25 Plumbing Industry Statistics + Trends to Know in 2021

As a plumber, you’re constantly faced with solving new challenges. From leaky faucets and sinks to new plumbing automation technology requests, you handle it all. As new customer requests keep you on your toes, stay up to date with the latest plumbing industry statistics and trends. Learn new plumbing methods, keep up with the latest tools, and discover ways to grow your business. 

As you work through 2021, there are a few new trends and opportunities to consider. Smart toilets, digital marketing, and mobile communication are a few examples. To see how you and your business can be on the cutting edge in the plumbing industry, keep reading. 

Almost half a million Americans work in the plumbing industry and make well over the average U.S. salary. As the desire for new smart bathroom technology and expert plumbers grows, so could your profit margins. 

• 481,472 individuals worked in the plumbing industry as of 2020. (IBISWorld)
• Eighty percent of plumbers’ billable invoices come from labor and 20 percent from materials. (MCCA Connect)
• In February 2021, the average salary of a plumber was $58,059, above the U.S. average of $31,133. (Salary.com, Datacommons)
• Plumbing business owners make an average of 35% gross profit margins. (MCCA Connect)

The industry has stayed relatively consistent through the last five years with expectations to grow in the next eight. With smart home technology trending, the plumbing industry may pivot its expertise over the next decade. 

• Between 2015 and 2020, the plumbing industry has grown by 0.4 percent. (IBISWorld)
• The plumber job market is expected to grow by 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• The market for smart bathrooms amounted to $3 billion in 2019. (Grand View Research)
• Between 2020 and 2027, the smart bathroom market is projected to grow by roughly 10 percent. (Grand View Research)

Top plumbers are making billions in revenue year after year. To start a small plumbing business, or grow your current business, you may want to see what you’re up against. 

• Masco Corporation earned $1.86 billion in revenue as of December of 2020. (Nasdaq)
• Fortune Brands Home & Security ended December of 2020 strong with total revenue of $1.66 billion. (Macrotrends)
• J.A. Croson LLC earns $42.28 million annually. (Dun & Bradstreet)
• Chesapeake Plumbing & Heating brings in $10 to $100 million in yearly revenue. (Inc Fact)
• Anytime Plumbing generates $6 million in annual revenue. (Dun & Bradstreet)

As a business owner, you’re faced with constant changes. Meeting customer needs, testing new products, and keeping up with innovations is a full-time job itself. And, the more clients use technology to find products and services, the more you and your team have to adapt. Here are the top plumbing industry trends to help you get ahead.   

1. Smart Toilets are on the Rise 

As the plumbing and technology industries collide, expect smart bathroom devices to increase in popularity. In 2019, the smart toilet market amounted to $3 billion with expectations to grow. As these new trends expand, so could your smart bathroom orders and maintenance requests. 

2. Digital Marketing Sales Grow

Ninety percent of buyers use social media to solve their home issues. To be seen by customers, improve your online marketing. Upgrading your website, social media presence, and online reviews can put your business in the lead. Share expert tips and tricks for common maintenance issues—like fixing leaky faucets or unclogging a drain. Providing helpful information for your consumers positions you as the expert. 

3. Online Reviews Dictate Customer Decisions

To showcase your work, encourage customers to share their experiences online, as 87 percent of consumers read online reviews for small businesses in 2020. Email or promote your Google business reviews on invoices you send to clients. Provide a direct link for easy accessibility, and don’t forget to respond to the good and the bad comments every 24 hours. 

4. Online Payments Decrease Payment Turnover

Online payment methods can save time and materials. To expedite and streamline your payments, use an app or your website for online bill pay. Jobber, ServiceTitan, and Workiz are a few apps that assist in plumbing business operations. You could receive payments faster and avoid any mailing address miscommunications.

5. Personalized Customer Experiences Matter

Eighty percent of customers expect customized shopping experiences. To meet client expectations, you need to fully understand what a customer wants and needs—and when. Train your employees to do this by asking the right questions and being prepared for every job. Before having your team show up on-site, call your clients for a short consultation. Go over plumbing issues, options, and pricing for clear communication. 

6. Mobile Communication Takes the Spotlight

More than a quarter of consumers use their phones to access the internet. This makes mobile-friendly websites, social media, and communication a top priority for businesses. Consider creating or partnering with an app that streamlines appointments, and provides chatbots and information for clients on the go. In addition, check on social media direct messages every day to answer questions or schedule appointments. 

7. Customers Show Interest in Water Education

On average, Americans use 88 gallons of water a day at home. And many households want to work towards water conservation. Help your customers conserve water by educating them on products or routines that could help them limit their usage. Your efforts to reduce water waste could bring in more sales and clients down the road. 

8. Increase in Plumber Competition (and Demand)

As interest in smart home and bathroom technology increases, consumer knowledge of how to fix these devices may decrease. It may be harder to fix a smart toilet than it is a regular one. Not to mention, more than 61 percent of Americans say they value time more than money. Clients may reach out to your team rather than learning the ins and outs of their own sinks and toilets. But, as demand increases, so could your competitors.

To win over new clients and welcome new customers, it’s valuable to research news and trends in your industry. While staying up to date on trends and work orders, ensure you have tools and materials fully stocked with Zoro. 

Sources: Creditcards.com | McKinsey & Company | Moz | Oberlo 

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.