28 Plumbing Resources Every Contractor Should Bookmark

Industry Associations

Industry associations help plumbers stay informed about licensing changes, connected with peers and suppliers, and up to date with training, standards, and industry developments. Becoming a member can provide access to:

• Industry advocacy and representation
• Training, education, and professional development
• Networking opportunities with peers and suppliers
• Conferences, trade shows, and industry events
• Updates on regulations, standards, and best practices
• Industry news, trends, and business resources

1. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC)

Founded in 1883, PHCC is the oldest trade association in the construction industry and represents more than 3,300 plumbing, heating, and cooling contractor businesses across 125 state and local chapters.

What it offers:

• Apprenticeship and workforce development programmes
• Continuing education and professional training
• Federal advocacy on behalf of the industry
• Business resources, templates, and member-exclusive discounts

Why use it?

Joining your local PHCC chapter gives you access to apprenticeship programmes, legislative updates, business tools, and discounted member services. The national organisation also provides valuable resources on industry codes, workforce development, and federal policy affecting plumbing businesses.

Pro tip:

If you're hiring or growing your team, membership can quickly pay for itself through apprenticeship support, HR resources, and ready-made business templates, helping you save time and reduce legal costs.

2. American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

ASPE is the leading professional organisation for plumbing engineers and designers, setting best practices for plumbing system design and technical standards.

What it offers:

• The Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook
• Technical education and professional development
• Local chapter meetings and networking events
• Collaboration with major code organisations, including ICC, IAPMO, and NAPHCC

Why use it?

If you're bidding on commercial or large-scale projects, ASPE's resources can help you better understand the engineering decisions behind plumbing system designs. Chapter events also provide opportunities to connect with the engineers and specifiers involved in project planning.

Pro tip:

For hospitals, laboratories, and other complex commercial projects, understanding the engineer's design approach can help you interpret plans more accurately and prepare more competitive bids.

3. World Plumbing Council (WPC)

The World Plumbing Council is the global umbrella organisation for the plumbing industry, representing more than 200 member organisations across 30+ countries and promoting the essential role of plumbing in protecting public health.

What it offers:

• World Plumbing Day resources and campaigns (11 March)
• The triennial World Plumbing Conference
• Global advocacy for public health, water security, and sanitation
• International industry news and insights

Why use it?

WPC provides resources that help showcase the wider impact of the plumbing profession beyond day-to-day service work. Its World Plumbing Day materials are particularly useful for apprentice recruitment, staff engagement, and community outreach.

Pro tip:

If you're promoting your business in schools, community events, or recruitment campaigns, WPC's public health messaging is a great way to highlight the vital role plumbers play in keeping communities safe and healthy.

4. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

IAPMO develops some of the most widely adopted plumbing and mechanical codes in North America, helping shape industry standards and promote safe, reliable plumbing systems.

What it offers:

• Development of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
• Product testing and certification through IAPMO R&T
• Training for inspectors, installers, and industry professionals
• Technical resources and code updates

Why use it?

If you work in a jurisdiction that follows the UPC, IAPMO is an essential resource for understanding code requirements and verifying that products meet recognised standards. Its training and technical guidance can also help you stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Pro tip:

Before quoting work in a UPC jurisdiction, check for any local code amendments and use IAPMO R&T to verify product certifications if questions arise during inspections.

5. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) represents the manufacturers behind more than 90% of plumbing products sold in the US, advocating for water efficiency, sustainability, product safety, and industry innovation.

What it offers:

• Research, reports, and industry data
• Position papers on plumbing regulations and standards
• Resources on water efficiency, sustainability, and product safety
• Advocacy for manufacturers and the plumbing industry

Why use it?

PMI publishes trusted research and data that can help you explain the benefits of water-efficient fixtures, lead-free products, and other code-compliant solutions. Its resources are useful when supporting product recommendations with independent industry evidence.

Pro tip:

When customers question the cost or value of higher-efficiency fixtures, use PMI's research and industry data to support your recommendations. Independent evidence often carries more weight than manufacturer marketing materials.

6. American Supply Association (ASA)

The American Supply Association (ASA) represents the wholesalers and supply chain partners that keep the plumbing, heating, cooling, and industrial piping industries moving.

What it offers:

• Business intelligence and industry research
• Employee training and professional development
• Peer networking programmes
• The Supply House Times publication
• A directory of distributor members

Why use it?

ASA is a valuable resource if you're looking to build relationships with new suppliers or stay informed about product availability and market trends. Its research and industry publications can also help you understand changes affecting material costs and the wider supply chain.

Pro tip:

Before partnering with a new wholesaler, use ASA's member directory to identify established distributors. Its market reports are also useful for understanding pricing trends across key plumbing materials.

7. United Association (UA)

The United Association (UA) represents more than 340,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVAC service technicians across the US and Canada, with a strong focus on apprenticeship and workforce development.

What it offers:

• Five-year apprenticeship programmes
• Journeyman training and skills upgrades
• Certifications in specialist areas, including welding and medical gas systems
• Access to nearly 300 training centres

Why use it?

If you work with union labour or employ union tradespeople, UA training and certifications can help ensure your workforce has the skills needed for complex projects and specialist installations.

Pro tip:

For projects with strict qualification requirements, such as healthcare or pharmaceutical facilities, requesting workers with the appropriate UA certifications from the outset can save time during project mobilisation.

Trade Publications and Media

Trade publications keep you current on product launches, regulatory changes project case studies, and the business side of running a plumbing operation. Most are free with a quick email sign-up.

8. Plumber Magazine

Plumber Magazine is a long-running trade publication for residential and commercial plumbing contractors, covering both technical topics and business management.

What it offers:

• Contractor profiles and industry news
• Product reviews and buying guides
• Drain cleaning and water heater content
• Business strategy and shop management advice

Why use it?

Browse by topic to find real-world product reviews, installation advice, and contractor case studies before investing in new equipment or expanding your services.

Pro tip:

Take advantage of the free three-year print subscription and full digital archive so you always have the title on hand. Its drain cleaning coverage is among the most comprehensive in the industry, making it especially useful when researching jetters, inspection cameras, and related equipment.

9. Plumbing & Mechanical / Plumbing Engineer / PME

BNP Media publishes several leading trade titles covering both plumbing contractors and plumbing engineers.

What they offer:

• Installation case studies
• Hydronic and radiant heating content
• Plumbing engineering and specification guidance
• Commercial plumbing design articles
• Industry news and technical updates

Why use them?

Plumbing & Mechanical focuses on installation techniques and contractor operations, while Plumbing Engineer and PME provide deeper technical content for commercial projects and engineered plumbing systems.

Pro tip:

If you're working on commercial or radiant heating projects, reading both contractor- and engineer-focused articles provides valuable insight into installation and design considerations.

10. Supply House Times—Official publication of ASA

Published by the American Supply Association (ASA), Supply House Times focuses on the plumbing, heating, cooling, and industrial supply chain.

What it offers:

• Economic and market updates
• Product trends and new releases
• Distributor and manufacturer insights
• Supply chain news
• Industry analysis

Why use it?

It helps contractors understand pricing trends, supply chain challenges, and broader market conditions that may affect project costs and quoting.

Pro tip:

When material prices fluctuate, Supply House Times can provide useful context to explain price changes to customers and support more accurate estimating.

11. PHC News / Southern PHC Magazine

These trade publications share practical advice, product information, and contractor experiences across the plumbing and hydronics industries.

What they offer:

• Product application stories
• Contractor case studies
• Installation advice
• Industry news
• Regional coverage for Southern US contractors

Why use them?

Their archives are particularly useful when researching unfamiliar products or services, helping you learn from how other contractors approach installations and maintenance.

Pro tip:

Search by product category to quickly find practical installation tips and real-world experiences from other plumbing professionals.

12. HVAC/P and Mechanical Hub Media

Mechanical Hub is a digital media platform covering plumbing, hydronics, HVAC, and the skilled trades through articles, videos, podcasts, and contractor interviews.

What it offers:

• Product and tool reviews
• Industry news
• Contractor stories
• Educational videos and podcasts
• American Plumber Stories video series

Why use it?

Mechanical Hub combines written content with video demonstrations, making it a practical resource for learning about new tools, products, and installation techniques.

Pro tip:

The podcast lineup is the easiest entry point if you want to start listening to industry content on the drive between jobs.

Licensing and Compliance Resources

Licensing rules vary by state, and codes vary by jurisdiction. These five resources cover the license side, the model codes most US contractors work under, the verification tools, and the federal water-efficiency program tied into fixture and rebate work.

13. State Plumbing Licensing Boards: local license, exam, and renewal rules

The primary source for license exam, experience, and renewal rules in every state.

What it offers:

• Separate exam requirements
• Experience hours, fees, and continuing education obligations.
• PHCC maintains a state-by-state directory linking to every board's official site.

Why use it:

Use the PHCC directory to find the right board, then go straight to the state's licensing page for current rules. Confirm reciprocity before quoting work across state lines.

Pro tip:

Start the license-by-endorsement process before signing the contract on an out-of-state job, not after.

14. Uniform Plumbing Code: model code guidance for plumbing contractors

This refers to the model code adopted in California, Idaho, Hawaii, Minnesota, and other UPC states.

What it offers:

• Fixture units
• Venting
• Drainage
• Water supply
• Gas piping

Why use it:

Confirm which edition your jurisdiction has adopted before pricing or installing. Most states run one or two cycles behind the current IAPMO edition.

Pro tip:

Before a venting layout review, pull the relevant UPC chapter for the edition adopted in that jurisdiction. Inspectors notice.

15. National Standard Plumbing Code: code guidance for applicable jurisdictions

The PHCC-developed model code was adopted in New Jersey and several other jurisdictions.

What it offers:

• A full code text updated every three years
• An illustrated companion version particularly useful for apprentice training

Why use it:

Apprentices preparing for a journeyman exam in an NSPC jurisdiction should work through the illustrated version alongside the code text.

Pro tip:

Trap and vent rules are where most apprentices stumble. The illustrated version lays them out visually before the exam.

16. State license lookup tools: license verification and compliance checks

These are public tools that customers, GCs, insurers, and lien claimants use to verify your license.

What it offers:

• Individual state board lookup pages
• A single aggregated directory listing every state's verification page

Why use it:

On high-value residential remodels, include the customer's state lookup link in your proposal so the homeowner can verify the license number in under a minute.

Pro tip:

Putting the lookup link in the quote shortens the trust gap on first-time customer work. It signals you have nothing to hide.

Training, education, and apprenticeship resources

Training is the long game, and it's where the trade either holds together or thins out. These four cover the main routes contractors use to bring people through.

17. PHCC Academy: apprenticeship and continuing education for contractors

PHCC's online apprenticeship and continuing education platform.

What it offers:

• Apprentice plumbing and HVAC programs with employer oversight
• Continuing education modules delivered entirely online

Why use it:

Use it if your shop is too far from a community college or trade school to send apprentices to in-person classes without losing them to commute time.

Pro tip:

A four-truck contractor can enroll two apprentices and run their classroom hours alongside on-the-job training without rebuilding the work schedule around school days.

18. UA local training centers: union apprenticeship and hands-on trade training

The largest plumbing and pipefitting training network in the industry by hours delivered.

What it offers:

• Five-year apprenticeship programs
• Journeyman upgrading and instructor training
• Certification courses including medical gas brazing

Why use it:

Signatory contractors should engage their UA local early on complex projects to confirm credential availability before staffing.

Pro tip:

On hospital projects, request UA medical gas brazing certifications by name from your local. The credential is documented and immediately verifiable.

19. NCCER: standardized plumbing craft training and credentials

Portable craft training widely used by open-shop contractors.

What it offers:

• A four-level Plumbing program accepted in multiple jurisdictions
• Documented training records transferable when workers move to a new state

Why use it:

Use NCCER credentials to evidence completed training when a tradesperson moves to a new state and you're applying for the license there.

Pro tip:

On a state move, NCCER documentation often shortens the experience-verification step on the new license application.

20. IAPMO training: code education, certifications, and inspector training

Code education, installer certification, and inspector training built off the Uniform Codes.

What it offers:

IAPMO delivers code-based education and runs the Backflow Prevention Institute, offering the following:

• Code training and inspector certification built off the Uniform Codes
• Backflow tester and assembly repair credentials recognized in many jurisdictions

Why use it:

Put a technician through IAPMO backflow certification before tendering for municipal work that requires listed testers on approved lists.

Pro tip:

Once one of your techs is on a municipality's approved tester list, you have an annual recurring revenue stream that competitors without the credential can't bid on.

Commercial and engineering-focused plumbing resources

Commercial work runs on specifications and tight coordination with engineers. These five resources sit on the engineering side, whether you bid commercial directly or sub on larger jobs.

21. ASPE technical education: advanced commercial plumbing design training

Continuing education on commercial plumbing engineering design topics, with CEU credit.

What it offers:

• Water supply sizing and drainage design
• Medical gas, fuel gas, and fire protection interfaces
• Water reuse systems and commercial design applications

Why use it:

Take the commercial water sizing sessions when moving from residential service into light commercial fit-outs.

Pro tip:

Once you can size grease interceptors and backflow assemblies confidently, you stop needing the engineer for every line on the take-off.

22. ASPE Convention & Expo: commercial plumbing education and networking

The biennial industry event for engineers, designers, contractors, and manufacturers.

What it offers:

• Technical sessions covering current specification trends and code changes
• Product exhibits with hands-on access to new materials and systems
• On-site certification testing

Why use it:

Use the Expo when evaluating a switch to a new pipe material, fixture line, or fabrication method. Handle product samples, talk to manufacturer engineers, and sit in on jurisdictional acceptance sessions.

Pro tip:

Major shop-wide product changes are easier to justify after you've seen the product in the manufacturer's hands and asked the technical questions in person.

23. Plumbing Engineer media: specification-heavy commercial plumbing guidance

Specification and design coverage for commercial plumbing professionals.

What it offers:

• LEED-credited project case studies
• Regulatory change and product specification deep dives
• Institutional and large commercial work coverage

Why use it:

Read recent issues before a value-engineering meeting on commercial work. Bring credible alternatives based on current specification trends.

Pro tip:

Heat-pump water heater specs on hotel domestic hot water is a current topic. Walking into a VE meeting with that reading is a credibility multiplier.

24. World Plumbing Council: global plumbing standards, policy, and infrastructure insight

Global plumbing standards, policy, and research for international and embassy work.

What it offers:

• Global plumbing standards and public health policy
• Water and sanitation infrastructure research
• International certification frameworks including WaterMark and KIWA

Why use it:

Use it on embassy, international corporate campus, or military work where the specification accepts global certifications alongside US listings.

Pro tip:

Knowing whether a spec accepts WaterMark or KIWA approvals can keep you in the running on international bids that disqualify US-only product portfolios.

Podcasts, newsletters, and communities

The last group is where the trade talks to itself: podcasts on the drive home, newsletters in the morning inbox, forums for the questions you don't want to call a rep about, and the video creators shaping how new plumbers learn.

25. Plumbing podcasts: field stories, business lessons, and trade conversations

A growing rotation of shows covering field stories, business advice, and trade culture.

What it offers:

• Field stories and technical discussion (Mechanical Hub).
• Business and culture content (Make Trades Great Again, Appetite for Construction)
• Available through standard podcast apps

Why use it:

Pick one episode per week on a topic you're actively working on: technician compensation, pricing, hiring, or technical work.

Pro tip:

A single specific idea from a podcast, like a spiff structure for water heater upsells, can pay for the listening time in one team meeting.

26. Trade publication newsletters: industry updates delivered regularly

Free email newsletters covering most of the major plumbing publications.

What it offers:

Most major plumbing titles run weekly or daily email digests. The main options worth a sign-up:

• Plumbing & Mechanical (PM)
• Plumber
• Plumbing Engineer
• Supply House Times
• Contractor
• Mechanical Hub

Why use it:

Subscribe to two or three. Block fifteen minutes on Friday to scan the week's product launches and code updates in one sitting.

Pro tip:

Two newsletters cover most of what's worth knowing without having to visit each site individually.

27. Plumbing forums and communities: peer advice and field-level discussion

Candid peer-to-peer conversation on the questions you don't want to call a rep about.

What it offers:

• r/Plumbing (general technical and trade discussion)
• plumbingzone.com (industry, safety, finishing, tools, machinery)
• Plbg.com forum (active on legacy and unusual systems)

Why use it:

Post photos when you hit an unusual repair on an older system, like a cast iron stack on a 1920s building. You'll get half a dozen practical opinions within hours.

Pro tip:

The forums save you from costly trial-and-error on site. A bad guess on an old stack repair costs far more than the time to post.

28. American Plumber Stories: career stories and trade inspiration

A video series profiling working plumbers and the human side of the trade.

What it offers: Produced in partnership with Mechanical Hub and supported by Pfister. Recruitment and onboarding content that doesn't read as marketing.

Why use it:

Show one or two episodes at high school career days, technical college visits, or shop onboarding to frame the trade beyond a glossy brochure.

Pro tip:

On hiring pushes, the videos do more work in three minutes than any recruitment ad. Use them at the front of the pitch.

How Foster Plumbing grew from $1M to $10M

Resources sharpen the thinking while software keeps the work moving. Foster Plumbing's experience with Simpro shows what happens when the right tools are used while you are growing a plumbing business.

Amy Carnrick bought Foster Plumbing in 2019. The business was generating $1 million in annual revenue. Five years later, it had scaled to $10 million and sold for a six-times EBITDA multiple. Simpro’s plumbing service software powered the work underneath:

• Real-time job costing across all project types
• Custom labor forecasting through Simpro and the PowerBI integration
• Quoting with 7,000+ item catalog prebuilds, including photos and multi-vendor pricing
• Collection period reduced from 90 days to around 60 days

"Simpro helped us achieve real-time job costing, streamline operations, and build a plumbing business with revenue of $10 million in just 6 years. It was the foundation of our profitability and played a huge role in our successful exit." Amy Carnrick, Foster Plumbing

Need more than resources? Manage plumbing work with Simpro

A bookmarks folder full of PHCC, ASPE, IAPMO, and the trade press will keep your license current, your code reading sharp, your apprentices trained, and your specifications credible. What it won't do is run the work or increase plumbing profit margins.

Simpro is built for plumbing contractors who've outgrown spreadsheets and stitched-together tools. Job management, quoting, scheduling, asset management, invoicing, and reporting sit in one platform, with the visibility Foster Plumbing used to grow from $1 million to $10 million in five years.

If the bookmarks are sorted and the software side is the next thing on your list, book a demo of Simpro and see how it fits the way your shop actually runs.