How Many Plumbing Businesses Are in the US in 2024?

If you’re a homeowner dealing with a leaky faucet, a contractor researching market competition, or an aspiring entrepreneur eyeing the trades, you’ve probably wondered: Just how many plumbing businesses operate in the US today? In 2024, the plumbing industry continues to grow—but not without challenges like labor shortages and rising material costs. Understanding the number of plumbing businesses in the US in 2024 gives you valuable insight into market saturation, service availability, and business opportunities. Let’s dive into the latest data, trends, and what they mean for you.

How Many Plumbing Businesses Are There in the US in 2024?

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 County Business Patterns (CBP)—the latest official dataset available as of mid-2024—there are approximately 135,000 to 140,000 plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractor establishments in the United States. While this figure includes HVAC services, industry analysts estimate that roughly 70–75% are primarily plumbing-focused, bringing the estimated number of dedicated plumbing businesses to between 95,000 and 105,000 in 2024.

This estimate aligns with projections from IBISWorld and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which report steady year-over-year growth in the residential and commercial plumbing sectors—driven by aging infrastructure, new housing construction, and increased demand for water-efficient systems.

💡 Note: The U.S. Census Bureau defines an “establishment” as a single physical location where business is conducted. Many plumbing companies operate multiple locations, so the number of businesses (legal entities) is slightly lower than the number of establishments.

For authoritative context, you can explore the broader classification of plumbing contractors under NAICS code 238220 on Wikipedia .

Why Is the Number of Plumbing Businesses Growing?

Several key factors are fueling the expansion of plumbing businesses across the U.S.:

• Aging Infrastructure: The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave U.S. drinking water infrastructure a “C-” grade in 2021, estimating a $1 trillion investment gap over 25 years. This drives demand for pipe replacements, leak detection, and system upgrades.
• Housing Market Activity: Despite higher interest rates, new home construction remains robust in Sun Belt states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona—each requiring full plumbing installations.
• Skilled Labor Shortage: Paradoxically, the shortage of licensed plumbers has encouraged entrepreneurship. Many experienced technicians are launching their own firms to meet unmet demand.
• Post-Pandemic Home Improvement Surge: Homeowners continue investing in renovations, with bathroom and kitchen upgrades ranking among the top projects—both heavily reliant on plumbing work.

State-by-State Breakdown: Where Are Plumbing Businesses Concentrated?

Not all states have equal plumbing business density. Population size, climate, and construction activity heavily influence distribution.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau CBP 2022, adjusted for 2024 growth trends

Interestingly, states like Idaho, Nevada, and South Carolina show the fastest year-over-year growth in new plumbing startups—thanks to population influx and new housing developments.

What Types of Plumbing Businesses Exist in 2024?

The plumbing industry isn’t monolithic. Most businesses fall into one of three categories:

1. Residential Plumbers
   • Focus: Leak repairs, fixture installations, water heater services
   • Make up ~65% of all plumbing businesses
   • Often operate as local, owner-operated shops
2. Commercial & Industrial Plumbers
   • Serve offices, hospitals, factories
   • Require specialized certifications (e.g., backflow prevention)
   • Typically larger firms with teams of licensed technicians
3. Emergency & 24/7 Service Providers
   • Offer after-hours support for burst pipes or sewage backups
   • Higher pricing but critical for customer retention
   • Increasingly using digital dispatch and AI scheduling tools

Many modern plumbing companies blend these models—offering residential service by day and emergency calls at night to maximize revenue.

Challenges Facing Plumbing Businesses in 2024

Despite strong demand, plumbing entrepreneurs face real hurdles:

• Labor Shortages: The BLS projects a 2% annual decline in available plumbers through 2032 due to retirements and lack of new entrants.
• Rising Material Costs: Copper, PVC, and PEX prices have fluctuated significantly post-pandemic, squeezing margins.
• Licensing Complexity: Each state (and often county) has different licensing requirements, making multi-state expansion difficult.
• Digital Competition: Homeowners increasingly compare plumbers via Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Google Reviews—raising the bar for online presence and customer service.

To stay competitive, top-performing plumbing businesses invest in:

• Online booking systems
• Transparent pricing (e.g., flat-rate service menus)
• Apprenticeship programs to train new talent

How to Verify a Plumbing Business’s Legitimacy

With tens of thousands of options, how do you know if a plumber is trustworthy? Follow these 4 steps:

1. Check State Licensing: Visit your state’s contractor licensing board website (e.g., CSLB for California).
2. Read Google & BBB Reviews: Look for consistent 4.5+ ratings and responses to negative feedback.
3. Ask for Proof of Insurance: Legitimate businesses carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
4. Request a Written Estimate: Avoid verbal-only quotes—reputable plumbers provide itemized digital estimates.

This due diligence protects you from scams and ensures quality workmanship.

FAQ Section

Q1: Is the plumbing industry growing in 2024?

A: Yes. IBISWorld reports a 3.1% annual growth rate for plumbing services through 2024, driven by infrastructure needs and housing demand. The industry is projected to reach $150+ billion in revenue by year-end.

Q2: How many new plumbing businesses started in 2023–2024?

A: Approximately 4,000–5,000 new plumbing establishments launched in the U.S. between mid-2023 and mid-2024, according to SBA loan data and Dun & Bradstreet business registrations.

Q3: Are most plumbing businesses small or large?

A: Over 85% of plumbing businesses employ fewer than 10 people. The industry is dominated by local, family-owned operations rather than national chains.

Q4: Which city has the most plumbing businesses per capita?

A: Las Vegas, NV leads in per-capita density due to rapid population growth, new construction, and high rates of plumbing issues in desert climates (e.g., hard water damage).

Q5: Do I need a license to start a plumbing business?

A: Yes—in all 50 states. Requirements vary, but typically include 2–5 years of apprenticeship, passing a trade exam, and liability insurance. Check your state’s contractor board for specifics.

Q6: How accurate is the “number of plumbing businesses in the US in 2024”?

A: While the U.S. Census data lags by 1–2 years, industry analysts use real-time indicators (SBA filings, tax records, job postings) to project current figures with 90–95% confidence.

Conclusion

Understanding the number of plumbing businesses in the US in 2024 isn’t just about statistics—it’s about recognizing opportunity, competition, and reliability in a vital service industry. Whether you’re hiring a plumber, considering a career in the trades, or launching your own shop, this data empowers smarter decisions.

The plumbing sector remains resilient, essential, and ripe for innovation—especially as technology and sustainability reshape how services are delivered. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend, contractor, or aspiring entrepreneur on social media! Your next great home fix—or business idea—might start with a single pipe. 🛠️💧