The plumbing industry is set for a significant technological transformation in 2025, reshaping facility management, cleaning, and maintenance. Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., attributes this transformation to advancements in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, and enhanced water efficiency technologies..
Among the key trends he says we can expect are the following:
1. Remote Monitoring: New smartphone apps will provide real-time data on building water pressure, flow, temperature, leak detection, and enable water shutoffs. Reichardt notes, “This enables managers to be more proactive in water management 24/7, preventing costly water damage, eliminating emergency cleanups, and improving [water] efficiency.”
2. Smart Water Management Systems: These systems identify water consumption patterns, automatically adjust to prevent water waste, maintain optimal plumbing performance, and offer actionable recommendations to enhance water efficiency, such as suggesting the installation of low-flow toilets and no-water urinals.
Reichardt explains, “These intelligent systems go beyond monitoring to actively improve facility water management, optimization, and provide strategic upgrade recommendations.”
3. Augmented Reality (AR): Remarkably, AR simplifies repairs by allowing users to measure distances, angles, and pipe diameters precisely in plumbing systems deeply embedded in walls and under floors. It also offers step-by-step guidance for plumbing repairs, displays detailed 3D models of complex plumbing components, and creates training scenarios for skill development.
Reichardt notes, “AR enables facility managers and maintenance staff to manage complex plumbing challenges with greater confidence and competence, helping them quickly and effectively diagnose and resolve most plumbing issues.”
4. Robotic Pipe Inspection: Robotic devices can produce high-resolution images and collect data on a facility’s overall plumbing condition. Reichardt points out that many plumbing issues, such as tiny cracks and corrosion developing in pipes, cannot be seen with the naked eye. “These robotics can detect them, allowing plumbers and maintenance personnel to prioritize plumbing tasks.”
These new plumbing technologies will benefit property managers in several ways, according to Reichardt. “They will help them cut costs, ensure tenant satisfaction, and use water more efficiently, reducing overall consumption. They take the guesswork out of plumbing, allowing managers to make more confident decisions about their plumbing systems."
