Referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow your plumbing business. When builders and clients recommend you to others, it saves you the effort of constantly chasing new work. But how do you increase your referrals and become the plumber that people want to recommend?
Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.
Deliver Outstanding Work (Every Time)
The number one rule for getting referrals is simple: do great work. Builders and clients won’t recommend a plumber who cuts corners, leaves leaks, or causes problems. But if you consistently provide high-quality, reliable service, people will happily refer you.
🔹 Key ways to stand out:
✔️ Follow best plumbing practices—no shortcuts.
✔️ Leave the job site clean—builders appreciate tidy tradespeople.
✔️ Complete work on time and within budget.
✔️ Double-check everything before leaving—avoid call-backs.
Word of mouth spreads fast. When people trust your work, they naturally refer you.
Be Reliable and Easy to Work With
Builders and contractors have tight deadlines, and they need dependable plumbers who show up on time and get the job done. If you make their life easier, they’ll want to work with you again—and refer you to others.
🔹 How to build trust with builders:
✔️ Be punctual—turn up when you say you will.
✔️ Be flexible—understand that site schedules change.
✔️ Communicate clearly and professionally.
✔️ Give realistic quotes—no unexpected surprises.
A dependable plumber is a builder’s best asset—they’ll be happy to refer you.
Ask for Referrals (at the Right Time)
Most clients and builders won’t automatically think of referring you—even if they’re happy with your work. Sometimes, you just have to ask!
🔹 Best times to ask for referrals:
✔️ Right after completing a job (when the client is most satisfied).
✔️ When a builder praises your work.
✔️ When a repeat client hires you again.
🔹 How to ask for referrals naturally:
👉 “If you know anyone looking for a reliable plumber, I’d really appreciate a recommendation.”
👉 “I love working with builders like you—if you know any others who need a good plumber, let them know about me.”
Most people are happy to refer you if you just remind them!
Stay in Touch with Builders and Clients
Builders work with many different trades, and if they don’t hear from you for a while, they might forget to refer you. Stay on their radar by keeping in touch.
🔹 Ways to stay connected:
✔️ Send a quick check-in message every few months.
✔️ Congratulate them on a successful project or business milestone.
✔️ If you see them on-site, take a few minutes to chat.
✔️ Follow their business on LinkedIn or Instagram and engage with their posts.
A simple “Hope you’re doing well—let me know if you need anything!” can keep you top of mind when they need a plumber.
Make Builders Look Good to Their Clients
Builders love working with trades who make their projects smoother. If you help them look good in front of their clients, they’ll keep calling you—and referring you.
🔹 Ways to impress builders:
✔️ Stick to deadlines so their project doesn’t get delayed.
✔️ Help solve problems instead of just pointing them out.
✔️ Communicate directly with clients (only if the builder prefers).
✔️ Be proactive—if you notice an issue early, bring it up.
When you make a builder’s life easier, they’ll want you on every job and tell others about you.
Offer Small Incentives for Referrals
Sometimes, a little extra motivation helps encourage referrals. You don’t have to give big discounts—small incentives can go a long way.
🔹 Referral incentive ideas:
✔️ “$– off your next job for every successful referral.”
✔️ “Gift card for every builder who refers a new client.”
✔️ “5% discount on your next estimate for every successful referral.”
Even a simple thank-you can encourage more referrals.
Get More Google Reviews (They Work Like Referrals!)
Most people Google a plumber before hiring one. If you have more positive reviews, new clients will be more likely to call you.
🔹 How to get more reviews:
✔️ After a job, ask clients to leave a Google review.
✔️ Make it easy—send them a direct review link.
✔️ Respond to every review, even negative ones.
Example request:
“Glad we could help with your plumbing! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a quick Google review—it helps small businesses like ours.”
The more 5-star reviews you have, the more new clients and builders will trust your reputation.
Work With Other Trades (Not Just Builders)
Plumbers aren’t the only ones who refer work—other tradespeople can be great referral sources too.
🔹 Who to connect with:
✔️ Electricians (they work on similar projects).
✔️ Tilers (they often need plumbing done first).
✔️ Bathroom renovators (they always need plumbers!).
✔️ Real estate agents (they need emergency plumbing help for rentals).
A good network of trades means more referrals coming your way.
Join Local Business Groups and Trade Associations
Many successful plumbers get referrals from networking. The more people you meet in your industry, the more referral opportunities you’ll get.
🔹 Places to network:
✔️ Local trade expos and construction events.
✔️ Plumbing industry groups or associations.
✔️ Online forums and Facebook groups for builders and contractors.
The more people who know about your work, the more referrals you’ll receive.
Provide Referral-Worthy Service
Finally, the best way to get more referrals is to be the kind of plumber people want to recommend.
🔹 What makes a plumber referral-worthy?
✔️ Easy to work with—no attitude, no drama.
✔️ Always professional—on time, well-presented, and organized.
✔️ Transparent with pricing—no hidden costs or surprises.
✔️ Consistently delivers great results—no call-backs or complaints.
If clients and builders trust and like working with you, they’ll naturally refer you to others.
Final Thoughts: Referrals Are the Best Marketing
Referrals bring in higher-quality clients, reduce competition, and cost you nothing. By focusing on great work, strong relationships, and smart networking, you’ll naturally increase referrals from builders and clients.
✔️ Deliver high-quality work that people want to recommend.
✔️ Be reliable, easy to work with, and professional.
✔️ Ask for referrals at the right time.
✔️ Stay in touch with builders and past clients.
✔️ Get more Google reviews to boost your reputation.
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the fastest ways to grow your plumbing business—without spending a dollar on advertising.
Need detailed, professional estimates to impress builders and win more referrals? SNZ Plumbing Estimating provides accurate, well-structured estimates that help plumbers stand out.