How Plumbers Can Showcase Work on Instagram

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Plumbers. Here’s how plumbers can showcase work on Instagram to win client trust.

For plumbers, reputation is everything. While word-of-mouth and customer referrals have long been the backbone of the trade, social media—particularly Instagram—has become a powerful modern tool for building trust and credibility. Instagram allows plumbers to visually demonstrate their skill, reliability, and professionalism to potential customers before they even make contact. Used effectively, it can transform a small local business into a trusted brand with a loyal following.

Why Instagram Works So Well for Plumbers

Plumbing may not seem like a natural fit for social media, but Instagram’s visual nature makes it perfect for showing real results. People trust what they can see. Before hiring a plumber, potential customers want reassurance that the person they are inviting into their home is skilled, tidy, and professional.

Instagram provides that proof instantly. Photos of completed bathrooms, underfloor heating systems, or boiler installations show the standard of work and attention to detail. Time-lapse videos, project highlights, and before-and-after comparisons allow customers to see the transformation process. This builds confidence in your capability and sets you apart from less visible competitors.

Additionally, Instagram’s algorithm rewards consistent posting and audience engagement, meaning plumbers who use it actively are more likely to appear in local searches or recommendations.

What to Post on Instagram

The best plumber accounts mix professionalism with personality. The goal is to show not only what you do but who you are as a tradesperson.

Before-and-after photos: These are ideal for showing the impact of your work. Pair a quick snapshot of a leaky, outdated bathroom with the finished renovation to demonstrate quality and reliability.

Behind-the-scenes shots: Give followers a glimpse into your day-to-day work. Whether it’s loading the van, fitting new pipework, or tackling a challenging repair, these posts show authenticity.

Customer testimonials: With permission, share quotes or short clips of satisfied customers. Real feedback reinforces your credibility far more than marketing claims.

Team photos: If you run a plumbing business with multiple staff, introduce them. People trust businesses with a human face.

Short videos and reels: Instagram’s reels feature is ideal for showing quick how-to tips, plumbing hacks, or time-lapse videos of installations. Videos often reach a wider audience than static images.

Safety and quality checks: Showing compliance certificates, safety measures, or testing work before sign-off adds a layer of professionalism and trust.

Maintaining a Consistent Style and Message

Consistency builds recognition. Use a colour scheme, tone of voice, and posting style that reflect your brand. Whether you prefer a clean, minimalist aesthetic or a more hands-on, worksite feel, ensure that every post aligns with your professional image.

Captions should be clear, friendly, and informative. A short description explaining what you did, how long it took, or the specific challenge you solved helps potential customers understand your expertise. Avoid technical jargon unless your target audience is other trades or contractors.

For example, instead of saying, “Replaced a 22mm compression fitting,” you could write, “Fixed a long-standing leak under the sink and upgraded the pipework to prevent future issues.” The second option is easier for most customers to relate to.

Using Hashtags and Location Tags

Hashtags make your posts easier to find. Use a mix of general plumbing tags and local ones. Examples include #plumberUK, #bathroominstallation, #plumbinglife, along with localised options such as #BedfordPlumber or #MiltonKeynesPlumbing.

Adding a location tag to your posts helps you appear in local searches. When potential customers browse Instagram for nearby services, your posts can show up based on that tag. It’s a simple step that significantly boosts discoverability.

Engaging With Followers

Instagram is not just for posting; it’s for conversation. Replying to comments, answering questions, and thanking customers for their feedback builds a sense of connection and reliability.

You can also use Stories to share updates, polls, or questions such as “What plumbing job are you putting off?” These small interactions keep your profile active and memorable. Over time, followers start to view your business as approachable and trustworthy, which often translates into real enquiries.

Building Trust Through Transparency

People trust transparency. Don’t only post perfect, polished photos—include realistic insights into the challenges of plumbing work. Showing how you fix problems, deal with tricky installations, or tidy up after a messy job can demonstrate professionalism and honesty.

If a job took longer than expected, explain why and how you ensured quality over speed. This level of openness separates you from competitors who might only showcase staged or overly filtered results. Customers appreciate plumbers who communicate clearly and care about long-term solutions.

Highlighting Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Instagram Highlights can be used to create permanent sections on your profile for reviews, projects, or frequently asked questions. For example, create a “Customer Feedback” highlight where you share screenshots or short clips of positive reviews from Google or Facebook.

You can also feature client messages thanking you for your work. These posts act as public endorsements and are often more persuasive than any advertisement.

Combining Instagram With SEO and Other Marketing Channels

Instagram should not exist in isolation. For maximum impact, it should complement your website and SEO efforts. Include your Instagram feed on your website, link to your portfolio pages, and ensure your business name, contact details, and branding are consistent across all channels.

When your Instagram posts link back to an optimised website, they create a powerful trust loop: customers see your quality work on social media, then visit your site to learn more and make contact. This synergy improves your digital authority and supports higher search rankings.

If your website features case studies or blog posts about specific plumbing jobs, share excerpts or visuals from those pages on Instagram with a call to action encouraging users to visit your website for more detail.

Common Mistakes Plumbers Should Avoid

• Posting inconsistently or disappearing for long periods. Regular posting shows your business is active.

• Overusing filters that make work look unrealistic. Authenticity builds more trust than perfection.

• Ignoring comments or direct messages. Engagement matters as much as content.

• Sharing customer information without permission. Always ask before posting identifiable photos or testimonials.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Post at least three times per week and use Instagram Stories daily to maintain visibility.

2. Capture progress photos during every job, even if you don’t post them immediately.

3. Use natural light whenever possible—good lighting makes even simple pipework look professional.

4. Mix up your content between projects, tips, humour, and behind-the-scenes updates.

5. Track engagement and note which posts perform best, then refine your strategy over time.

The key to success on Instagram is consistency, authenticity, and communication. A well-managed profile not only helps you win more plumbing jobs but also strengthens your brand reputation, making you the first choice for customers who value professionalism and trust.

Check out How plumbers can showcase work on Instagram to win trust and How plumbers can use YouTube to attract local customers for more marketing tips. Visit the Plumbers Hub as well.