Homeowners in Cleveland are understandably worried about rising prices for parts needed for home improvement and repair. The introduction of increased tariffs in 2025 has not helped matters. Let’s take a look at how those tariffs could affect your plumbing in the coming months.
Do the Tariffs Apply to Everything?
The tariffs announced in 2025 apply to just about everything. Even the de minimis exemption for low-value orders is no longer available for several countries, and those products are now subject to tariffs. There are some countries with exemptions; for example, Canadian goods still have a de minimis exemption.
Have Prices on Parts and Supplies Really Gone Up?
For the most part, yes, prices have gone up. The plumbing industry started raising prices a few months ago in anticipation of tariffs, with some companies issuing multiple increases since then. For example, at the beginning of 2025, when tariffs were just a rumor and President Trump wasn’t yet in office, prices on some fixtures went up marginally. But prices continued to rise, especially after April, when the tariffs were announced.
An anecdotal report online from a plumber claimed that some suppliers announced increases of up to 18% in May 2025. A letter published online in April 2025 from one valve and fitting supply company announced price increases of up to 60% on finished goods that come from China. Products containing iron would go up 40%, and everything else would go up 12%.
You could see water heater prices rise anywhere from 10% to 25% or more, depending on the materials used and whether the appliances were imported as finished fixtures. Water filters could go up by 10% or more, and some companies are warning of yet more increases to come.
And price increases aren’t the only issue here. Orders can suffer delays at ports as companies have to come up with the money to pay the tariffs. An extra charge of $30 on a $100 order might not seem that difficult to pay, but keep in mind that commercial orders can be well into the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars.
You may see product options change as well, such as some models of fixtures no longer being available when you want to install something new. This could be due not only to U.S. distributors deciding to cancel orders but also to overseas factories reducing their outputs or suspending production of some items.
Can’t You Just Use American-Made Goods?
American-made items aren’t subject to those tariffs, so buying American seems like a wonderful solution. And it definitely can help if you find something that was completely sourced and made in the country.
But here’s the problem. Chances are that at least one item, even a raw material, is going to be from overseas and subject to a tariff. So, you could find a water heater that was built right here in the U.S. with U.S.-manufactured parts, but the steel used to make the tank body could very well be from an overseas mine. Plumbing products that are totally made in the U.S., including the mining of the raw materials needed, are comparatively rare. If you were lucky enough to find a company like that, you could see those prices go up somewhat, too, simply due to supply and demand.
What Is P.K. Wadsworth Doing to Protect Customers From Excessive Price Hikes?
We have a solid history of sourcing reliable parts and products for the fairest prices possible. As time goes on and price changes from the tariffs stabilize, we’ll continue to search with customer welfare in mind. We know these price hikes aren’t a welcome sight, and we aim to reduce the effects on you as much as possible. You may still see an increase in plumbing costs, but we’re controlling those to the best of our ability, and we continue to promote transparency in pricing.
When Will Prices Go Down?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict when, or if, the tariffs will end and prices will drop. Specific tariff amounts have already dropped; for example, those eye-watering 145% tariffs on goods from China were reduced to 30% for many categories in May. However, tariff amounts may change again in the coming months.
Whether plumbing prices in Cleveland for 2025 will go up or down is anyone’s guess at this point. We’re doing our best to mitigate the effects of the tariffs on customers and are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Regardless of what’s going on in the world of trade economics, your plumbing still needs to be in great working order, as do your home’s electrical and HVAC systems. You can count on us and our decades of experience, prompt service and fair pricing when your home’s plumbing, electrical or HVAC needs work.
If you’re a homeowner in Cleveland who needs help with installation, repairs or maintenance, contact P.K. Wadsworth today!
