14 Plumbing marketing ideas to Help Grow Your Business

Marketing for plumbing businesses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a one-person shop or building a growing crew, smart plumbing marketing strategies can help you reach new customers, stand out from the competition, and keep the calls coming in. You don’t need a big budget or a degree in advertising — just a few simple tactics that actually work for plumbing businesses.

From tried-and-true tactics that never go out of style to digital tools that save you time and hassle, this guide covers 14 plumbing marketing ideas to help your business grow — without burning yourself out. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your efforts, there’s something here for you.

1. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.

Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful — and free — plumbing marketing tools out there. When someone searches “plumber near me,” your listing can show up on Google Maps and in local search results. It’s often the first thing a potential customer sees, so it’s worth taking time to make it shine.

Start by completing every section of your profile. Include your hours, phone number, website, service areas, and a detailed list of services. Add recent photos of your team or past projects to show your professionalism. And don’t forget to encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews — positive feedback builds trust with customers and search engines and can help you stand out from the crowd.

But Google isn’t the only place people look. Listing your business on other online directories boosts your visibility and helps with search rankings. Along with trade sites like Angi, Thumbtack, Houzz, and HomeAdvisor, be sure your business shows up on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and the Better Business Bureau. These sites give customers more ways to discover and contact your business.

2. Build a plumbing website that works as hard as you do.

Your website should do more than just list your services — it should work around the clock to bring in leads, build trust with customers, and make it easy for people to hire you. Think of it as the central hub of your strategy. Everything else you do — from ads to social media to online listings — should point back to your website.

Here’s what a high-performing plumbing website should include:

• An easy way to contact you: Add a click-to-call button, a quote request form, or even a chat feature so potential customers can reach out right away.
• A breakdown of your services: Don’t just say “plumbing” — list out things like water heater repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and emergency services. It helps your search rankings and gives customers confidence.
• Service area details: Let people know where you work. Add a service area map or list specific towns and neighborhoods.
• Social proof: Show off your reviews, testimonials, and any certifications or awards. These social proof badges help build credibility fast.
• Strong visuals: Include professional photos of your work, your truck, or your team on the job.

Bonus tip: Make sure your site loads quickly, looks great on screens of all sizes – especially mobile phones, and is easy to navigate. Most people are searching for plumbers in a hurry — usually from their mobile device — so a clean, mobile-friendly design can make or break your chance of getting that call.

3. Focus on local SEO.

If you want customers to find you online, search engine optimization (SEO) is a must. It’s one of the most effective plumbing marketing strategies out there, especially when it comes to local searches. Local SEO helps your business appear in search results when someone nearby types in terms like “plumber near me” or “water heater repair in Dallas.”

To start, use location-based keywords throughout your site. Instead of just saying, “We offer drain cleaning,” try “We offer drain cleaning services in Charlotte and surrounding areas.” These keywords signal to search engines that you’re a good match for local searches — and help you stand out from national chains.

Here are a few ways to boost your local SEO:

• Create separate web pages for each service you offer, like pipe repair, sewer line inspection, or emergency plumbing.
• Include pages for each city or neighborhood you serve, especially if you cover a large metro area.
• Use structured data (also called schema markup) to help search engines read and display your business details correctly.
• Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP)is consistent across your website and all your online listings.

4. Collect and showcase customer reviews.

Word of mouth is still gold in the trades — but these days, it often happens online. Customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools in your plumbing marketing toolbox. They build trust, boost your visibility, and can help customers choose between you and a competitor.

Ask happy customers to leave reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor, and even trade-specific platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor. Make it easy by sending a quick follow-up email after each job with a direct link to where they can leave reviews. Many customers are happy to leave a review — they just need a little nudge and a convenient way to do it.

Don’t just collect reviews — respond to them. Thanking customers shows appreciation, while responding to the occasional negative review (politely and professionally) shows that you care and are willing to make things right. Plus, engaging with reviews on your online listings may actually help with local SEO.

Once you’ve gathered a few standout reviews, showcase them. Add them to your website, feature them in social media posts, or include one in your quote emails. Nothing says “You can trust us” like a real customer sharing their great experience. It’s a small effort that delivers big returns in your plumbing business marketing.

5. Share before-and-after photos.

Visual content works — especially in plumbing marketing, where clean, dramatic results can really shine. Before-and-after photos help potential customers see the quality of your work, even if they don’t know the difference between a shut-off valve and a sewer cleanout.

Whether it’s a sparkling new bathroom installation, a pipe repair that saved the day, or a major drain cleanup, these images tell a story. They show the problem, the fix, and the final result — all without needing a single sales pitch. That kind of visual proof builds confidence and makes your services feel more real and trustworthy.

You can post before-and-after photos in a gallery on your website, share them on social media, or even include them in your quote emails to show off your work. Just make sure to get the homeowner’s permission before sharing — especially if the photos show any personal space.

6. Start using email marketing.

Email marketing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective plumbing marketing strategies out there, especially when it comes to staying connected with past customers. It’s a great way to keep your business top-of-mind, build loyalty, and gently encourage repeat work without being pushy.

You can use email to:

• Send reminders for annual plumbing inspections, seasonal maintenance, or water heater checkups.
• Promote limited-time offers or discounts during slow periods.
• Share helpful tips to prevent clogs, detect leaks early, or winterize pipes.
• Introduce new services or announce extended service areas.

The key is to keep your emails helpful and relevant. Short, friendly emails with clear calls to action (like “Schedule Your Spring Inspection”) work best. And with modern tools, you can automate your campaigns, so you’re not manually sending emails every week.

Even if you only send a message once a month, it keeps your plumbing business in front of people who already trust you. That way, when their next plumbing issue pops up, you’re the first name they think of.

7. Offer promotions for referrals.

Referrals are a classic marketing tool — and they’re still one of the most effective plumbing marketing strategies around. Happy customers are often more than willing to recommend you, especially if they’ve had a great experience. A little extra incentive just gives them that final nudge.

Offer a simple reward, like a discount on their next service or a small gift card, for every friend or neighbor they refer who ends up booking a job. Let customers know about your referral offer in follow-up emails, on your invoices, or in social media posts. The more visible it is, the more likely they are to spread the word and help grow your customer base in the process.

8. Use social media — without overcomplicating it.

You don’t need to dance on TikTok or film fancy videos to make social media work for your plumbing business. Just post a few times a week with quick, engaging content: think plumbing tips, job site photos, before-and-after shots, or answers to common questions.

Your goal is to stay visible and build trust — not to go viral. Even simple posts like, “Here’s what a water heater flush looks like,” or, “3 signs your pipes might be leaking,” can position you as the local plumbing expert.

Consistency matters more than perfection. Pick one or two platforms (like Facebook or Instagram), keep your branding clear, and aim to show up regularly. It’s a low-cost, low-effort way to support your broader plumbing marketing strategy and connect with customers where they already spend time.

9. Run local online ads.

If you’re ready to invest a little money in advertising to get in front of more potential customers, local online ads are a smart move. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads let you target people based on their location, search habits, and even specific plumbing needs — like “clogged drain repair” or “emergency plumber near me.”

These ads can be especially helpful during slow seasons or when you’re launching a new service. You can set a budget that fits your business and adjust it as needed — no need to spend big to see results.

The best part? Local ads put your name in front of people who are actively looking for help in your area. It’s one of the fastest ways to bring in qualified leads and support your broader plumbing marketing strategy.

10. Add helpful content to your website.

Creating useful content like blog posts or FAQs is a great way to boost your search rankings and position yourself as the local plumbing expert. It’s a key part of long-term plumbing marketing, and it helps your site show up when people are searching for answers — not just plumbers.

You could write about:

• What to do during a plumbing emergency
• Signs you need a water heater replacement
• Tips for preventing frozen pipes or clogged drains

The goal is to be genuinely helpful. Focus on answering the real questions your customers ask — and include keywords naturally so search engines can match your content with those queries. Over time, these helpful pages can attract more traffic to your site and lead to more business, all while building trust before you ever pick up the phone.

11. Network with local contractors.

Building relationships with other local professionals is a smart, low-cost way to grow your referral pipeline. Electricians, HVAC techs, roofers, and general contractors often come across plumbing issues in their work. If they know you and trust you, you’ll be the one they call.

Start by introducing yourself to contractors or small construction companies in your community. Let them know what you specialize in and offer to refer customers to them as well.

12. Wrap your vehicle.

A branded vehicle is more than just transportation — it’s a mobile billboard for your business. Whether you’re driving to a job, parked at a customer’s house, or sitting in traffic, your wrapped vehicle is constantly working to promote your plumbing services.

Make sure to include your business name, phone number, and a short, clear list of services (like “24/7 emergency plumbing” or “drain cleaning and repair”). It’s one of the oldest plumbing marketing ideas in the book — but still one of the most visible and cost-effective ways to build brand recognition in your local area.

13. Sponsor local events or teams.

From Little League teams to community festivals and charity runs, local sponsorships are a fun, low-pressure way to get your business in front of more people. These events draw crowds from your area — your exact customer base — and show that you’re invested in the community.

Sponsorships often come with perks like your logo on jerseys, banners, flyers, or event websites. It’s a great way to build name recognition and create a positive impression, not just as a plumber, but as a neighbor people feel good about hiring. It’s grassroots plumbing marketing that really sticks.

14. Let technology take the wheel.

You don’t have to juggle everything by hand — and honestly, you shouldn’t. Today’s plumbing business tools are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and keep your business running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re working solo or managing a crew, the right tools can make a big difference.

With the help of software, you can:

• Automate lots of manual tasks.
• Never forget to follow up with customers at the right time.
• Track which plumbing marketing strategies are working — and which ones aren’t

Why plumbers choose Thryv

Thryv^® is a comprehensive software solution for plumbing pros. With Thryv, you can simplify your entire plumbing marketing strategy and run your business more efficiently from anywhere. Our software is built for small business owners who want to spend less time managing tools and more time doing great work.

Thryv’s software for plumbing businesses gives you everything you need to put these 14 plumbing marketing ideas into action:

• Manage your website and boost your SEO: Thryv helps you build and maintain a professional website that looks great, works on mobile screen sizes, and is optimized to show up in local search results — so customers can find you fast.
• Claim and update your Google Business Profile: Keep your business info accurate on Google and 60+ other sites.
• Request and respond to reviews: Automatically ask for reviews and get notified when customers post on major sites.
• Schedule and automate social media: Manage your social accounts from one dashboard and use templates to make posting easier.
• Run email and text marketing: Reach your customers with targeted, automated email and SMS campaigns. Send appointment reminders, seasonal tips, review requests, or special offers — and set all of these to run on autopilot.
• Launch and manage marketing campaigns: From seasonal discounts to referral programs and paid ads, Thryv helps you create and track multi-channel marketing campaigns.
• Capture and follow up on every lead: No more missed messages. Thryv centralizes your leads from your website, social media, ads, and more — and lets you follow up automatically to close more jobs.
• Track offline marketing performance: Use custom tracking links, QR codes, and phone numbers to measure how your flyers, vehicle wraps, and local sponsorships are performing.

And that’s just the start. Thryv also includes:

• Online scheduling and appointment management
• Digital estimates and invoicing
• Mobile payments
• CRM tools to keep customer info organized
• Real-time analytics and reporting
• Integrations with the tools you already use
• Free tools for plumbing business owners

From marketing to selling to growing your business, Thryv brings it all together so you can focus less on busy work and more on growing your business.