Legal context, stated carefully
DOJ guidance says the ADA's requirements apply to web content. There is no DOJ technical standard for private business websites, and WCAG is commonly used as a benchmark. Whether a plumbing company without a storefront or public office is covered is unsettled, because federal courts have disagreed about how website claims apply to businesses without a physical place the public visits. If you have a retail counter or showroom, the analysis may change. Some state civil rights laws also add their own rules. We cannot tell you whether you are covered. A qualified attorney can.
What an emergency visitor needs
The visitor is often on a phone, in a hurry, and possibly standing in water. The page has to load fast, show a real phone number at the top, and offer a simple request form. A customer using a screen reader needs those same things in a sensible order. A customer with limited hand use needs a large tap target. A customer with low vision needs enough contrast and text that grows when they zoom.
Where plumbing sites commonly break
- Sticky call bars. A bar that covers content or traps focus on zoom.
- Coupons. Offers shown as images with no text, or pop ups that cannot be closed by keyboard.
- Service area maps. A map image with no list of towns served.
- Scheduling widgets. Calendars and time slots that need a mouse.
- Service pages. Walls of text with no headings, or headings used only for style.
- Before and after photos. No description of what changed.
- Chat bubbles. Overlays that interfere with page content.
Practical steps
- Scan the home page with the free tool.
- Make the phone number real text, large, and at the top.
- Use real headings for service pages and a text list of service areas.
- Replace image coupons with text.
- Test your request form and scheduler by keyboard.
Our testing and remediation help with the fixes. See guides for HVAC companies and roofers.
General information, not legal advice. Automated testing cannot establish full ADA compliance or guarantee protection from lawsuits. It finds some kinds of barriers quickly. A person still has to test the rest. Ask a qualified attorney how the law applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
Does a plumber with no shop need to follow the ADA online?
This is unsettled and fact specific. Federal courts have disagreed about businesses without a physical public location. Ask an attorney.
What is the most important thing to fix?
The phone number, the request form, and any scheduler, so a customer can reach you.
Are pop up coupons a problem?
They can be if they trap keyboard focus or cannot be closed. Use plain text offers where possible.
Can I just add an accessibility widget?
Widgets cannot fix underlying page problems. Real fixes are made in the site.