In today’s competitive home service market, reputation is no longer just part of a plumbing business, it is the foundation of it. Homeowners expect fast communication, transparency, and reliability, and their decisions are increasingly influenced by online reviews, digital presence, and community visibility. Quality work remains essential, but it must be supported by consistent messaging, strong customer experiences, and clear proof of credibility. In a crowded marketplace, trust is often the deciding factor.

As more consumers rely on AI-driven search tools and online platforms to choose service providers, digital trust signals such as reviews, authoritative mentions, and consistent online information play a growing role in visibility. Contractors who invest in community involvement, customer communication, and proactive reputation management are better positioned to stand out. Just as important is having a plan to respond quickly and professionally when challenges arise. In 2026, the businesses that thrive will be those that treat reputation not as an afterthought, but as a daily operational priority. Click here to read more.

In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the President does not have unilateral authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The case, brought by small US businesses affected by increased import costs, centered on whether emergency powers could be used to implement sweeping trade tariffs. The majority opinion concluded that the law does not grant the executive branch broad tariff-setting authority, reinforcing that trade policy powers ultimately rest with Congress. The decision marks a significant moment in defining the limits of executive authority in economic and trade matters.

The ruling leaves several practical questions unresolved, including how previously collected tariff revenues may be handled and what legal avenues might be pursued for future trade actions. Shortly after the decision, President Trump announced a temporary 10 percent tariff under a different section of federal trade law, signaling that additional policy shifts may follow. For contractors and suppliers, the outcome highlights ongoing uncertainty in trade policy and its potential impact on material costs, supply chains, and pricing as the situation continues to evolve. Click here to read more.

Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, along with the Natural Gas Association of Georgia, have filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court of the United States to review a federal court decision involving furnace efficiency standards. The case challenges regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Energy that would effectively eliminate non-condensing gas furnaces and certain commercial water heaters by requiring design changes tied to condensation and venting.

The associations argue that the rule could remove widely used replacement options from the market, particularly in homes and buildings designed for non-condensing equipment. They contend that federal law was intended to balance energy efficiency goals with installation practicality and consumer choice. A decision by the Supreme Court on whether to take the case is expected in the coming months, and the outcome could have broader implications for equipment standards, contractor installation realities, and future regulatory authority affecting HVAC and plumbing professionals nationwide. Click here to read more.

In today’s tight labor market, growth in the trades is no longer just about winning more jobs. It’s about having the right people in the right roles to support that growth. This article outlines a practical approach for mid-sized trade businesses to align hiring, development, and organizational structure with long-term business goals. Instead of reacting to staffing gaps, leaders are encouraged to start with a clear vision of where the company is headed over the next one to three years and then identify the skills, roles, and capabilities needed to get there. When talent decisions are intentional, recruiting becomes proactive, career paths become clearer, and teams gain the confidence to scale.

The roadmap also emphasizes building a steady talent pipeline through apprenticeships, school partnerships, referral programs, and targeted upskilling of existing employees. As companies grow, evolving leadership structure and investing in manager development becomes essential to prevent burnout and maintain quality. Simple, consistent practices such as clear job expectations, regular feedback, leadership coaching, and structured training can dramatically improve engagement and retention. When business strategy and talent strategy move together, contractors are better positioned to grow efficiently, strengthen their workforce, and build long-term stability. Click here to read more.

Heat pump water heaters are often viewed as complex or outside a contractor’s comfort zone, but the reality is far more approachable. Installation is similar to a standard electric water heater, typically using the same electrical setup with the added step of managing condensate. Because the refrigeration system is sealed, most installs do not require specialized refrigerant handling. For plumbing and HVAC contractors, this means the transition is less about reinventing the wheel and more about understanding a slightly upgraded one. Modern models also feature inverter-driven technology that adjusts output based on demand, improves efficiency, reduces noise, and offers expanded capacity options for households with higher hot water needs.

Beyond installation, heat pump water heaters bring added value that is especially relevant in humid climates like Southwest Florida. By pulling heat from surrounding air, they can cool and dehumidify spaces such as garages, basements, and laundry rooms, offering comfort benefits alongside energy savings. With significantly higher efficiency ratings than traditional electric tanks, homeowners may see substantial annual operating cost reductions, particularly when combined with available rebates and tax incentives. As efficiency standards continue to evolve, understanding and offering this technology can position contractors to stay competitive while opening the door to new revenue opportunities. Click here to read more.

The latest report from Associated Builders and Contractors shows that the Construction Backlog Indicator dipped to 8.0 months in January, marking a slight decline from December and from this time last year. While overall backlog has softened, the impact is not evenly distributed. Larger contractors, particularly those with more than $50 million in annual revenue, continue to see stronger backlog levels, while smaller firms are experiencing tighter project pipelines and increased competition.

Despite the backlog dip, contractor confidence remains above the growth threshold. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index indicates that expectations for sales, profit margins, and staffing levels are still in expansion territory, with sales outlook improving compared to a year ago. Although borrowing costs and market conditions will play a role in how 2026 unfolds, the overall sentiment suggests cautious optimism as contractors head into the spring construction season.
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As the PHCP-PVF industry heads into 2026, distributors are facing familiar pressures with new intensity: labor shortages, retirements, rising customer expectations, and the need to move faster with fewer resources. According to recent American Supply Association research, nearly three-quarters of companies are already experimenting with AI, moving well beyond simple tools and into forecasting, sales support, and process automation. What was once optional is quickly becoming foundational as businesses look for ways to preserve institutional knowledge, improve accuracy, and maintain service levels amid ongoing workforce transitions.

Looking ahead, AI adoption will be defined by human-AI collaboration rather than replacement. From capturing the expertise of retiring employees to meeting Gen Z’s expectations for intuitive workplace technology, distributors that invest in both their people and their systems will gain a clear edge. The most successful organizations will focus on “human-in-the-loop” strategies where AI handles repetitive, error-prone tasks while employees focus on judgment, relationships, and high-value work. In 2026, speed, accuracy, and adaptability won’t be nice-to-haves—they’ll be the standard for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
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A new pipe sizing standard marks the first major update to water distribution and sanitary drainage design in decades. Developed through extensive academic research, the standard reflects how buildings and water usage have evolved—accounting for factors such as household size, occupancy patterns, regional conditions, and modern lifestyles. Rather than relying on assumptions rooted in older building models, the updated approach uses data‑driven methods to more accurately predict demand and peak flow within plumbing systems.

By aligning pipe sizing with real‑world usage, the new standard aims to improve system performance, reduce construction costs, and enhance water hygiene by minimizing stagnation. It also supports faster hot water delivery, energy savings, and improved sanitary drainage performance. Designed to evolve over time, the standard is supported by ongoing research, data collection, and future training, positioning it as a long‑term framework for modern plumbing design across residential, multi‑family, and mixed‑use buildings. Click here to read more.

Looking for practical insight you can actually use in your business? We recommend checking out a recent Trade Traction podcast episode featuring Brian Harding, who was a breakout speaker at last year’s PHCC Connect.

In this conversation, Brian digs into what’s really happening in the trades today—from the skilled labor shortage and shifting workforce expectations to how contractors can rethink hiring, training, and retention to build stronger, more sustainable companies. It’s an honest, boots-on-the-ground discussion that goes beyond headlines and into real-world solutions.

Whether you’re trying to grow your team, improve crew performance, or simply get a clearer picture of where the industry is headed, there are plenty of takeaways packed into this episode.

Watch the episode here.

You’ll also hear an invitation to connect with your local PHCC chapter and join the industry at PHCC Connect 2026, taking place October 19–22 in Milwaukee.

If you’re curious about what PHCC is all about—or want a reminder of why this community matters—this podcast is a great place to start.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is revisiting its reporting requirements for PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Proposed changes aim to ease reporting burdens for certain imported articles, trace concentrations, research-use substances, and byproducts, while maintaining oversight of high-risk chemicals.

For plumbing contractors, these updates highlight a growing market in water-quality solutions. As homeowners and businesses become increasingly aware of PFAS in local water supplies, plumbers have a chance to offer filtration, testing, and mitigation services. Understanding the evolving regulatory landscape and available treatment technologies will be critical for contractors looking to turn water-quality awareness into a reliable business opportunity. Click here to read more.

Contractors seeking actionable insights and real-world strategies to address PFAS in plumbing systems can join PFAS and Profits Part 2: Expanding Your Plumbing Business with Water Quality Solutions on Thursday, April 16, 2026, for expert guidance on filtration options, customer solutions, and ways to grow their business in this emerging water-quality market.