Whether you have been a part of the plumbing industry for decades or have just started in the industry, expect some major changes around the corner.

Technology makes your job much easier.

Technology allows you to offer customers better products and services.

It also allows you to manage the current plumbing infrastructure in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Modern technology is helping the plumbing industry evolve.

Since the Flint, Michigan water crisis, the state of plumbing and water quality has raised many speculations.

With the increase of these concerns, it is important for any plumbing professional to stay up to date with current and new trends.

Below are some plumbing industry trends all professionals should know.

Trenchless Technology Solutions

Conventional re-piping has been valuable in the plumbing industry, but many professionals are seeing the value of trenchless technologies.

Trenchless sewer lines are a non-invasive method of installing and repairing pipes.

Instead of digging an open trench and laying the pipes deep under the property, all you need to do is dig small holes at the beginning and end of the pipes.

This technology brings many advantages:

  • It provides little disruption to the property and work takes much less time to do.
  • Trenchless methods are also much more affordable.
  • Compared to full-scale digging repairs, it requires minimal hard labor.
  • Utilizing trenchless sewer lines makes it much easier for you to diagnose problems.
  • You can easily access the interior of the pipes with video inspection equipment. It is also safer than traditional trenching and excavation repair methods.
  • This innovative new technology also eliminates the potential for asbestos and mold exposure. This exposure can sometimes result from large-scale digging.

Long story short: if you have access to trenchless technology, there’s no reason to use conventional digging!

Alternative Water Heating

As forward-thinking homeowners and businesses become more aware of becoming environmentally friendly, they may start implementing efforts to use more efficient heating methods for their water needs.

Today, there are many energy-saving systems on the market, including solar water heaters as well as tankless units.

Plumbing professionals should be aware of these trending systems and technologies as they are and will continue to rise in popularity.

Solar

Solar water heaters can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for a home.

Using a solar thermal collector, sunlight converts into heat which is then used to heat the water.

Those who choose this solar option will need plumbing services and construction work to install all components of the system.

Tankless

The National Association of Home Builders Research Center published a report showing that annual hot water savings from installing a tankless system are approximately between 10 and 24 percent.

A tankless water heater can provide several benefits in a home:

  • There is a reduction of energy needed because the standby supply is eliminated.
  • A tankless system only heats water when it is needed and the supply is unlimited.

However, as a professional in the plumbing industry, you may need to address flow issues for a larger household. Often, large households are better served by installing multiple tankless units.

You may need to keep in mind structural issues as heating units are placed to service appliances, bathrooms, and kitchens.

There are several tankless water heaters on the market today that are highly efficient and cost-effective.

Most also come with a great warranty, so the homeowner or business owner can rest assured with their investment.

Aging Pipes

The average age of most pipes in the US is 47 years old.  In areas such as Philadelphia and New York, pipes can be as old as their late 70s.

In light of several recent events, aging pipe infrastructure continues to be a big topic in the news. It was even a common debate topic during the election.

Pipes continue to age and deteriorate and oftentimes are not addressed until major failure in the system occurs. Damaged pipes can lead to expensive leaks and property damage.

Since aging pipes continue to be a major concern, awareness of aging and failing plumbing is a big opportunity for your plumbing business.

Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is a modern answer to damaged plumbing, drain, and sewer lines.  In the past, repairing these underground pipes often meant tearing up the yard.

As a professional in the plumbing industry, you should be aware of pipe relining technology. A process where pipes are injected with an epoxy lining inside.

The epoxy lining sticks to the walls of the pipes and fills in any cracks or holes.  At the end of this process, you will have a new pipe inside the old pipes.

Water Purification

Clean drinking water has been a hot topic and major concern in recent years.

More and more consumers have become more aware of the materials and chemicals in water that could affect their health.

A 2016 Harvard study has found that millions of Americans are drinking water that contains PFASs.  PFASs are industrial chemicals known to cause cancer, hormone disruption, and other health problems.

Kitchen purification systems are solutions to make sure that people have access to clean and safe drinking water. Plumbing assistance is important as kitchen areas are updated to include these purification systems.

As the general public becomes more aware of risks in their pipes, companies that offer pipe renewal solutions have the opportunity to become the service providers that will need to fix these issues.

Staying ahead of the game and having experience with these tools and systems gives you an advantage when these issues come up.

Ready to Stay on Trend in the Plumbing Industry?

Staying up to date on trends is important no matter what industry you are in. Plumbing is no different.

As technology advances at a rapid pace, it is essential for you, as a professional, to keep up with the times.  It is important to be aware of all the tools and new advancements that may be at your disposal.

Being one step ahead and understanding the modern needs of the public will put you and your plumbing business ahead of the game.

Check us out for resources to professional contractors and plumbers and supplies for all of your plumbing needs!