10 Practical Tips to Grow Your Plumbing Business

🔧 Are You Growing Your Plumbing Business — Or Just Taking Whatever Comes In?

Most plumbers are busy. But here’s the question:
👉 Is your schedule filled with the jobs you want… or just the ones that land on your lap?

Running a plumbing business isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s about making sure people know you, trust you, and choose you over the competition. Here are 10 practical tips that actually work 👇

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

Your website and social profiles are the first place potential customers check. If they can’t find you—or your site looks outdated—you’re losing work. Make sure your site is simple, mobile-friendly, and clearly shows your services, phone number, and customer reviews.

2. Leverage Online Reviews

Reviews are the new word-of-mouth. The more positive reviews you collect, the more you outrank your competitors and the more trust you build. Every happy customer is a chance to boost your reputation. Ask politely for reviews, provide the link to make it easy, and respond to every review—good or bad. This shows professionalism and care, and it keeps you top of mind.

3. Optimise Local SEO

Most customers will search for a plumber near their home. That’s why showing up in local search is vital. Use phrases like “plumber in [local area of town/city]” on your website, make sure your business address and phone number are consistent everywhere, and register on local directories. The better your local SEO, the more likely you’ll appear when someone types “plumber near me.”

4. Use Eye-Catching Marketing Materials

Business cards, flyers, and signage still matter. They’re simple, visual reminders of your services. Keep designs clean, professional, and consistent with your brand. Distribute flyers in local areas and leave cards after every job—it’s a subtle but effective way to get repeat calls.

5. Host Workshops or Webinars

Sharing your knowledge builds authority. A short “winter boiler care” workshop or an online Q&A shows you care about your community and positions you as the expert. It also builds trust and can generate referrals when people remember the helpful plumber they learned from.

6. Invest in PPC Advertising

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads on Google or Facebook let you target people actively searching for plumbers. Even a small budget can generate leads quickly. Start with one service, like emergency call-outs, and one local area. Track results and adjust as you go.

7. Brand Your Work Vans & Keep Them Clean

Your van is a moving advert. A branded, clean van signals professionalism. Everything is marketing—from the shine on your van to the way your team looks when they step out. Don’t embarrass customers in front of their neighbours by turning up in a filthy, noisy van, looking like you just crawled out of a hedge. A smart, tidy van and someone well presented behind the wheel builds instant trust and reassures people they’ve hired the right professional.

8. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional service isn’t just what you do—it’s how you present yourself. A polite, professional tone, branded polo shirts, and tidy uniforms all matter. The way your team communicates, the respect they show in a customer’s home, and the care they take to leave things clean are all forms of marketing. Every job is an advert for your business. Treat customers well and they’ll become walking billboards, telling their friends and family about you.

9. Fully Complete Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is your shopfront online. Fill in every detail—services, photos, hours, FAQs—and keep it updated. Add recent job photos and encourage reviews. A full profile helps you rank higher and gives customers confidence.

10. Network & Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partner with estate agents, builders, and property managers. These relationships can provide a steady stream of referrals and ongoing work. Attend local trade events, join community groups, and always carry a card—you never know who you’ll meet.

Final Word

Marketing drives your business forward. Word of mouth is great, but it won’t scale. Think about it—McDonald’s and Coca-Cola are two of the most famous brands in the world, yet they still advertise. Why? Because they need to stay top of mind. People want burgers and soft drinks. But let’s be honest: no one wants to call a plumber. That means you have to work even harder to stay visible, memorable, and trusted.