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The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.

Installing underground plumbing requires removing existing materials to place the piping system. However, this effort moves the designer/engineer into territory not typically part of their knowledge base: “Backfill and Bedding.” Additionally, the requirements will likely differ depending on the interior, exterior, or public right-of-way location. Code sections, rules, and engineering standards will likely address each area. 

After five years with Supply House Times, Natalie Forster gained valuable insights into the supply chain and developed relationships with PHCP-PVF wholesalers. Now, as the new Editorial Director for both Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical, she'll engage daily with all supply chain participants, including wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.

Video marketing is crucial for plumbing and HVAC contractors to stand out and build credibility. Using smartphones for easy video creation and sharing on platforms like YouTube helps contractors become trusted industry experts.

Homeowners in plumbing emergencies prefer hassle-free service. Companies excelling in seamless booking and reliability use technology and CRM systems to automate tasks and enhance customer service.

As 2024 ends, the home services industry is seeing rising lead costs and more complex customer journeys. In 2025, businesses should focus on generating quality leads, leveraging data and AI for optimization, and mapping customer journeys to enhance profitability.

In January 1979, a plumber dealt with severe winter emergencies, including a radiator explosion and frozen pipes. Reflecting on past experiences like a romantic evening turned dangerous by extreme cold, he faced unpredictable challenges in his trade.

Embrace AI to future-proof your team and enhance human connections in the workplace. AI is transforming industries by augmenting productivity and redefining job roles.

Transitioning from an independent plumber to a franchisee offers benefits like brand support but requires careful consideration of standards, costs, and new management skills for success.

Outdated pipe sizing standards are no longer suitable for modern multi-bathroom homes, especially post-COVID-19. The International Code Council is collaborating globally to update these standards for improved efficiency and health.