Are you looking to advance in the plumbing industry?
There’s never been a better time to level up in the plumbing industry. With an expected 44,000+ openings annually for the next 10 years, plumbers are in demand. But there’s a problem…
Not every plumber knows which skills lead to career advancement.
There are plumbers who take years to get beyond the same pay grade, and there are others who move up quickly and earn double or triple the money. They know which skills matter, and they hone them.
In this guide, I’ll tell you the skills you need to advance in the plumbing industry. Whether you’re just starting your journey in the plumber trade or are ready to jump from journeyman to master plumber, these are the skills that will help you stand out from the crowd, and allow you to earn a higher wage.
Let’s get to it!
What You’ll Learn
- Technical skills alone won’t make you a master plumber
- Advanced plumbing techniques you must master
- Customer service skills that lead to repeat business
- Basic business management fundamentals
- Keeping up with changes in the industry
Technical skills alone won’t make you a master plumber
Here’s something that most plumbers don’t know…
Having an excellent command of the trade isn’t enough. The skill set of plumbing experts goes far beyond how to install pipes and fix leaks.
The problem in the plumbing industry is a shortage of skilled workers, and that’s a problem that continues. The United States alone will be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027. This means the industry will need more people than ever to fill the gap.
There are a couple of things that separate plumbers who advance fast, and those who struggle to climb the ladder.
Technical skills alone do not separate master plumbers from the average plumber. Soft skills make the difference.
Combine your technical skills with customer service, problem-solving, and business skills and you can differentiate yourself. Remember, plumbing is a service business, and the plumbers who are advancing fast know this.
Advanced plumbing techniques you must master
Ok, let’s start with the basics. To go beyond entry-level, you must have advanced skills that set you apart from other plumbers.
Code compliance and regulations
Knowing your way around codes and regulations is a must for a master plumber. Master plumbers need to understand the International Plumbing Code. This includes building code regulations, OSHA safety regulations, local permit requirements, and water conservation regulations.
Stay up to date with the latest changes and be able to cite the code book.
Specialized installation techniques
The more systems you can install, the more valuable you are. Areas to focus on include:
- Gas line installation and testing
- Water heater systems
- Backflow prevention devices and systems
- Greywater recycling systems
- Smart home plumbing integration
Diagnostic and problem-solving skills
This is what separates the average plumber from the true plumbers…
The speed at which they can get to the root cause of an issue. Plumbers should be able to understand how the entire plumbing system works. When water pressure is low, master plumbers can know exactly what’s causing the problem and what can be done to fix it. They should also be able to provide preventative maintenance services.
Master plumbers have the skills, and they know where to look.
Customer service skills that lead to repeat business
The secret to a fast track to becoming a master plumber is developing a reputation for great customer service. Plumbers who are known to treat customers right get more referrals, and that translates to better reviews and higher-paying jobs.
Clear communication
Technical terms are just annoying for most customers. Instead, learn to explain plumbing problems in plain English. Break complex problems down in a way that customers can understand, provide clear estimates before starting the work, explain options without pressuring for sales, and be sure to follow up after the job is complete.
Communicate clearly, and customers will start to trust you.
Professional presentation
This is the era of the experience economy. The way a plumber shows up on-site, and presents themselves, matters. Customers will often judge plumbers based on the first impression.
Arrive on time, have an organized truck, wear clean uniforms, and treat every customer’s home like your own. Things like shoe covers and sweeping up matter.
Problem prevention
Don’t just solve the immediate problem. Help customers prevent future issues. Offer tips for maintenance and look for other problems that customers may not know they have while you’re at their home.
This will build trust and set you up as the expert to come to for any plumbing issue.
Business management fundamentals
This is the thing about advancing as a plumber…
The business side of plumbing will eventually catch up with you. Whether you’re trying to be a team leader, start your own company, or just manage your own work schedule, it pays to understand the business side of plumbing.
Project management
Larger jobs require you to be organized. Project management is important. You need to know how to estimate the materials and time required to finish a job. Scheduling work and working with other trades to complete work quickly is important. Managing multiple projects at the same time is a bonus.
These skills make you a more valuable employee and more essential for running your own company.
Financial literacy
The numbers game is important. This includes pricing your services to be competitive, managing expenses and overhead, and understanding profit margins, as well as simple bookkeeping.
Even if you work for someone, the more you understand the business side, the better you will be at negotiating fair wages.
Marketing and networking
The truth is that building your personal reputation is important no matter how far you go in the plumbing industry. You need to be connected to local contractor networks, industry associations, and former customers and suppliers.
Networking is a key skill, and the stronger the network, the more opportunities you’ll find.
Staying current with industry changes
The plumbing industry is changing rapidly. New technologies, regulations, and trends mean that plumbers must be committed to continuous learning and growth.
Continuing education
Most states require some continuing education for license renewal. Smart plumbers know there’s more to learning than the bare minimum. Take courses in new technology and materials, updated code requirements, energy-efficient systems and tools, and smart home integration.
Continuing to educate yourself will pay off over your entire career.
Technology adoption
Plumbing is as much about technology as it is about hands-on work. Stay current with technology such as digital inspection cameras, leak detection equipment, pipe locating equipment, and mobile apps for scheduling.
Plumbers that know their way around tech tend to charge higher rates and can take on more complex work.
Green plumbing practices
It’s no longer a question of if green plumbing will be a requirement. Plumbers must understand the current options. This includes water conservation systems and components, energy-efficient water heaters, greywater recycling systems, and low-flow fixtures.
Training in these areas will open up opportunities for plumbers in high-value homes and commercial jobs.
Time to level up
Master plumbers aren’t just experts in their trade. They have a skill set that combines technical know-how with customer service, business, and soft skills, and the master plumbers who advance fast know this.
The plumbers that are advancing the fastest are the plumbers who are making a commitment to continual growth, and they combine technical skills with soft skills. These are the skills that you should learn.
With more job openings being posted in the plumbing industry each year, and the serious shortage of plumbers in the pipeline, skilled plumbers have never been in higher demand.
The question now is whether you’re going to make the time to invest in the skills you need to succeed.
Commit to improving one area from this guide over the next 90 days. Whether it’s a new technical skill, a soft skill, or business knowledge – start today, and you’ll find that you’ll advance in the plumbing industry quickly.
The plumbing industry is in need of skilled workers. Are you ready to step up and grab those opportunities?
