Blog

For most people, March 11 is just another day. But for those in the plumbing industry, it’s a moment to recognise the hard work, technical expertise, regulatory responsibility, and countless emergency call-outs that keep Australia’s water and gas systems running safely.

Every year, thousands of illegal plumbing jobs are carried out across Australia by DIYers and unlicensed operators. Plumbing is highly regulated for a reason — the work plumbers do protects public health, safeguards our water supply, and ensures homes and businesses operate safely.

That’s one of the core reasons Plumbers Choice is Trade Only. We sell exclusively to licensed plumbers because the work they do matters — not just to individual households, but to the strength and safety of our entire society.

Professional plumbing systems connect buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities. They form a critical defence against waterborne diseases and public health risks, while ensuring communities have reliable access to clean water and safe sanitation. In many ways, plumbing is one of the invisible foundations of modern life — essential, yet often overlooked.

At a time when many industries are being reshaped by rapid technological change, skilled trades like plumbing remain more important than ever. The industry offers diverse and rewarding career paths that combine technical expertise, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s everyday lives.

While plumbing may be one of the most important — and often undervalued — professions, we recognise the commitment plumbers make every day. Because of their work, we can turn on the tap, take a shower, cook in the kitchen, flush the toilet, water the garden, and trust that stormwater will flow safely away from our homes and businesses.

At Plumbers Choice, we’re proud to support this vital industry by working alongside plumbers and our manufacturing partners to continually develop innovative tools and products that help the trade perform at its best.

So this World Plumbing Day, we raise a glass to the plumbers who keep everything flowing.

Make 2026 the year to support your trade by backing Trade Only. Not only do we protect the industry from DIYers and those pesky handymen, we pride ourselves on bringing new and innovative products to market, products and tools that make your job easier, quicker or just give your work a more professional finish.

We’ve got some big things planned for the year ahead with some major announcements to come, so jump on board Australia’s first Trade Only supplier and stick it to those suppliers who will happily sell to your own customers, and undercut you if it means an extra buck for themselves.

CLINTON THOMAS
GENERAL MANAGER, PLUMBERS CHOICE

Last year was tough for many plumbers.

New builds down, interest rate rises saw many people put renovations on hold or attempt DIY projects themselves to cut costs. While it may save the homeowner money, it takes away from the plumber’s livelihood and also puts the community at risk.

It’s a new year and time for a fresh start, its time to draw a line in the sand and force a Trade Only industry, an industry where only licensed plumbers can buy plumbing goods. You do the training, you put in the work, and you pay
the overheads, so only you should be able to carry out plumbing work.

Say no to DIY and merchants who support it by selling to the general public. We have been beating the drum for over 20 years now. We have seen other suppliers adopt our policy, but not enough. You the plumber are the only ones who can truly embrace it by only buying from Trade Only merchants. The stick is in your hand, it’s your time to draw the line in the sand!

LUKE BOLTON
DIRECTOR, PLUMBERS CHOICE