The start of a new year always feels like the perfect time to get ahead, doesn’t it? For those of us in the plumbing industry, it’s a chance to spot key trends in plumbing early, prepare for developing consumer needs in advance, and keep business flowing in the right direction. Plus, staying proactive now means fewer surprises — and even more opportunities — later on down the line.
From rising sustainability goals to the growing role of smart technology, the demand for plumbing services is evolving fast. Whether it’s new regulations or consumer rebates, staying on top of these shifts will set you up for success in 2025. Let’s look at the key trends in plumbing you’ll want to watch, including sought-after smart fixtures and popular greywater recycling systems.
Rising trends in plumbing are largely influenced by state-specific water conservation efforts and government incentives aimed at lessening consumers’ environmental footprint. For example, California’s 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards will introduce stricter requirements for water-efficient fixtures in newly constructed buildings to address growing environmental concerns around local resource use.
On a national level, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit has served as an ongoing incentive for consumers to invest in eco-friendly plumbing technologies. Homeowners who work with plumbers to make energy-efficient improvements may qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,200, including $2,000 per year for sustainable plumbing solutions like heat pumps and water heaters.
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit goes hand-in-hand with WaterSense, a national rebate partnership program by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With nearly 200 cities and counties offering rebates for WaterSense-labeled products, homeowners are incentivized to install water-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads.
As such, green plumbing certifications are becoming increasingly valuable as sustainable plumbing technologies gain momentum. Recent updates to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), including new minimum water quality provisions for rainwater harvesting systems, are pushing energy efficiency to the forefront. Licensed contractors with expertise in green plumbing will find themselves in high demand in 2025.
As we look ahead to 2025, seven industry trends in plumbing are set to transform everything from local water usage to national smart plumbing solutions. With a focus on environmental sustainability, these innovations will help contractors meet consumer demand while staying ahead of the curve.
For homeowners, smart toilets offer practical solutions to reduce utility bills while upgrading their bathroom experience. Interest in bidets is also growing, with 58% of consumers open to trying one — including 71% of Millennials and 69% of Gen Z. However, plumbing professionals should note that installation may require electrical work, which could turn it into a two-person job.
Continuing with the focus on hygiene and water usage, touchless faucets are quickly becoming a top trend in plumbing. Thanks to their use of infrared technologies, these automated faucets activate water flow as soon as your hands enter the sensing area, minimizing cross-contamination. As smart plumbing fixtures gain popularity, touchless plumbing fixtures stand out by optimizing water usage and offering a practical, eco-friendly solution for homeowners.
Beyond toilets and faucets, automatic emergency shut-off valves are emerging as smart trends in plumbing, protecting against costly water damage. These innovative technologies, like Flo by Moen, come with automated sensors that detect leaks and prevent major damage by instantly shutting off water flow. Installed on the water main or in high-risk areas, they provide ultimate peace of mind.
Offering smart plumbing technologies like automatic shut-off valves is a great opportunity for upselling in 2025, especially during new system installations or when servicing a new homeowner. These advanced technologies not only improve water efficiency but also reduce potential repair costs, making them an attractive option for home and business owners that practically sell themselves.
At a time when 40 out of 50 state water managers expect water shortages under average conditions within the next decade, greywater recycling systems and rainwater harvesting systems are proving to be more proactive, eco-friendly plumbing solutions to water conservation than popular smart fixtures. So, it’s no surprise that they’ve become leading trends in plumbing for 2025.
Greywater systems filter and reuse household waste water — excluding toilet water — which accounts for 30 to 50% of total sewer discharge. This water can be treated and stored for non-potable uses, like flushing toilets, reducing water consumption by up to 40%. Educating customers about greywater plumbing can highlight its practical and environmental benefits.
Rainwater harvesting systems, on the other hand, capture and store rainwater from rooftops for washing clothes and flushing toilets. These systems use gutters to capture rainwater and send it to a storage tank, where an inlet filter and flush diverter remove debris. The water is then treated to non-potable or potable standards, and pumped through the system to where it will be repurposed.
Aside from tankless water heaters, solar water heaters are another eco-friendly option in the latest plumbing trends. These energy-efficient water heaters harness the power of the sun to heat water, reducing reliance on electricity or gas. They qualify for a 30% federal tax credit and can cut annual hot water costs in half, providing long-term energy savings and greater sustainability.
Last but certainly not least, you've likely already seen the modernization of entire plumbing systems in residential spaces and commercial construction projects, and that trend will continue into 2025. As the real estate market cools and aging housing stock requires more frequent renovations, updating older homes to modern standards will remain a priority.
Expect growing demand for trenchless plumbing services, which repair or replace underground pipes with minimal digging. Popular methods like pipe bursting are common in residential settings, alongside pipe slip-lining, cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP), and spiral wound lining (SWL). Plumbing companies offering trenchless solutions will be positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.
The trends in plumbing for 2025 are all about meeting consumer demands for innovative, sustainable solutions. From touchless plumbing fixtures to greywater recycling, the focus is on enhancing water efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Plumbing companies that jump on these trends will be in great shape to serve the growing demand from eco-conscious homeowners.
Speaking of sustainability, ensure your newly installed systems continue running smoothly with an extended warranty solution from JB Warranties. Our plumbing plans cover all repair costs for mechanical breakdowns, including parts and labor. With protection for water heaters, tankless water heaters, boilers, and tankless water systems, contact JB Warranties today to learn more.