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3 Plumbing Industry Trends for 2019

For centuries, plumbing has improved hygiene and provided clean water to homes and businesses. Though the industry isn’t new, plumbing continues to evolve as modern technologies change the way water is delivered, heated, pumped and stored. New plumbing solutions benefit homeowners, business owners and hard-working tradespeople in the plumbing field. Here are three bathroom trends in the plumbing industry to keep in mind, whether you are just starting technical school plumbing classes or brushing up on the latest plumbing news.

More Concerns About Aging Pipes

In America, some pipes are 150 years old. Iron and steel—traditional materials for plumbing and waste water pipes—make up nearly two-thirds of municipal water pipes according to the New York Times. When water sits in older metal pipes, chemicals used to treat the water can break down the pipe and contaminate the water. Although outlawed by Congress, very old pipes still lurk inside older homes and infrastructure. Many individuals avoid lead exposure in their drinking water by replacing old pipes in their home with lead-free alternatives.

To do this, many people turn to trade workers who have the knowledge and skills to replace pipes and maintain plumbing systems. As older pipes continue to age in America, people will depend on individuals in the plumbing trade for guidance and expertise.

Popular Plumbing Fixtures

In addition to updating old pipes, homeowners are turning toward sleeker and smarter plumbing fixtures in their bathrooms and kitchens. Plumbers can be aware of the latest designs and upcoming trends they may encounter in homes or businesses, such as:

  • Single-handle faucets – These user-friendly fixtures allow a single touch to start or stop the flow of water. Plumbers may repair or install these faucets in kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Drop-in sinks – Large, single-bay sinks make it easy to wash pots and pans. Plumbers should be aware that drop-in sinks, while convenient for homeowners, reduce under-sink space and make for smaller repair areas.
  • Freestanding bathtubs – Different from antique clawfoot tubs, freestanding tubs are typically offered in unique, sleek shapes and are often installed in the center of the bathroom.

No matter what fixtures or appliances are in style, plumbers can take extra care to protect bathroom designs from damage during an installation or repair. Quality workmanship and attention to detail are signs of a skilled plumber.

Plumbing Trends for Green Living

Homeowners and business owners alike are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. More consumers make choices that directly affect the planet and their wallets. Some traditional plumbing systems create unnecessary energy and waste. Here are several increasingly popular plumbing solutions that leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
  • Solar-powered water heaters
  • Touchless and tankless fixtures
  • Variable-flow toilets and showers
  • Low-flush toilets
  • Constant water pressure systems
  • Whole-house water filtration systems
  • Faucet-flow reducers
Although some green plumbing systems are more expensive up front, they can help consumers save on utility bills over time. The more aware tradesmen and tradeswomen are about plumbing fixtures, the better they are able to diagnose, install, repair or maintain plumbing systems that offer efficient benefits. Stay up to date with the plumbing trade, trends and industry news by exploring other plumbing topics on the Apex Technical School blog. To learn more about plumbing classes at trade school, schedule a tour of our campus where you will talk with friendly admissions staff and observe a plumbing class.

Interested in learning more about plumbing? Explore the Plumbing and Pipefitting program at Apex.

*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the State of New York, New York State Education Department.

Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.