accelerate payment processing, and get online approvals for your commercial service business.
Want to save money and time? Schedule a personalized consultation with IndusTrack today.
