What Skills Does a Plumber Need Looking Into 2026?

Reading time: 5 minutes

1) Know how to install water filtration systems

There are many reasons why property owners are making the effort to have a drinking water filter installed, including:

• Some systems can be used to remove bacteria, certain viruses and organic chemicals from water, making it safer to drink.
   

• They can also protect water from being contaminated from metals, especially in properties which still have plumbing systems consisting of lead pipes.
   

• Water filters can reduce chlorine levels found within tap water, so that the fluid has much less of an unpleasant odour and an improved taste.
   

• They could help to protect the environment, as property owners are more likely to drink tap water rather than purchasing single-use plastic bottles for their water intake.

As there are now a few different types of water filtration systems available too, you could top up your knowledge about each type so that you know how to professionally install them into properties.

Here are some popular water filters that property owners may need you to fit and a brief explanation of how they each operate:

1. Under-the-sink water filters – These directly connect to water lines throughout a property and work to remove impurities from water as it flows towards a sink’s tap.
 

2. Whole-house water filters – Unlike under-the-sink water filters, these connect to the main water lines which enter a property so that water can be purified before it reaches any interior plumbing systems. 
 

3. Reverse osmosis water filters – An advanced and therefore more expensive system, these deliver property owners with even cleaner and safer drinking water by getting rid of more contaminants than under-the-sink and whole-house systems can.
 

4. UV water filters – By using ultraviolet light technology in varying capacities, these systems can sterilise water by removing the likes of bacteria, chlorine and lead. 
 

5. Ion exchange water filters – These work to remove and replace calcium and magnesium ions with hydrogen and sodium ions so that hard water can be softened.
 

6. Sequestration water filters – A system that uses the polymer polyphosphate and isolates calcium and magnesium from water, reducing corrosion or limescale buildup.

2) Improve your knowledge about smart plumbing systems and technology

We have previously covered the concept of a smart home and how products associated with this idea have helped property owners to streamline many household tasks and improve their everyday routine.

Plumbers should be looking to integrate this smart technology into their working lifestyles too, with plenty of opportunities now available to do so.

For example, high-tech water leak detection sensors installed around a building’s plumbing system can see property owners being informed as soon as there is an irregularity associated with water flow or pressure. Detecting problems rapidly means that the problem can be fixed before a lot of water is wasted and the cost of a repair rises due to a major leak.

Tied to this leak detection system are also automated smart shut off valves, which enables people to instantly cut off a property’s water supply even when they are not there. Plumbers could take the time now to improve their knowledge about this handy piece of technology as it becomes more sought after.

There is a lot of appeal for modern properties to have smart bathrooms as well. These spaces can be designed with digital showers and touchless taps which work to save water, improve safety by reducing the risk of germ transmission with their hygienic hands-free setups, and enhance the convenience of using facilities within this space. 

Ensure you are skilled with installing these features, so that you are not left behind as smart technology becomes more in-demand.

3) Learn about the appeal of using PEX piping

PEX piping has become a fantastic alternative to the likes of PVC and copper piping – and should be a material you begin to use for relevant plumbing applications heading into 2026 and beyond.

Standing for cross-linked polyethylene, PEX piping is a form of plastic tubing which catches the eye as it can:

• Be bent and shaped with ease, making complex plumbing layouts easier to work on.
   

• Avoid becoming susceptible to the effects of corrosion, rust or scale build-up, giving it a longer lifespan than metal pipes.
   

• Maintain its structural integrity even when subjected to the extreme temperature conditions of hot and cold water systems.

Another appealing aspect of PEX piping is that it can be used for a wide variety of plumbing applications, including the setup of radiator connections, domestic water supplies and central heating systems.

Wherever your plumbing career takes you in 2026, don’t forget that we have everything you need to meet your requirements within our diverse range of plumbing and heating supplies. You can find essential tools, accessories and equipment to help you complete both small and large jobs, with free next day delivery available on qualifying orders.