Assuming the plumber provides services at his customer's address, it would be considered a service area business (SAB). Consequently, you would need to add it to Google My Business with the "I serve customers at my business address" option.
While it's much more challenging to get an SAB in the local pack, there's a lot that can be done to improve organic performance for location-based queries. Assuming you've covered your bases with on-page optimization, you'll want to focus on content and off-page optimization.
Add content with a local focus:
- Does the plumber belong to any local organizations like the chamber of commerce? Be sure to include those on the website.
- Is he active in any local charities or fundraising events? Include those in his bio.
- Are there any local laws or regulations that you can add content about on the site?
- Add case studies or testimonials that includes location-based content.
- Is there a way to add photos from the target city?
Off-page
- Try to get links from websites with a local focus in your area, including the local organizations, charities, etc mentioned above. Some old-fashioned local PR will help.
- There are quite a few local search directories that do not require a visible address.
- Develop a process to encourage customer reviews.