U.S. Plumbing Industry Delivers $442 Billion Economic Impact as 550,000-Worker Shortage Looms
Two new economic studies highlight the critical role of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers in the U.S. economy while warning that the country could face a shortage of approximately 550,000 plumbers by 2027. The findings point to both the substantial economic contribution of the plumbing sector and the growing risks created by a lack of skilled workers.
The studies were conducted by economic research firm John Dunham & Associates. The study examining the economic consequences of skilled labor shortages was commissioned by LIXIL, a member of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), and conducted in collaboration with economist Michael Flaherty.
According to PMI’s “Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study,” plumbers and plumbing manufacturers collectively generate more than $442 billion in annual economic impact across the United States. Together, the two industries support nearly 1.8 million jobs, generate more than $142 billion in wages, and contribute almost $60 billion in tax revenue.
The economic contribution is significant across both segments. Plumbing manufacturers alone account for approximately $129 billion in total economic impact, supporting 500,487 jobs and generating around $37 billion in wages. The plumbing workforce has an even larger economic footprint, with plumbers contributing approximately $313.5 billion in economic impact, supporting 1,283,579 jobs, and generating nearly $105.1 billion in wages.
The PMI data can also be analyzed geographically, allowing economic impacts to be examined by state as well as congressional, state House, and state Senate districts. This provides policymakers and industry stakeholders with detailed information about the importance of plumbing-related businesses and employment in local economies.
PMI CEO and Executive Director Kerry Stackpole emphasized the interconnected relationship between plumbing manufacturers and professional plumbers.
“These economic impact data illustrate the vital symbiotic relationship between plumbing manufacturers and plumbers,” Stackpole said. He noted that the combined industries create well-paying employment opportunities, provide pathways for workers to develop in-demand technical skills, and generate tax revenue that helps support schools, infrastructure, and other public services.
Projected Shortage Could Reach 550,000 Plumbers
While the economic contribution of the plumbing industry is substantial, the second study highlights a major challenge facing the sector: a rapidly growing shortage of skilled workers.
The LIXIL-commissioned study, “Blocked Pipes: The Economic Consequences of Skilled Worker Shortages,” projects that the United States could have approximately 550,000 unfilled plumbing positions by 2027.
Such a shortage could have consequences well beyond the plumbing industry itself. Builders may experience longer construction schedules because of limited access to qualified plumbing professionals. At the same time, property owners could face higher costs as demand for skilled labor increases.
The study estimates that adding just 16,400 plumbers to the workforce could reduce plumbing costs by nearly $1.27 billion annually. It could also generate an additional $144.5 million in annual savings through reduced maintenance costs for plumbing infrastructure.
These findings demonstrate how even a relatively modest increase in the skilled plumbing workforce could deliver substantial economic benefits.
Plumbing Services Support Hundreds of Industries
The LIXIL study also underscores the importance of plumbing services throughout the broader U.S. economy. Plumbing is not limited to residential construction or traditional building projects. According to the research, plumbing services are essential to 519 of the 544 industry sectors in the United States.
Industries dependent on plumbing expertise include healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and numerous other sectors. These industries rely on properly installed and maintained plumbing systems to support daily operations, protect workers, and maintain essential infrastructure.
As the skilled labor pool becomes tighter, companies may encounter higher service costs, project delays, quality concerns, and operational inefficiencies. Major construction and infrastructure projects could consequently take longer to complete, potentially slowing investment and economic growth.
The research also identified an imbalance in how plumbing labor is currently allocated. Approximately 90% of plumbing-related spending is associated with new construction, leaving fewer resources available for routine maintenance and repairs.
This concentration of labor on new construction could increase the risk of infrastructure failures and deferred maintenance. Over time, inadequate maintenance could increase repair expenses and create additional pressure on critical water and plumbing infrastructure across the country.
Creating New Pathways Into the Skilled Trades
Addressing the projected workforce shortage will require the industry to attract new workers while creating opportunities for people considering a career change.
Troy Benavidez, LIXIL’s leader of strategic partnerships, government relations and policy and a PMI Board of Directors member, emphasized that plumbing and other skilled trades can offer viable career options for people at different stages of their working lives.
He noted that skilled trades can provide opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, business ownership, and long-term economic mobility without requiring workers to take on the significant student debt often associated with traditional four-year education.
An expanded plumbing workforce could also support faster housing construction, more efficient water use, safer buildings, and improved maintenance of existing infrastructure. At the same time, a strong plumbing workforce is essential for ensuring that increasingly sophisticated plumbing products and technologies are correctly installed and maintained.
Education and Apprenticeships Key to Closing the Gap
Industry leaders say that closing the projected labor gap will require greater investment in vocational education, apprenticeships, and work-based learning programs.
PMI has supported legislation allowing Americans to use 529 education savings accounts for expenses associated with learning the plumbing trade, taking certification examinations, and maintaining professional credentials. The organization also supports legislation and grant programs designed to increase participation in work-based learning.
LIXIL has similarly launched initiatives aimed at strengthening the skilled-trades workforce. Through programs such as TradeUp and GIVE, the company works with educators, customers, and local communities to provide students with training, tools, and exposure to careers in the trades. LIXIL also collaborates with organizations including WorldSkills and Tools & Tiaras, as well as state and local governments.
The combined findings of the two studies present a clear message: plumbing is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, but its future growth depends heavily on solving the skilled-worker shortage. With hundreds of thousands of positions potentially remaining unfilled by 2027, expanded training, apprenticeships, education, and industry collaboration could be essential to ensuring the country has enough qualified professionals to build, maintain, and modernize its plumbing infrastructure.
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