Plumbing is essential for day-to-day health and comfort. It lets us bathe, helps us wash our dishes and clothes, and provides clean water for drinking. In such an important profession, keeping up with trends is crucial. New technology and changing customer expectations can transform the industry.

Pennco Tech offers a plumbing and heating technology program at our Bristol, PA, campus. Here, we explore current trends and how our plumbing school helps students stay up to date.

Why Plumbers Must Stay Informed

Some people may think of plumbing as nothing more than fixing leaks and unclogging blocked pipes. In truth, this profession is constantly evolving. Innovative technologies and new techniques are constantly being invented and implemented to improve the industry for service providers and consumers alike.

As a plumber, staying informed is imperative. Awareness of emergent plumbing and heating technology allows you to offer innovative solutions to plumbing problems. In addition, if a customer requests a new technology – for instance, smart plumbing – you’ll be empowered to provide it. This gives you an edge over competitors and makes you more appealing to employers. It also instills trust in your clients, who will see you as an expert.

Failure to stay updated can set you behind other workers in the industry. Without familiarity with new systems, you will find fewer opportunities to grow your customer base. You may also find yourself incapable of servicing existing systems as upgrades might make them too advanced for your abilities.

Plumbing Trends to Follow

Since staying informed is so important, it helps to be aware of industry trends. Here are some of the rising technologies and trends in the plumbing industry:

Water Conservation

The culture-wide emphasis on sustainability has also impacted the plumbing industry. As the world’s water systems become more limited, the mission to reduce water waste is increasing. Plumbing specialists must understand water-efficient fixtures and systems, such as low-flow faucets and showerheads, as well as gray water reuse and other alternative water sources.

Smart Plumbing

Smart plumbing technology enables homeowners, building maintenance workers, and plumbers to monitor and operate systems remotely. These systems can keep track of leaks, water consumption, and other essential information – all from a smartphone or mobile device. Professional plumbers must be proficient in maintaining and using smart systems.

Material Innovations

Advances in material science enable improvements in plumbing materials and construction. Cross-linked polyethylene, PEX, and CPVC are more corrosion-resistant and durable than older materials. In addition, technologies like 3D printing allow plumbers to create custom parts and fixtures, enabling efficient solutions to complex problems.

Advanced Diagnostics

Historically, pipe issues had to be diagnosed using invasive techniques. Recent innovations have simplified the diagnostic process with advanced tools like sonar, video cameras, and augmented reality. These technologies allow plumbers to identify problems quickly and accurately, helping you deliver better repairs, faster.

Tankless Heaters

Most residential and commercial water heating systems rely on large water heaters and boilers. This contributes to inefficiency, requiring high energy to heat water that may not be used right away. Recent trends emphasize tankless heaters for improved efficiency. These heaters also have a smaller footprint, making them viable options for buildings with limited space.

UV Purification

In some areas, clean water is not readily available. Water must be purified before it is safe for drinking and sanitation. UV purifiers are gaining popularity as a secure, efficient, and chemical-free method of supplying clean water. Plumbers with training in maintaining and installing these systems can reach a wider customer base and find new growth opportunities.

Staying Up to Date With Our Plumbing School

At Pennco Tech, future plumbers can learn how to stay updated within the industry. Training courses introduce students to new technologies, ensuring a complete education in well-established and new techniques. In addition, our trade programs equip trainees with resources and connections to help them continue to improve their skills throughout their careers. When a new topic or trend emerges in the industry, you’ll have the means to get involved and gain experience through hands-on training.

Trade school training is also an excellent way for professionals already in the field to enhance their careers. Through courses focused on recent innovations, working plumbers can refresh and expand their skills. This opens the door to new opportunities and clientele, helping you stay competitive.

Enroll in Our Plumbing School in Pennsylvania

If you are ready to kickstart or enhance your career, now is the time to get started. Pennco Tech is always open for enrollment for our plumbing school and other trade school programs, and students begin as soon as the next term begins. We also provide a career services department to help our current students and alumni succeed. We train future plumbers at our Bristol, PA, campus. Learn more about our programs and admissions by contacting us today.