More thanpipes: How All American Plumbing is building a family legacy across the Columbia Basin

When a pipe bursts in Almira, a water heater fails in Grand Coulee or a homeowner in Mattawa needs help fast, Steve McUne doesn’t spend much time worrying about the miles.

“If they’ll pay the drive, I’ll look out the window,” he said with a laugh.

That willingness to go where he’s needed has helped All American Plumbing Services build a loyal customer base across the Columbia Basin, serving communities from Washtucna to Nespelem and from Ritzville to Mattawa. Nearly nine years after launching the business, McUne has become known for something increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced service industry: doing the job right the first time.

“I will only do quality work,” McUne said. “It doesn’t matter what you do. Show pride in your work.”

For McUne, plumbing has never been just about fixing leaks or installing water heaters. It’s about helping people, solving problems and building relationships that last long after the work is finished.

“I’ve met some incredible people doing this,” he said. “I’ve made close friends just from doing jobs for customers.”

Serving the places others won’t

While larger plumbing companies often focus on bigger population centers, McUne has built part of his reputation by serving some of the Basin’s smaller communities.

Rural customers often face limited options when they need a plumber, particularly in outlying towns where a service call may require considerable travel time. McUne saw an opportunity to fill that gap.

“A lot of the bigger companies don’t want to go to those smaller areas because there’s just not enough money in it,” he said. “For us, we can make it work.”

That means keeping his service van stocked and ready for almost anything.

“If I’m out in Almira, there’s no hardware store around the corner,” he said. “I try to have everything I need with me so I can fix it when I get there.”

Just as importantly, McUne values honesty with customers. If another contractor can do a job faster, cheaper or is located closer, he will often recommend them instead.

“I’m not going to refer someone I wouldn’t allow in my own home,” he said. “I’ve worked too hard to build my reputation.”

Much of All American Plumbing’s business now comes through word-of-mouth referrals, often stretching several customers removed from the original recommendation.

“You hear, ‘So-and-so recommended me,’ and then you trace it back five or six people,” McUne said. “That means we’re doing something right.”

Giving back to those who serve

Community service is another core part of the company’s identity.

All American Plumbing offers a 10% discount to military veterans and a 15% discount to active first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and emergency dispatch personnel.

McUne said the discounts are his way of recognizing people whose jobs directly impact public safety.

“They’re saving lives every single day,” he said. “Their jobs are way more important than ours.”

The recognition extends beyond emergency personnel seen in the field.

“That includes the people answering 911 calls,” McUne said. “Without them, the officer or ambulance never makes it to your house.”

A blue stripe incorporated into the company’s logo serves as a visible reminder of McUne’s appreciation for law enforcement and first responders.

“I just want to do my part and give back to people who help us,” he said.

Building something to pass on

Lately, McUne has been focused on something bigger than growing a successful plumbing company.

He’s building a legacy.

Working alongside him every day is his son, Brody McUne, who has been officially employed with the company for more than a year and is working toward his journeyman certification.

While Brody has spent time riding in the truck and learning the trade since childhood, the father-son partnership has taken on a new dimension as he develops professionally.

“It’s amazing,” Steve said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

One of his goals is to eventually pass the business to his children.

“Nobody handed us anything when we were kids,” he said. “To be able to give them an established business with great customers and a good reputation would mean everything.”

Brody says working alongside his father has given him a unique perspective that goes beyond learning plumbing skills.

“A lot of people get to spend time with their parents,” he said. “But working together every day is different. You see both sides of everything.”

He’s discovered that his favorite part of the trade isn’t necessarily the plumbing itself.

Instead, it’s the people.

“You meet so many amazing customers,” Brody said. “Everybody has something you can learn from. That’s probably what I enjoy most.”

Steve says watching his son develop professionally has become one of the most rewarding parts of his career.

“Plumbing is plumbing,” he said. “What makes me proud is seeing the man he’s becoming.”

He points to Brody’s confidence, professionalism and ability to connect with customers and business owners alike.

“Hearing him talk with people and seeing how he carries himself, that’s what makes me proud.”

The future of the trades

While McUne has seen materials, technology and techniques evolve over the years, he says one challenge continues to grow: finding new people willing to enter the skilled trades.

“I’m a huge advocate for the trades,” he said.

He believes college is the right path for many young people, but not necessarily everyone.

“If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, absolutely go to college,” he said. “But if you don’t have a clear plan, go learn a trade.”

The shortage of skilled technicians, he said, is becoming increasingly noticeable.

“Somebody has to do this work,” he said. “People like having plumbing and electricity.”

Unlike many professions facing rapid technological disruption, McUne isn’t worried about artificial intelligence replacing plumbers anytime soon.

“They can’t AI my job,” he said.

For now, his focus remains where it has always been: serving customers, solving problems and preparing the next generation.

After nearly a decade in business and more than three decades living in the Columbia Basin, McUne remains grateful for the community that helped build his company.

“I wouldn’t have a business without the people here,” he said. “Everything we’ve built is because customers trusted us.”

    Steve McUne
 COURTESY PHOTO/STEVE MCCUNE   

    Brody McUne
 COURTESY PHOTO/STEVE MCCUNE