42 Plumbing Industry Statistics For 2024

The plumbing industry, an integral part of modern infrastructure, encompasses a wide range of plumbing services and products essential to daily life. Everywhere there is infrastructure and water, plumbing businesses are needed.

This comprehensive statistical analysis aims to shed light on the current state of plumbing in the construction industry, home services, and the plumbing job market.

As a leading plumber marketing agency, Valve+Meter Performance Marketing studies data to empower plumbing professionals and plumbing companies to create sustainable growth strategies. By delving into various facets, we aim to provide a thorough understanding of the plumbing industry’s landscape.

As we navigate through this statistical terrain, we aim to provide a panoramic view of the plumbing industry, offering valuable insights to plumbing businesses, self-employed plumbers, industry stakeholders, and even interested readers outside of the industry.

Our analysis will serve as a compass, guiding through the numbers that shape and define this essential sector, and illuminating its impact on both the economy and everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

• Market Size and Growth: Significant shifts in market size and growth trends highlight the industry’s evolving nature and potential.
• Plumbing Industry Focus: Diverse plumbing businesses in the U.S. drive innovation and contribute significantly to the economy.
• Cost in Plumbing Services: Understanding plumbing industry statistics is key for consumer decision-making and business sustainability.
• Salaries in the Plumbing Industry: Competitive salaries reflect the industry’s health and its ability to attract skilled professionals.
• Water Conservation and Smart Technology: The future of smart plumbing fixtures and the global infrastructure focuses keenly on the plumbing industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
• Digital Transformation and Consumer Behavior: Digital marketing strategies and consumer engagement through online platforms are reshaping the plumbing industry.

Let’s start with a big picture of the plumbing industry. Understanding the market size and growth trends is crucial for grasping the overall health and prospects of any plumbing business.

These plumbing industry statistics not only reflect the current state of affairs but also serve as indicators of where the plumbing market is heading. The plumbing industry, a cornerstone of the construction and home services industries, has seen significant shifts in recent years, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and changing environmental standards.

Let’s explore these trends and gain valuable insights:

1. The plumbing industry market size, measured by revenue, was $126.40 billion in 2023.
2. Beyond professional plumbing services, the DIY home improvement market size is projected to reach $800.29 billion in 2024.
3. A subset of the plumbing industry is plumbing fixtures with a marketing size in North America valued at $22.40 billion.
4. With smart plumbing fixtures and the need to update America’s aging housing stock, the market has an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028.
5. Home improvement as a whole is projected to reach $946.47 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.41% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
6. As for smart bathroom plumbing statistics: this market will be valued at $9.5 billion in 2024.
7. There is great potential growth for smart plumbing fixtures with the market expected to reach $34.60 billion by 2034.
8. Developing at a CAGR of 13.7%, smart bathroom services, and other technologies are growing faster than the plumbing industry as a whole.

With a clear understanding of the overall plumbing industry statistics, owners and stakeholders can make informed decisions. Let’s take a closer look at the industry in the United States.

The landscape of plumbing businesses in the United States presents a fascinating and diverse picture of the overall market. These businesses, ranging from small, family-owned operations to large-scale national companies, form the backbone of the plumbing sector, providing essential services to residential and commercial properties alike.

For over 200 years, the plumbing industry has been one of the most resilient and adaptable, responding to both the changing needs of consumers and the evolving technological landscape.

Exploring the dynamics of these businesses offers insights into the plumbing industry’s operational models, market strategies, and the challenges and opportunities they face.

This exploration of the plumbing market is crucial for understanding how an individual professional plumber, local businesses, and national brands contribute to the broader plumbing industry and the U.S. economy.

9. The plumbing industry is the fifth-largest construction category in the U.S.

10. 60,940 small and medium-sized businesses employ less than five people plumbing industry in the United States.

11. Labor statistics place the number of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters employed in the industry at 531,406 in 2022.

12. Among plumbing professionals, the demographics between male and female plumbers are distinct with just 1.74% of women plumbers.

13. Residential plumbing accounts for 80% of the plumbing industry.

14. A plumbing business targets an average gross profit margin of 60% to 62% across all plumbing services.

In summary, plumbing businesses in the United States are a critical component of the industry, driving innovation, employment, and economic growth.

They reflect the industry’s health and are a barometer for future trends in the sector. Understanding their operation, market position, and challenges helps in forming a comprehensive view of the plumbing industry as a whole.

With so many plumbing businesses focused on residential services, let’s examine the cost of plumbing services within homes.

Delving into the cost of plumbing services unveils a crucial aspect of the plumbing industry, directly impacting both service providers and consumers.

This segment encompasses a diverse range of expenses, from the cost of labor, materials, and plumbing fixtures to the expenses associated with advanced plumbing technologies.

Understanding these costs is not merely about numbers; it’s about comprehending the value of skilled labor, the investment in quality materials, and the economic realities shaping the industry.

For consumers, this knowledge aids in making informed decisions regarding plumbing services, and for plumbing professionals, it’s integral to pricing strategies and maintaining a competitive edge.

15. Plumbing labor costs range from $200 to $800 including labor.

16. The total cost to replace the plumbing system in a typical 2,000-square-foot home averages between $3,000 and $16,000.

17. New toilets generally cost an average of $350.

18. Installation of a new toilet costs an average of $500, and plumbers may charge extra for installing a toilet on an upper floor.

19. Mid-range smart toilets cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while the top-end models can cost upwards of $8,000 for the very best smart toilets.

These plumbing statistic illuminate how much the smart plumbing and specifically, the smart toilet market are shaping the future of plumbing companies.

Plumbing fixtures and toilets are not just about preventing poor sanitation. The cost of plumbing varies dramatically depending on consumer preferences and local regulations.

A plumbing business’s sustainability relies on adapting to changing market demands.

With this understanding of cost structures in mind, we now turn our attention to another critical element in the plumbing sector: the salaries in the plumbing industry, which play a significant role in attracting and retaining skilled professionals and sustaining the industry’s growth.

Plumbing is pivotal to maintaining and advancing our water systems and compensates its workforce in a manner that reflects the skill, expertise, and critical nature of its work.

Analyzing labor statistics, salary trends, and factors influencing earnings in this field provides insights into the industry’s attractiveness as a career choice, its competitiveness, and its ability to meet evolving labor demands.

Understanding how plumbers are compensated sheds light on the industry’s health, growth potential, and its capacity to attract and retain skilled professionals in an increasingly competitive job market.

20. There are 113,347 plumbers businesses in the US as of 2023.

21. This total is an increase of 0.6% from 2022.

22. The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed about 42,600 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters annually.

23. Total pay for master plumber is estimated at $96,467 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $90,468 per year.

24. 31% of plumbers have a high school diploma.

25. Plumbers with a high school diploma earn an average of $54,362.

26. With a bachelor’s degree, plumbers earn a median annual income of $56,393.

27. 65% of plumbers have a certificate or associate degree.

The details of plumbing jobs including average annual salary vary across states and job markets. Beyond location, the type of plumber impacts earning potential. The future of the job market is likely to be shaped by what trends become norms.

Global plumbing varies drastically. In countries like India, updating plumbing infrastructure is gaining popularity because up to 40% of water is lost due to aging pipes.

In the United States, aging housing stock needs repairs and many people are embracing water conservation and smart technology trends.

Plumbing statistics indicate the industry is responding proactively to global environmental challenges and consumer demand for sustainability. Water conservation efforts in plumbing are not just about reducing water usage but also about optimizing the entire water management system, from efficient fixtures to innovative greywater recycling methods.

Smart technology integration, such as intelligent leak detection systems and high-efficiency smart toilets alone, further enhances these conservation efforts. These advancements not only represent the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also offer cost-saving solutions to consumers.

Like other industries, the push towards smart plumbing solutions marries convenience and eco-friendliness. Consumers with environmental concerns are satiated and others embrace the ease of use and comfort smart plumbing technology offers.

This trend towards water conservation and smart technology in plumbing is a clear indicator of the industry’s evolution, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainability and technological innovation.

28. The average household’s plumbing leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year.

29. 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.

30. EPA estimates that toilet flushes account for nearly 30 percent of your average water consumption per day.

31. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.

32. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day.

33. Water heating account for 18% of energy use in homes.

34. According to EPA, retrofitting the house could save the family more than $2,500 in water and wastewater bills over the lifetime of the toilets.

35. Agriculture accounts for 70% of worldwide water use.

36. The plumbing industry is embracing new digital technologies to communicate with customers.

37. Traditional water heaters $26.89 Billion in 2021.

38 By comparison, the more energy-efficient tankless water heater market size was valued at $3.68 Billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2023 to 2029.

As we conclude our exploration of the plumbing industry, spanning from its market size and projected growth rate to the cost of services, salaries, and innovative trends in water conservation and smart technology, we see a sector that is vibrant, evolving, and crucial to both our daily lives and the global environment.

The insights garnered from this comprehensive overview not only illuminate the current state of the plumbing industry but also underscore its significant impact and potential for future development.

For a business seeking growth and more plumbing jobs, statistics about tankless water heaters and smart toilets provide insights but what about go-to-market strategies?

At Valve+Meter, we are not simply focused on defining the plumbing industry, we help businesses find growth through digital transformation.

The Internet profoundly influences consumer behavior and the way plumbing services are marketed and delivered. The rise of digital marketing has revolutionized how plumbing businesses reach and interact with their customers.

Today, consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for plumbing solutions, relying heavily on digital channels for service information, reviews, and bookings.

Consider these plumbing statistics:

39. The term “plumber near me” is searched over 135,000 each month.

40. More than 99.9% of consumers read online reviews.

41. Almost half of (49%) of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

42. Personalized experience are expected by 85% of consumers.

This shift in how people discover local businesses has led plumbing businesses to adopt more sophisticated digital marketing strategies, leveraging social media, search engine optimization, and online reviews to build trust and engage with a wider audience.

Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies in plumbing services not only aligns with the digital age’s demand for convenience and efficiency but also demonstrates the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

As a result, the plumbing industry is not only catering to the immediate needs of its customers but also shaping their expectations and experiences. The intersection of digital transformation and consumer behavior highlights a pivotal moment for the plumbing industry, one that promises continued growth and evolution in the years to come.