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Plumbing

The U.S. Plumbing Industry: A Business Landscape by the Numbers

by adminMarch 26, 2026

written by admin

The plumbing industry may not always dominate headlines, but it plays a vital role in the American economy. Every home, commercial building, and public facility depends on properly installed and maintained plumbing systems. When you look beyond the service calls and construction sites, the numbers reveal a large and economically powerful industry. Examining market value, workforce size, and business volume offers a clear picture of how significant plumbing is as a business sector in the United States.

A $126.4 Billion Market Driving Revenue

One of the clearest indicators of the industry’s strength is its financial scale. According to Jobber, the U.S. plumbing market has a value of $126.4 billion. That figure represents revenue generated from residential repairs, emergency service calls, large-scale commercial installations, remodeling projects, and maintenance contracts.

A market of this size signals consistent and widespread demand. Plumbing services are essential, not optional. Water supply systems, drainage, sanitation, and heating infrastructure require regular maintenance and periodic upgrades. Because these needs are ongoing, plumbing businesses often experience steady demand regardless of broader economic conditions.

For entrepreneurs and investors, a $126.4 billion market reflects opportunity. Whether operating as a small local contractor or expanding into a multi-location company, plumbing businesses are part of a substantial and resilient economic sector.

A Workforce of More Than 261,194 Professionals

An industry of this scale depends on a strong labor force. According to Zippia, there are more than 261,194 plumbers in the United States. This large number of professionals highlights the consistent need for skilled tradespeople across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Plumbing is a licensed trade that requires technical training, certifications, and hands-on experience. The presence of over 261,194 plumbers underscores how vital workforce development is to sustaining the industry. As experienced professionals retire, attracting and training new talent becomes essential for maintaining service capacity.

For business owners, access to skilled labor directly affects growth potential. Companies that invest in recruiting, apprenticeships, and retention strategies are better positioned to meet customer demand and expand operations. In a competitive environment, building a reliable team is a critical business advantage.

113,000 Plumbing Businesses Operating Nationwide

The structure of the industry also reveals important insights. According to IBISWorld, there are currently 113,000 plumbing businesses in the United States. This number shows that the market is highly fragmented, with thousands of independent operators and small to mid-sized companies serving communities nationwide.

Unlike industries dominated by a handful of large corporations, plumbing remains largely decentralized. Many businesses are locally owned, often family-operated, and built on strong community relationships. While this creates competition, it also leaves room for differentiation through specialized services, technology integration, and superior customer experience.

For entrepreneurs entering the field, understanding that there are 113,000 active businesses provides perspective. Success often depends on strategic positioning, operational efficiency, and reputation management. At the same time, the fragmented structure presents opportunities for expansion, partnerships, and even consolidation within local markets.

What the Numbers Reveal

When viewed together, these statistics illustrate a robust and essential industry. A $126.4 billion market, a workforce exceeding 261,194 plumbers, and 113,000 operating businesses demonstrate both stability and opportunity. Plumbing is deeply embedded in the nation’s infrastructure, making it one of the most reliable service sectors in the economy.

For business owners, the data confirms that plumbing is not just a trade—it is a significant commercial ecosystem. For investors, it represents a resilient industry backed by essential demand. And for professionals considering a career in the field, the workforce and business numbers signal long-term viability.

Ultimately, the U.S. plumbing industry reflects the powerful intersection of necessity and entrepreneurship. Because plumbing services are tied directly to health, safety, and infrastructure, demand is built into everyday life. That built-in demand, combined with a large workforce and thousands of operating businesses, creates a dynamic environment where innovation, efficiency, and customer service can drive real growth. For anyone analyzing industries through a business lens, plumbing stands out as a sector where practical service meets substantial economic impact.

The U.S. plumbing industry stands as a clear example of how essential services translate into strong business fundamentals. The numbers tell the story: plumbing is not only necessary—it is big business in America.

March 26, 2026 0 comments

General

What Does Plumbing Involve?

by adminSeptember 21, 2022

written by admin

Plumbing is a field that focuses on conveying fluids for a variety of applications. It makes use of pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, tanks, and other apparatuses to perform this work. These tools are necessary in many different areas of life, including homes and businesses. A plumber’s career will provide them with a variety of challenges and opportunities.

Common types of pipes

There are two common types of pipes used in plumbing: PVC and PEX. Both are incredibly flexible and strong. PVC pipes are commonly used in new homes, and PEX is becoming a more popular option for existing homes. PEX pipes can be made to fit through walls and can be easily cut and joined with no soldering or gluing required. They are also incredibly durable, and can handle both hot and cold water.

Another type of piping is HDPE, or High-Density Polybutylene, which is widely used in plumbing and irrigation systems. It is resistant to freezing temperatures and is flexible enough to be installed underground. It is typically blue or black in color. HDPE is also more flexible than PVC and requires minimal joints.

Its joints are made using heat fusion, which ensures a leak-proof seal. PVC pipes can be found in a variety of thicknesses, shapes, and configurations. When used by a plumbing company, make sure to check for NSF-PW or NSF-61 labels, as these indicate that the material meets NSF standards. These types of pipes are generally durable and can withstand high pressure.

Copper pipes are another type of pipe used in plumbing. Copper is a soft metal that resists rust and can be bent. It is ideal for carrying potable water. Copper pipes are incredibly durable and can handle high pressure. They come in four different types, with Type-L being the most commonly used in residential plumbing.

Copper pipes are available in a variety of sizes, and the two most popular types are 15mm and 22mm. However, there are also several larger sizes up to 108mm. Copper piping is also available in Type M Copper, which is the thinnest type of copper used in plumbing. This type is used more for drain, waste, and vent piping, and is also useful for hot and cold supply lines in the interior of the home.

Plumbing pipes are used for two main purposes: carrying water and delivering waste. Pipes have been used for drainage systems since ancient times. The Greeks used clay pipes for water transport. Later, cast iron, terra-cotta, copper, and galvanized steel became more popular as they contain enzymes which limit bacterial growth.

Drain pipes are used for flushing out sewage and greater from the building. Supply lines are used to supply water to sinks, baths, and washing machines. Vent pipes do not carry water, but are used to regulate air in the plumbing system. This helps prevent slow drainage. The pipe should have a trap to keep noxious gasses out.

Qualifications for becoming a plumber

A plumbing career requires a high level of technical skills. Plumbers install new faucets and unclog drains and work in both residential and commercial areas. They can also work for water treatment facilities, power plants, factories, and waste disposal facilities. They also maintain pipeline systems.

These professionals are responsible for a wide variety of tasks and must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work without supervision. The process to become a plumber requires years of training. An apprentice must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Once they have successfully passed the aptitude exam, they are then evaluated by a panel of established plumbers. If they pass, they begin their work with a starting salary of forty-five percent of the minimum regulated wage. The wage increases each year. In addition, apprentices work under a senior tradesperson, who supervises their work.

Many states require plumbers to be licensed. The requirements to become a plumber differ between states, but they generally include a certain number of classroom hours and practical experience. In addition to this, many states also require that plumbers complete a licensing exam. This exam tests plumbers’ knowledge of plumbing codes and procedures.

To become a master plumber, an applicant must have 6,000 hours of apprenticeship training and have passed a state-approved plumbing exam. Those who are only beginning their apprenticeships must have at least two years of experience under a licensed plumber. They must be at least eighteen years old and have a high school diploma.

Qualifications for becoming a plumber may not be as rigid as other occupations. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but applicants should have a basic understanding of algebra and math. In addition, plumbers are often required to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of basic calculations.

Job duties of a plumber

The job duties of a plumber include maintaining water systems and pipelines, repairing leaks and fixtures, and installing new ones. Plumbers are also responsible for cleaning up debris and assessing the condition of a building’s drainage system.

They must also be knowledgeable about water saving devices and safety standards, and have undergone training in plumbing systems. In addition, plumbers are required to have licenses to do construction work. They work long hours, including weekends and evenings. Plumbing is an incredibly versatile profession, requiring the use of many different tools.

A plumber will have to use wrenches and pliers, bend pipes, and use power tools to install and repair pipes and fittings. They will also be expected to use specialized measuring tools and power tools to ensure that the pipes are straight, round, or of the proper angle. Plumbing jobs can also include repairing gas leaks, water heaters, and appliances.

Plumbing professionals can work independently or as part of a larger organization. Depending on the region and job duties, according to this site, plumbers are paid between $30 and $90,530 annually on average. The bottom ten percent earns just over $35,000 per year. Plumbing professionals must be in good physical condition to perform their job duties.

The job also requires good problem-solving skills. Those who are naturally curious and can think outside the box will thrive in this career. As with any job in construction, plumbers must be licensed in their state to practice. Obtaining a license is a necessity and requires completing an apprenticeship program.

This apprenticeship program is four to five years long and requires a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. During this time, plumbers work on actual job sites and are paid hourly. Apprentices start at half the hourly rate of a journey person and increase their wages as they progress through the apprenticeship.

September 21, 2022 0 comments

General

Informative Tips for Anyone Seeking Knowledge about Plumbing

by adminNovember 9, 2020

written by admin

The passage of time and daily tasks in a home cause accidents to occur, breakdowns, or deterioration of certain electrical appliances. When this happens, the help of professionals is required to carry out certain repairs plumbing way that they deem appropriate.

In this article, we have gathered different questions related to services focused on the installation of plumbing in the home.

What exactly are plumbing fixtures?

Plumbing facilities deal with the supply and supply of drinking water in any building in which people live. In cities and developed civilizations, buildings are connected to the urban supply network to provide water to the house. Thus, urban supply networks obtain water from dams, rivers, springs, or wells that later require a purification process. The water is distributed through a branched network of pipes to reach each building.

Common problems in home plumbing installations

Dripping in the taps

It is very common that, with time, the materials of the faucets weaken. This produces small cracks in the joints that lose small and annoying amounts of water. This in the long run causes a high cost in the bills and very counterproductive for the environment.

Before doing anything else, we recommend stopping the leak by closing the stopcocks at the bottom of the tap. Once this is done, the tap should be left open to finish emptying the water from inside.

Problems produced by lime in plumbing installations

Plumbing and heating supplies in homes suffer from many problems and inconveniences caused by a build-up of limescale. These problems usually appear in areas where the water has a high level of lime and causes changes in the shower taps as the water does not flow evenly.

You have probably read about different chemicals to combat all these lime problems. However, if these products are not used properly, they can end up damaging the pipes and taps, to the point of having to change them.

Blockage in the pipes

Blockages in the pipes of showers, sinks, or sinks are common problems in any type of home since it is essential to comply with a series of maintenance guidelines that are not normally carried out, such as placing a grate in the drain to prevent debris from leaking or perform regular cleaning.

Some many homemade products and tricks promise to unclog pipes, but they are usually not powerful enough to fix this problem in a home plumbing.

In this sense, we advise contacting a professional plumber, who will assess the problem and propose different methods and solutions.

Problems with cisterns that leak water in plumbing installations

Considered one of the most common problems and the biggest headache for clients. Like taps, when a cistern loses water, it causes it to be wasted in large quantities. Why is this happening? Most of the time it is due to the button of the cistern or some internal element of the same. If the problem is persistent, the best solution is to entrust the work to a specialist.

In case you need a professional, when the cistern is fixed, they decide to make changes in it, some of the most frequent are the following:

· Place an ecological system to save water in the cistern

It consists of adding a double button to the cistern, it is one of the simplest plumbing installations. It consists of turning off the water, removing the lid of the cistern, and unscrewing the button. Then empty the water container and disconnect the pipe that carries water from the cistern, extract the mechanism, and fit the new one.

· Replace the float in the tank

These types of breakdowns are usually quite uncomfortable, sometimes it is enough to simply straighten the rod that holds the float. To change it, the float is accessed through the tank cover, replace the float with a new one and, before placing the cover, check that it cuts the water correctly.

Type of plumbing pipes

Stainless Steel Pipes

Probably the most expensive pipes and least used, as well as being difficult to find. They are used in marine facilities and equipment and construction near the sea. Thanks to its high resistance to saltwater corrosion.

Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes are frequently used to carry water to and from homes. The galvanized material prevents oxidation and increases its resistance. They are commonly seen in the general pipes of communities or inlets of water to houses.

Today, they have been almost completely displaced by PEX tubing that is just as strong and durable, but cheaper.

Copper pipes

The copper pipes are most frequently seen at home, although they are more expensive than plastic. Copper is a metal with high corrosion resistance and withstands very high temperatures without any problem.

Copper tubing is or usually is, available in three sizes: M, L, and K. Size M is the smallest diameter, L is medium, and K is the thickest.

Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipes

They are increasingly popular, although their history dates back to the 1920s. It has the same characteristics asCPVC pipes, but they can withstand higher temperatures and therefore are often used in boilers or water heating systems.

Thepipes PEXhave a creamy white color, although colored in red and blue to denote the hot and cold water.

PVC pipes

They are used mainly for the transport of water under high pressure. They are available in different diameters for plumbing and construction.

ThePVC pipesare not used if needed to carry hot water because water can deform the pipe and even cause a melt of the whole. Most PVC pipes are gray or white. These are thetypes of pipes for drinking waterthat we can most often find in plumbing installations when we perform unblocking or inspections of pipes.

November 9, 2020 0 comments