Marketing a plumbing business in a city like New York isn’t just about having tools in the van. It’s about getting your name in front of the right people exactly when they need you. And let’s be honest: most homeowners don’t think about a plumber until water is pouring from somewhere, and it shouldn’t. That’s why you have to be everywhere they look — Google, ads, social media, even local groups — ready for that moment they search “plumber near me”.
What follows is a list of New York plumber marketing strategies you can start right now. It’s not fluff; it’s just practical things you should do to keep the calls coming, the calendar full, and the business growing. Try them one by one, tweak as you go, but most importantly, get started.
14 Smart New York Plumber Marketing Strategies
1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Right Now
You really need to set up your GBP properly. Honestly, it’s the first thing that sets the foundation for everything else.
Expecting steady growth without it? Just wishful thinking. Most people search stuff like “plumber near me” when they’re in trouble, and if your profile isn’t showing up, you’re losing out. Simple as that.
Get your service area right, upload real job photos, add working hours, and stay active. Push for those reviews after every job because they’re gold.
2. Push for Referrals
Referrals are hands down one of the most powerful ways to grow your plumbing business, and yet, so many plumbers just ignore it or wait, hoping people send work their way.
Don’t do that. You’ve got to prompt it. Nudge your happy customers a little because, honestly, most people would refer you, but they forget.
A simple line like, “Hey, if you know anyone who needs a plumber, send them my way — I’ll even knock $25 off your next service as a thank you,” works wonders.
People love deals, and they trust recommendations way more than any ad. Plumbing is personal — no one wants to let just anyone mess with their pipes.
3. Start a Simple Blog
Blogging might sound boring, but it drives leads while you sleep. People search for weird things like “Why does my water heater smell like rotten eggs?” at midnight. If you have a blog answering that, they find you.
Start writing simple posts answering common plumbing problems like drain smells, water pressure issues, or clogged toilets. Use your own experience.
No need to be fancy; just be helpful. That builds trust. People read, feel like you get it, and call because they already like you before you even pick up. Plus, Google ranks your site better.
4. Run Facebook & Instagram Ads: Video Works Best
Most plumbers skip Facebook ads, which is exactly why you should dive in. People love watching drain cleaning videos or before-and-after shots of a clogged pipe turning spotless. Weirdly satisfying but super effective.
5. Run Local Service Ads (LSAs): Get Google Guaranteed
If you’re serious about leads, you can’t skip LSAs. Those “Google Guaranteed” ads sitting right at the top are prime real estate. People trust that green checkmark more than you think. Half the time, they won’t even scroll down.
It takes your license, insurance, and a little patience to get verified but once you’re in, it’s a steady flow of calls. For instance, when someone searches ‘plumber near me’ in Los Angeles, you’ll see plumbers with that green checkmark badge, showing they’re Google Guaranteed.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Local SEO for Service-Based Businesses
6. Build Local Partnerships
One of the smartest things you can do is quietly build partnerships with people who bump into plumbing problems every single day, such as realtors, property managers, HVAC guys, electricians, and even the local hardware store owner.
These folks are on the front lines. They know exactly when something breaks or needs fixing. And if you’re the plumber they know, guess who they’re going to call every single time? That’s steady work right there.
It’s not flashy or instant, but it’s long-term. You build that trust, show up when called, and do a solid job. From there, you become their go-to plumber.
Plus, they’re the ones dealing with homes, rentals, and sales, where plumbing is always part of the conversation. Tap into that, and you’ll have a steady pipeline of jobs that keeps flowing no matter what.
7. Yelp, Thumbtack, Angi
You might roll your eyes at these platforms, but the truth is, they still work. Not everyone jumps straight to Google. Some people, especially those new to town or stuck in a bind during odd hours, head straight to Yelp or Thumbtack just to find someone reliable. That’s where you need to show up.
Set up your profiles properly. Use clear, real job photos. Keep your info updated, respond fast, and stay active. Yes, paying for leads might sting, but it fills gaps when calls slow down.
One good lead could turn into repeat business or a big project. Build them up and let them work in the background.
8. Get Reviews After Every Job
Reviews either build you up or break you down. People trust them way more than ads. They read them, share screenshots with their family, and decide right there if you’re worth the call.
Push for reviews. Every time you finish a job, send a quick thank-you text like “Hey, if you’re happy, would love if you left us a review. It really helps us out.” Do it every time.
Stack up those 5-stars because they snowball. Once you have hundreds of good reviews, you stand out, and bigger gigs start landing on your lap because people feel safe calling you.
9. Launch PPC Campaigns: But Be Smart About It
Pay-per-click ads sound expensive, and yeah, they are if done wrong. The mistake most plumbers make is bidding on generic keywords like “plumber”, which burns cash fast.
The smart ones get specific. Target keywords like “toilet overflow repair” or “sewer line backup Brooklyn” — those are the jobs worth your time.
10. Shoot Videos and Reels On the Job
Hit record. Next time you’re clearing a nasty clog or replacing a busted pipe, film it. People love that stuff. Watching you pull out years of gunk is weirdly satisfying, and it sticks in their head.
Shoot short videos and quick reels. Post them on Instagram, TikTok, or your Google profile. Show the mess, show the fix. Don’t overthink it; just be you.
These clips get shared, people remember you, and someone calls because they saw your video last week. Easy way to stay top-of-mind.
11. 24/7 Emergency Service
If you offer emergency plumbing, make it loud and clear. Don’t hide it in small text or a random page. Put “24/7 Emergency Service” everywhere — your website header, Google profile, business cards, truck, and social media.
When someone’s panicking over a burst pipe at midnight, they call whoever pops up first with “Available Now” flashing. Emergency jobs pay well and build trust fast. Claim that spot. Be the first number they see.
Take a look at Randall Plumbing; their website has it right. “24/7 Emergency Plumbing Service” is the first thing you see, phone number upfront, no guessing. That’s how you remind people you’re the one to call when things go south in the middle of the night.
12. Send Text & Email Reminders
Stay in touch with your past customers. Most people forget about plumbing until water is pouring down their walls.
Fix that by sending seasonal nudges like “Hey, time for your sump pump check” or “Reminder: winter’s coming, get those pipes insulated.”
Keep your name fresh. Make people feel like you’re looking out for them. It builds loyalty and fills your schedule during slow seasons.
Customers will thank you later when they avoid a disaster because you remind them.
13. Use Retargeting Ads
People click on your site and forget. Retargeting ads fix that by following them around online until they finally call. Do this.
Run ads reminding those visitors, “Still need that drain cleaned? $50 off your first service” and keep popping up until they call.
Retargeting is cheaper and more effective than cold ads because these people already know you. Stay in front of them until they’re ready.
14. Track Every Call: Know What’s Working
Stop guessing where your calls are coming from. Set up call tracking numbers on every ad and every platform, like Google, Facebook, and Yelp.
Track what’s working and what’s wasting your money. Double down on what’s working and ditch the rest. You’ll save money fast, and every dollar will bring in real jobs.
FAQs
1. How to market your plumbing company?
Start with the basics — set up your Google Business Profile properly because that’s where most customers will find you. Then, get yourself on local directories, run Google and Facebook ads, and stay active on social media.
Don’t forget word-of-mouth still works, so ask happy customers for reviews. Little things like wrapping your van or sponsoring a local event also help people remember your name when plumbing trouble hits.
2. How do you advertise yourself as a plumber?
Honestly, you’ve got to show up where people are looking — mostly online. Run Google Ads targeting “plumber near me” searches. Keep posting useful tips and before-after fixes on social media, especially Facebook and Instagram.
Reviews are your silent salespeople, so collect as many as you can. And if possible, partner with local realtors or contractors — referrals from them are gold.
3. What is the target market for plumbing?
Homeowners are your main market, especially folks in the middle to upper-income neighbourhoods where they’d rather call than DIY.
Then there are property managers, landlords, small businesses, and even restaurants — anyone who needs quick, reliable plumbing help.
4. What is the best platform to advertise a plumbing business?
Google Ads, hands down — because people don’t window shop for plumbers; they search in emergencies. After that, Facebook works well for local visibility and retargeting. Yelp or HomeAdvisor can also pull in leads, but they work better once your reputation is solid with reviews.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, marketing your plumbing business in New York is about showing up exactly when people need you most. The strategies above aren’t just theories. They’re real, actionable steps that get phones ringing and calendars booked.
Start with one or two, stay consistent, and keep building from there. The competition is tough out here, but if you stay visible, build trust, and make it easy for people to choose you, the work will come.
And if you’re ready to grow but don’t know where to start, reach out. We’ll help you build a marketing plan that keeps your crew busy and your business growing.
Book a free strategy call with Brand ClickX today and see how we can help your business grow. Contact Now!
