Email might not be the flashiest marketing tool out there, but it’s still one of the most effective—especially for service businesses like plumbing. While your competitors are pouring money into ads, you can stay top of mind with customers using something you already have: their inbox.
Think about it—people check their email every day. A quick, helpful message from your plumbing business can be the difference between being forgotten… and being the first person they call when a pipe bursts or a faucet won’t stop leaking.
The best part? You don’t need fancy software or hours of free time. Just a few smart strategies can turn email into one of your most reliable sources of repeat business and referrals.
Let’s dive into six easy, proven tips that will help your emails actually get opened—and get you booked.
1. Build a Solid Email List (The Right Way)
Before you can send great emails, you need someone to send them to—and that starts with a quality list.
The best place to begin? Customers you’ve already helped. Every service call, quote request, or online booking is a chance to collect an email address (just make sure you’re getting permission to follow up). You can include an opt-in box on your website’s contact form or offer a “get tips and seasonal reminders” checkbox during scheduling.
Skip the temptation to buy a list. Purchased contacts don’t know you, don’t trust you, and are more likely to unsubscribe—or mark your messages as spam. A smaller list of people who already know your name is way more valuable than a big list of strangers.
Focus on building relationships, not just a list—and the results will follow.
2. Send Helpful Tips, Not Just Sales Pitches
No one wants to open an email that screams “BUY NOW!”—especially when it’s coming from their plumber.
Instead, lead with value. Share quick, practical tips that help your customers prevent problems, save money, or understand their plumbing system a little better. When your emails feel helpful (not pushy), people are more likely to open them, trust you, and remember you when they actually do need a service.
A few easy ideas:
- “3 Things You Should Never Pour Down the Drain”
- “What That Dripping Faucet Is Really Costing You”
- “How to Protect Your Pipes Before a Freeze Hits”
The goal is to position yourself as the helpful pro—not just the person who shows up when something goes wrong. When you lead with value, the sales come naturally.
3. Use Seasonal Campaigns to Stay Relevant
Plumbing issues change with the seasons—so should your emails.
Seasonal campaigns are a great way to keep your messaging timely and give customers a reason to book now instead of waiting. Plus, they show that you’re paying attention to the real-world problems your customers are facing throughout the year.
Here are a few seasonal ideas:
- Spring: Drain cleaning specials, sewer line checks after winter, sump pump testing
- Summer: Water pressure checks, irrigation system prep, water-saving tips
- Fall: Pre-winter pipe inspections, water heater maintenance
- Winter: Frozen pipe prevention, emergency service reminders, cold-weather plumbing tips
You don’t need a full campaign for every season—just one helpful, relevant email at the right time can be all it takes to bring in a few solid jobs.
4. Keep It Short, Simple, and Mobile-Friendly
Most people don’t read emails—they skim them. And most of them are doing it on their phones. That means your email needs to be clear, quick, and easy to navigate.
Stick to one main message per email. Use short paragraphs, bold headers, and bullet points if it helps. Get right to the point, and don’t bury your call-to-action at the bottom of a wall of text.
Also, make sure your email design looks good on mobile devices:
- Use large, readable fonts
- Avoid images that take forever to load
- Include a big, easy-to-tap button that says something like “Book a Service” or “Request an Estimate”
Think of your email like a service visit: the faster, cleaner, and more straightforward it is, the more people will appreciate it—and respond to it.
5. Use Automated Follow-Ups to Save Time
You’re busy running a plumbing business—you don’t have time to manually send emails every day. That’s where automation comes in.
With the right setup, you can create a few key emails that send themselves at just the right time. For example:
- A thank-you email after a service call
- A review request a day or two later (with a direct link to your Google profile)
- A reminder email six months later for a checkup, water heater flush, or seasonal inspection
You can also build simple “drip campaigns” that follow up with leads who asked for a quote but haven’t booked yet. A quick message like “Still thinking about that bathroom remodel? We’d love to help when you’re ready” keeps the conversation going—without you lifting a finger.
Tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and HubSpot make it easy to automate these follow-ups, even if you’re a one-truck operation. Set it up once, and let it work for you in the background.
6. Always Include Your Contact Info and Google Review Link
Every email you send should make it easy for the customer to take the next step—whether that’s booking a job or leaving a great review.
Always include:
- Your phone number (with click-to-call functionality if possible)
- A link to your scheduling page or contact form
- A quick link to leave a Google review
Want to take it up a notch? Drop in a short testimonial from a recent happy customer at the bottom of the email. It adds instant credibility and reminds readers that others in their area trust you, too.
Even if your email is just a helpful tip or seasonal reminder, make sure it ends with a clear way to get in touch. If they’re ready to book, don’t make them hunt for how to reach you.
Wrap Up: Email Is the Easiest Way to Stay Booked
Email marketing doesn’t have to be complicated—and you don’t need to send something every day to see results. With just a little consistency and the right message, your emails can turn past customers into repeat jobs, and one-time leads into long-term relationships.
By sharing helpful tips, sending seasonal reminders, and automating follow-ups, you stay top of mind without chasing every new lead.
Want help setting up email marketing for your plumbing business? At BuildPro Media, we help plumbing pros create email strategies that actually work—without taking time away from the job site. Whether you need help setting up automations or writing content that converts, we’re here to make it easy. Contact us today.