As 2025 draws to a close, the plumbing and heating industry shows no sign of standing still. Rising customer demand, a shift towards renewable technologies, and growing digital adoption are creating new opportunities. However, the pressures of a skills shortage, time intensive admin, and work life balance challenges continue to test the resilience of the workforce.

City Plumbing’s Taking the Temperature 2025 report, based on bespoke market research of 500 UK plumbers and heating installers, paints a picture of a sector that is optimistic and resourceful, but also in need of targeted support to future-proof its long-term sustainability as it looks to 2026.

A strong pipeline of work

Despite wider economic uncertainty, plumbing and heating installers report high levels of activity. The majority (84%) say they have enough work to meet their needs and ambitions, with sole traders the most satisfied (88%). Collaboration is also healthy, with 80% finding it easy to work with other tradespeople on projects.

The nature of the work is also evolving. More than three quarters (78%) of respondents believe the outlook for the industry is positive, thanks to strong demand for maintenance and retrofit services. Interestingly, 80% say customers are more likely to repair and maintain heating systems than replace them outright, a trend that reflects both tighter household budgets and growing environmental awareness.

Bathrooms remain another key growth area. Over a third (35%) report a rise in demand for full renovations, often driven by homeowners choosing to improve rather than move. For some, aesthetics and modernisation are the main drivers, while for others, changing lifestyles, such as switching baths for showers, are influencing decisions. On the flip side, 37% are seeing a growing demand for repairs, often from cost-conscious or environmentally minded customers.

Plugging the skills drain

While workloads are healthy, there are concerns around how the skills shortage will impact the long-term outlook. Nearly three quarters (72%) of plumbing and heating installers say they would consider moving overseas for better salaries. At the same time, 73% identify the shortage of skilled professionals in renewables as a significant barrier to growth.

Heat pumps, solar PV and underfloor heating are in growing demand, and some in the industry are already upskilling in this area. According to the research, 58% have trained in heat pumps, with a further 34% planning to do so in the next year. Similar figures apply to solar PV and solar thermal, but there are some generational differences. Younger tradespeople are more likely to train, while almost a third of those aged 55 and over have no plans to enter the renewables space.

Motivations for upskilling in renewables range from anticipated customer demand (37%) to having a competitive advantage (34%). However, there are some barriers, with training costs, a lack of nearby facilities, and taking time off work all cited by respondents as challenges.

Digital tools

The research explores the amount of time plumbing and heating installers spend on non-billable tasks – and the industry is clocking up the hours. On average, professionals lose 30 hours a week to admin and essential but unchargeable activities, such as sourcing parts, preparing estimates, liaising with customers, and managing their accounts.

Digital tools are increasingly helping to reduce this burden. In particular, 60% of professionals use tools to identify boiler parts, while 57% turn to digital diagnostic solutions for support.

Yet there is still an opportunity for more professionals to take advantage of tech and platforms, especially sole traders and small businesses who say they would adopt digital tools if they knew more about them. It’s an area that we’re investing in to help the industry free up valuable time. For example, our Air Source Heat Pump Kit Builder helps users find the right products for their next ASHP project.

Wellbeing and work-life balance

While most installers say they have “enough” time off, the reality tells a different story. On average, respondents took just 15 days’ holiday last year – well below the statutory minimum of 28 days. Sole traders fare the worst, averaging only 13 and a half days. Family and leisure remain priorities, with time off most often spent with family (46%), on holidays (42%), or socialising with friends (37%).

Work pressures weigh heavily, especially for sole traders and small firms, who report lower levels of positive impact on their mental and physical health from work compared with those in larger businesses.

This underlines the importance of initiatives that not only support training and efficiency, but also help installers achieve better balance, whether through rewards schemes, accessible training options, or digital tools to streamline admin processes.

Skills, support and sustainability

The Taking the Temperature report shows an industry that is adapting well to changing conditions. Demand is strong, optimism is high, and there is a willingness to embrace both renewables and digital tools.

But there are also challenges to address. Plugging the skills gap will be key to future growth – particularly as the UK transitions to net zero – and we must understand the unique challenges of sole traders and smaller businesses.

Whether we’re helping professionals access training in renewables, streamlining admin tasks with digital tools, or rewarding hard work with our rewards scheme, we’re focused on supporting the trade as it continues to adapt, grow and thrive into 2026 and beyond.

To download the report, please visit: https://www.highbournegroup.co.uk/industry-insights/taking-the-temperature-report/