Plumbing Market Real Talk – What 2025 Has in Store for Your Business

Hey, plumbing pro—let’s cut the fluff.

The market’s shifting fast. Tariffs, inflation, AI, and labor changes are rewriting the rules of the game—and if you don’t adapt, you’ll be left behind.

This episode of Potty Talk is your wake-up call and your battle plan.

We’re breaking down the 3 Golden Nuggets that will keep your plumbing business profitable, competitive, and thriving in 2025—and beyond.

Golden Nugget #1:

Tariffs, Tech, and Tight Margins—Oh My

The rules are changing. Smart owners adapt.

Know Your Numbers
You can’t afford to guess anymore. Rising costs from global supply chain issues mean you must know exactly what every job costs you.

• Material costs

• Labor costs

• Your break-even number

If you’re not watching your margins like a hawk, you’re already bleeding profit.

Pass the Costs—Don’t Eat Them
Inflation and tariffs are real. If you’re not passing those increased costs on to your customers, you’re eating it—and stealing from your family in the process. That’s not leadership. That’s slow death.

Adapt to Survive
AI, automation, and remote ops aren’t gimmicks.
They’re your new secret weapons:

• Smart dispatch

• Automated reminders

• Dynamic pricing
  These are no longer “big guy” tools—they’re what smart owners use to scale without the stress.

Local > Global
Franchises and big box shops will feel the squeeze. You have the advantage—if you lean into trust, speed, and presence.
Be the name they recognize. The brand that answers. The plumber they know.

Golden Nugget #2:

The Labor Shift Is Real

Great techs aren’t looking for just a job—they’re looking for leadership.

Your Culture Is Your Magnet
People don’t quit plumbing. They quit poor leadership. Build a culture that offers:

• Respect

• Clarity

• Opportunity

This is what A-players want.

Show the Path
The best techs want to grow—and they want to know how.

• Show clear performance paths

• Set transparent pay structures

• Create real ownership opportunities

Uncertainty kills motivation. Clarity fuels action.

Pay for Performance, Not Time
Hourly pay is a time trap. Commission creates confusion.
The winning model?

• Peace Rate Pay:

  • Techs know what they’ll earn

  • You know what the job will cost

  • Customers get better service

It’s the fairest, smartest, and most scalable pay structure for plumbing businesses.

Build, Don’t Beg
Stop hunting unicorns. Start developing talent.

• Train weekly

• Reinforce your systems

• Make your Monday meetings non-negotiable

Your dream team isn’t found—it’s built.

Golden Nugget #3:

Your Economy Is What You Make It

The economy matters—but how you run your business matters more.

Margins Aren’t Found—They’re Made
Profit isn’t a lucky leftover. It’s engineered into your pricing.

• Know your Honest Hourly Rate

• Price with purpose

• Build margin into every job

Market Like a Boss
Most companies go quiet when times get tough. That’s your cue to get loud.

• Own your zip code

• Show up everywhere

• Stay top-of-mind when others disappear

Vision Drives Victory
If you want to win in 2025, lead like it.

• Set clear goals

• Build real systems

• Focus on profit and people

Inflation doesn’t decide your success. You do.

Ready to Lead the Pack in 2025?

We’ve coached hundreds of plumbing business owners to build businesses that thrive—even in the face of uncertainty.

It’s not about luck. It’s about strategy.

Here’s What to Do Next:

👉 Join My FREE Skool Group – Get training, resources, and connect with other plumbing pros who are scaling their businesses. Click here to join.

👉 Book a Free Strategy Call – Stop guessing. Let’s map out your pricing, hiring, and marketing so you can get out of the truck and grow a business that works without you. Book your call here.

👉 Grab the FREE 4 Systems of Business Freedom Checklist – It’s the exact structure you need to step back and scale up.