Price increases across plumbing and HVAC materials are continuing into April, with adjustments hitting key areas like plastics, copper, and brass. Instead of broad hikes, these increases are more targeted — but still impactful.

Some of the biggest jumps are being seen in PVC and CPVC pipe, along with ongoing pressure on metal-based products. For contractors, that means material costs are still shifting and can impact job pricing.

Staying on top of material trends and planning ahead will be key to protecting margins as the market continues to adjust. Click here to read more.

AI-generated websites and fake online listings are increasingly being used to mimic legitimate service companies and appear in local search results. These pages often use stolen branding, fabricated reviews, and misleading business information to capture customer calls and web traffic.

For plumbing and HVAC contractors, the risk is real. These tactics can temporarily push down legitimate businesses in search results, confuse customers, and lead to a sudden drop in calls or website traffic.

What contractors can do:

- Report fake websites through Google Safe Browsing

- Keep business listings, license info, and Google Business Profiles up to date

- Encourage real customer reviews to strengthen credibility

- Flag suspicious or fake reviews on Google and Yelp

This is an evolving issue affecting service industries nationwide and highlights the importance of monitoring your online presence closely.

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The PHCC Educational Foundation is expanding its scholarship program with new investment support that will help fund more than 50 additional scholarships for students entering plumbing and HVAC careers. The funding supports apprenticeships, service technician training, and trade-related education programs designed to strengthen the future workforce.

This expansion comes at a time when many students face financial barriers to entering the trades. Even with lower costs compared to traditional college, training programs can still be difficult to afford for individuals starting out or supporting families. These scholarships help reduce that burden so students can focus on building real-world skills and advancing their careers.

With this growth, the Foundation expects to award about 80 scholarships in 2026, totaling up to $200,000 in support. Applications are due May 1, with winners selected over the summer and announced in August. The application and more information can be found here.

The construction industry showed signs of strength in March 2026, adding 26,000 jobs nationwide. Growth was led by nonresidential sectors, including building, specialty trades, and civil engineering. Year-over-year, industry employment is up by 57,000 jobs, signaling steady expansion despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

While the increase is encouraging, challenges remain. Rising fuel costs and higher borrowing rates continue to put pressure on contractors, and long-term outlooks may shift depending on market conditions. Still, the latest data points to continued demand across the industry, particularly in nonresidential work.

Click here to read more.

As plumbing companies grow, many find that technical skill alone isn’t enough to keep operations running smoothly. Communication gaps between office staff, field teams, and management can lead to inefficiencies and frustration—but often come down to differences in how people process information and make decisions.

What this means for contractors:
Improving communication across teams can reduce conflict, strengthen performance, and create a more consistent day-to-day operation.

Better communication leads to better business. Click here to read more.

Catch up on what’s happening at Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association as the year gets underway. In this quarterly update, Cindy Sheridan shares highlights from the first part of 2026 and what’s ahead for the industry.

Watch the Q1 update below.

As more contractors adopt digital tools, many are realizing that software alone doesn’t improve performance. Without clear communication and proper training, even the best systems can fall short, leading to inconsistent use and missed opportunities.

Successful companies are taking a more balanced approach by pairing technology with strong leadership. When teams understand the purpose behind new tools and receive ongoing support, adoption improves and operations become more efficient.

When leadership and technology align, performance follows.

Click here to read more.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in collaboration with the IRS, is hosting a free virtual event to help small businesses prepare for the 2026 filing season. This session will provide guidance and insights to support business owners during tax time.

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Platform: MS Teams

This is a great opportunity to stay informed and get ahead of filing season with helpful, up-to-date information.

View Flyer | Register & Attend

Updates to the Florida Building Code (FBC) - 9^th Edition (2026)

The actions and outcomes from the Florida Building Commission’s March 13, 2026 meeting—specifically the review of comments received during the Rule Development Workshop and the supplement to the proposed 2026 Florida Building Code, 9th Edition—are now posted. These materials include all comments that received a 75% majority vote from the Commission.

You can CLICK HERE to review them.

Plumbing and mechanical contractors are continuing to face pricing pressure in early 2026, as manufacturers across the industry implement steady increases on essential products. Recent reports show that items such as valves, water heaters, pumps, and fixtures have seen price adjustments ranging from low single digits up to 10%, reflecting ongoing material costs, manufacturing expenses, and supply chain factors.

For contractors, these increases reinforce the importance of closely monitoring costs, updating pricing strategies, and maintaining flexibility in bids and contracts. Even modest adjustments can add up across projects, especially in a market where margins are already tight. Staying proactive with pricing, supplier communication, and job costing will be key to protecting profitability as cost pressures continue through 2026. Click here to read more.