Your Guide to Plumbing Industry Associations

by Team Tradify, May 15, 2023

There’s no question that the world relies heavily on plumbers to keep their homes and buildings running — great if you’re in the industry. But, with all that responsibility comes a great deal of pressure. So where can plumbers turn when they need help, advice, support, or inspiration?

The answer is trade associations. There are a whole host of associations out there that provide professional support to plumbers at every career stage, offering plenty of learning opportunities. If you want to learn more about running a Plumbing business, check out our Behind the Tools resource centre!

Short on time? Skip ahead!

1. United States

PHCC
NKBA

2. United Kingdom

CIPHE
APHC

3. Australia

MPA
PICAC

4. New Zealand

MPNZ
PGDB

5. The best tool for growth - Tradify job management software

1. United States 🇺🇸

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)

Offering a range of different tools that plumbers can make use of, from courses and training to networking events, it’s not hard to see why the PHCC has over 3,000 members. In fact, it’s one of the most popular associations in the US!

National Kitchen & Bathroom Association (NKBA)

Kitchens and bathrooms are a large part of the day-to-day for plumbers, and this is the speciality of NKBA. The industry offers all kinds of resources to its members, from networking events to industry reports. However, the main draw of the NKBA is its certification program, which is a great way to prove expertise to potential clients or employers!

2. United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

CIPHE is a stalwart in the UK plumbing industry and has been around since 1906. According to their website, they’re the only professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry, and as such, being a member can hold a lot of sway when it comes to getting work.

Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)

The APHC has been helping UK plumbing businesses find success for over 90 years now. Their main support methods come in the form of supplier discounts, certifications, and business advice.

3. Australia 🇦🇺

Master Plumbers of Australia (MPA)

If you’re serious about becoming a fully-qualified plumber in Australia, then MPA is the association to join. Becoming a Master Plumber also means becoming a licensed plumber and/or gasfitter, which is a title worth having if you want to charge appropriately for your skills.

Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC)

The PICAC is a training facility for plumbers who want to grow their knowledge of industry impacts on the environment and learn new practices that can make their services or business more sustainable. The association is a keen advocate of new technologies, so if you want to get ahead of the curve and be a part of the future of the plumbing industry, this one’s for you!

4. New Zealand 🇳🇿

Master Plumbers of New Zealand (MPNZ)

The MPNZ is the go-to association for those wanting to become a fully-qualified plumber in New Zealand. They provide training and resources to help their soon-to-be Master Plumbers become licensed plumbers and/or gasfitters. The title of Master Plumber has become associated with legitimate high-quality work, so becoming a member can definitely help to win more work and beat the competition!

Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB)

The PGDB is the regulatory body that’s responsible for issuing licenses to plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers in New Zealand. Their goal is to maintain the reputation of these industries by ensuring that plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers have the resources necessary to deliver high-quality work to their customers.