C&D Potter Plumbing: Building a Business, Protecting Homes, and Raising the Standard
Today at BiG Edwardsville, the spotlight was on Chris and Desiree Potter — the husband-and-wife team behind C&D Potter Plumbing, a trusted name in plumbing for homeowners and builders across Illinois and Missouri. The Potters shared not only their journey as small business owners, but also valuable insights into their trade and advice that could potentially save your home from disaster.
From New York to Bethalto — A Family and Business Built on Values
Chris and Desiree’s story began in New York, where they first launched their plumbing journey. Eventually, they relocated to Bethalto, Illinois, in search of the small-town feel that would allow them to raise their family and grow a meaningful business. Fourteen years later, C&D Potter Plumbing is a name known for honesty, expertise, and professionalism.
Chris is a licensed master plumber with over 26 years of experience, overseeing every job they take on. Desiree runs the day-to-day operations — managing the business, scheduling, and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Not All Plumbers Are the Same
A big takeaway from today’s talk was the distinction between different types of plumbing services. C&D Potter Plumbing does not offer traditional service calls for stopped-up drains or minor leaks. Instead, they focus on construction plumbing — handling everything from new homes and custom builds to remodeling projects and large-scale commercial jobs.
Their clients can always expect:
- A licensed, bonded, and insured team
- A master plumber on every job
- Fair and transparent pricing
- Reliable scheduling — they show up when they say they will
- Clean, efficient, and professional work
- Follow-up support to ensure satisfaction long after the job is complete
A Trade That Demands Expertise
Plumbing is one of the few trades that crosses multiple insurance boundaries — fire, water, and structural damage. As the Potters explained, this makes it even more important to hire professionals who know what they’re doing.
They also highlighted an industry challenge: a journeyman plumber can only train one apprentice at a time. This regulation slows down the pipeline of new talent entering the field — a concern as many seasoned professionals approach retirement. Chris and Desiree are passionate about preserving the trade by mentoring the next generation of plumbers the right way.
The Importance of Backwater Valves
- One of the most informative parts of their presentation focused on backwater valves — a plumbing upgrade that can prevent catastrophic sewer backups during heavy rains.
- These valves are installed on the sewer lateral line and automatically close if the municipal system backs up.
- Many towns and cities require them in new builds, and even if yours doesn't, installing one can lower your home insurance.
- The average cost ranges from $3,200 to $3,500, depending on depth and access to the line.
- Maintenance is simple — an annual checkup is all it takes.
- C&D encourages clients to let neighbors know if they’re installing one, as neighborhood-wide adoption prevents upstream waste pressure.
Chris and Desiree also emphasized the importance of understanding your home insurance policy, especially the distinction between a “clog” and a true “backup.” Insurance may only cover one — and knowing the difference can help you make informed decisions.
The C&D Difference
Why choose C&D Potter Plumbing? According to Desiree and Chris, the answer is simple:
- They offer free estimates
- Provide no-pressure consultations
- Deliver on their word
- Finish jobs cleanly and completely
- And most importantly — they stand behind their work
Whether you're planning a remodel, building a new home, or trying to avoid future plumbing disasters, C&D Potter Plumbing offers the experience, transparency, and care that sets them apart.
For the Potters, it’s not just about plumbing — it’s about building relationships, mentoring the next generation, and helping homeowners feel secure. As they continue to grow their business in Bethalto and beyond, they remain rooted in their values: honesty, excellence, and service you can trust.
