There’s no secret formula to running a successful plumbing company, but a common trait among successful plumbing businesses is their awareness and adaptability to industry trends.
With this in mind, plumbing business owners should be aware of the 2026 plumbing industry statistics.
At HVAC-Plumber SEO Webmasters, we’ve worked with thousands of plumbing companies over the past 15+ years, which has given us unique insights into industry trends.
In the following post, we will analyze each stat to show you how you can leverage recent trends to modernize your business and keep an edge over your competitors.
Top Plumbing Industry Statistics for 2026
- The U.S. plumbing sector is a 169.8 billion-dollar industry
- There are approximately 132,000 plumbing businesses in the U.S.
- Plumbers earn a median salary of $62,970 and $30.27 per hour
- The plumbing and pipe-fitting industries will grow by 4% over the next eight years
- About 70% of plumbers with a marketing agency are unhappy with the results
- The smart bathroom fixture market will be worth $34.6 billion by the year 2034
- 69% of smartphone users will purchase from companies that provide a good mobile website experience that answers their queries and addresses their concerns
Service-Related Plumbing Statistics
- The average sewer line installation costs between $1,426 and $5,758
- The average gas line installation costs between $500 and $2,000
- The average whole-house repiping costs $7,500
- Slab leak repair costs vary greatly, ranging from $1,500 to $4,500
- The average water heater replacement costs $1,700
The U.S. plumbing sector is a 169.8 billion-dollar industry
Despite economic fluctuations, the plumbing industry is expected to remain strong and sustainable in the near future.
While A.I. technology may impact other forms of labor, plumbers can remain confident for the foreseeable future.
There are approximately 132,000 plumbing businesses in the U.S.
The high number of plumbing businesses is encouraging for the industry as a whole, but it also signals a competitive landscape for local customers.
As a result, it’s vital to implement an effective digital marketing strategy.
Plumbers earn a median salary of $62,970 and $30.27 per hour
The median plumber salary is higher than the U.S. median salary for all jobs, which is a badge of honor for the industry and encouraging for aspiring plumbing contractors.
The plumbing and pipe-fitting industries will grow by 4% over the next eight years
The plumbing industry’s growth is projected to rise by 4% over the next decade or so, which is about the average rate for all industries.
The emergence of AI and its perceived threat to other industries has made plumbing a popular investment target for private equity groups.
In addition, the industry has long been considered somewhat recession-proof due to its essential nature.
About 70% of plumbers with a marketing agency are unhappy with the results
While digital marketing is vital to plumbing success, it’s worth noting that the vast majority of plumbers are unhappy with their current marketing agency.
As a result, finding one of the few competent marketing firms can separate your business from competitors.
The smart bathroom fixture market will be worth $34.6 billion by the year 2034
Technology is expected to increase the market value of some segments of the industry, including smart bathroom fixtures.
The smart bathroom fixture market is expected to reach 34.6 billion by 2034, creating new service opportunities for plumbing companies.
69% of smartphone users will purchase from companies that provide a good mobile website experience that answers their queries and addresses their concerns
In 2026, any reference to a website implies the mobile version because that’s where most consumers access the web.
While most modern designers use responsive web design, meaning the website UX adjusts to the user’s device, it’s still essential to manually test your website’s user experience across all devices.
There is a direct correlation between the ease with which prospects can access information on your mobile website and their willingness to take the next step and become a customer.
The average sewer line installation costs between $1,426 and $5,758
Factors impacting the final cost include location, county regulations, sewer line length, materials used, and property type.
Depending on your area of the country, you might set the price of sewer line installation slightly outside the national range.
The average gas line installation costs between $500 and $2,000
The cost of gas line installation depends mainly on the property’s location.
For instance, urban gas line installation typically requires horizontal directional drilling, whereas rural installations do not. Therefore, the service is less expensive for properties in rural areas.
The average whole-house repiping costs $7,500
Pipe accessibility significantly impacts the cost of whole-house repiping, as labor costs increase when pipes are difficult to access. The home’s size also plays a role in the final price, as does your choice of materials.
Slab leak repair costs vary greatly, ranging from $1,500 to $4,500
The reason for such a wide range in slab leak repair costs stems from the location of the leak.
For example, the leak may originate in the water line or drain line, while in more severe cases, the foundation itself is the source.
The average water heater replacement costs $1,700
The primary variable for water heater replacement cost is unit size. A 30-gallon unit replacement is the cheapest, while an 80-gallon unit is the most expensive.
The type of water heater also plays a role, as tankless, gas, and electric water heaters vary in replacement cost.
Analyzing Plumbing Industry Statistics
The Industry is Healthy
The plumbing industry is expected to remain healthy and profitable in 2026. Business owners can feel confident that there is money to be earned through effective marketing and firm performance.
The median salary for plumbers exceeds $60,000, making it a highly appealing employment option.
Furthermore, the industry itself is worth 169.8 billion. Additionally, the industry is projected to grow by 4% over the next eight years.
Plumbers Don’t Trust Marketing Agencies
Nearly 70% of plumbing companies that work with a marketing agency are dissatisfied with the results.
This is a troubling statistic because SEO for plumbers is vital to a thriving business.
Over 70% of clicks come from either Google Maps 3-Pack results or traditional organic results.
Smart Bathroom Fixtures are Booming
Experts estimate that the smart bathroom fixture market will be worth $34.6 billion by the year 2034.
What does this mean for plumbers? This suggests that the demand for smart fixtures, including Bluetooth showerheads and digital faucets, is on the rise.
Plumbers should also be ready to explain the benefits of these types of fixtures to younger homeowners.
Mobile Users Are Ready to Buy
69% of smartphone users report they will purchase from companies that provide a good mobile website experience that answers their queries and addresses their concerns.
In other words, more people are now using mobile devices to search for home services than ever before.
So, what can you do as a plumber? Make sure that your website and landing pages are accessible and optimized for mobile users.
Plumbing Service Costs Vary by Location
The cost of plumbing services varies by service type and location. You probably already have a nuanced understanding of the market rates within your service area.
As a marketing agency that works with plumbers across the United States, we understand that targeting the right service types can yield legitimate ROI.
Final Thoughts on Plumbing Industry Statistics
The plumbing industry is in a strong position and well-positioned for companies to profit in 2026.
However, the formula for success requires a strong digital marketing presence, excellent customer service, and a committed team.
Plumbing businesses that understand market trends and make the necessary adjustments consistently outperform competitors who are less attuned to such developments.
