20 Plumbing Statistics and Facts Australia (2024)

The Plumbing industry is a service vital to preserving public health and safety. Plumbing assures that drainage and water supply systems operate well in both residential and commercial buildings. 

We’ll look at 20 amazing plumbing statistics and facts on plumbing systems and the Australian plumbing services sector, offering insights into market trends, business obstacles, and future opportunities.

Growth and Market Size of the Plumbing Industry

Fact #1: Plumbing Market

According to the plumbing statistics, the plumbing goods wholesale industry in Australia has seen a steady decline in revenue over the past five years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.

Fact #2: Plumbing Industry Statistics Growth Rate

The Plumbing Services industry in Australia is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 2.0% over the next five years, reaching a market of $21.9 billion by 2028-29. This plumbing growth is driven by factors like recovery in residential and non-residential sectors, along with ongoing demand for plumbing services.

Fact #3: Plumbing Trends

The plumbing industry is witnessing a technological revolution, with advancements enabling faster and more accurate services.

Market projections indicate steady growth, especially in the eco-friendly plumbing solutions and smart plumbing fixtures market. Energy efficiency is a focus, with solar and tankless systems gaining popularity.

Proactive approaches like predictive maintenance are emerging. Overall, the industry’s future appears promising, driven by innovations that promote efficiency and sustainability, including servicing multi-unit apartments.

Fact #4: Plumbing Services Industry Revenue

The plumbing services industry in Australia is worth $19 billion a year, and despite a 4% decline during Covid, it is forecast to rebound by 2026. Skilled plumbers can earn up to $77,000 as qualified plumbers and $90,000 as master plumbers. The market is characterised by small local businesses, with no single entity holding more than 5% market share.

Workforce and Labor Market in the Plumbing Services Industry

Fact #5: Plumbing Job Market

For those aspiring plumbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) predicts a 2%% growth in the plumbing industry from 2021 to 2031

Unemployment is low, and the industry is growing, with around 100,300 plumbers expected by 2026. Most plumbers work full-time with median weekly earnings of $1,419 and hourly earnings of $35.

They’re mainly in construction, especially in the Victorian government. The median age is 33, and females make up only 1% of professional plumbers.

Fact #6: Labor Shortage

The plumbing industry is facing a labor shortage, especially in Victoria where the growing population and investment in construction and renovation are on the rise.

Fact #7: High School Diploma Requirement

In Australia, it is necessary to have a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate. As a basic requirement for getting into the plumbing business, this schooling is important. Aspiring average plumbers can benefit from having a strong background in topics like math, physics, and technical studies, which can give them the tools they need to be successful in the plumbing industry.

Technology and Innovation in the Plumbing Industry

Fact #8: Smart Bathrooms Market

Based on the Smart bathroom plumbing statistics, Smart bathroom services and sales generate approximately $3 million in revenue for the global plumbing industry and are rapidly increasing in popularity. The smart bathroom market is projected to be valued at $9.5 billion in 2024, with expectations for significant growth.

Smart plumbing fixtures are anticipated to reach $34.60 billion by 2034, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. This rapid expansion highlights the increasing adoption of smart technologies within the plumbing industry.

Fact # 9: Eco-Friendly Plumbing Solutions

Adopting eco-friendly plumbing practices in your home or your multi-unit apartment can significantly impact the environment and reduce utility bills. Here’s how:

Install Low-Flow Fixtures: Replace traditional showerheads and faucets with low-flow versions to save water and money.

Use tankless water heaters: These heaters provide hot water on demand, reducing energy consumption compared to traditional heaters.

Water-Saving Toilets: High-efficiency toilets use less water per flush, aiding water conservation.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect and use rainwater for gardening and other non-potable purposes, reducing reliance on municipal water.

Greywater Systems: Recycle water from sinks and showers for irrigation and toilet flushing, conserving water.

High-Efficiency Fixtures: These fixtures use less water while maintaining performance, reducing waste.

Whole House Filtration Systems: To ensure clean water throughout your home, remove contaminants.

Sustainable Materials: Choose energy-efficient appliances and use plumbing products made from recycled or recyclable materials.

Hire plumbing professionals: Hire from trusted contractors like Link Plumbing to ensure the proper plumbing installation work and maintenance of eco-friendly systems.

Fact #10: Smart Toilets Market

In the global plumbing industry, smart toilets are expected to grow a lot from USD 8.4 billion in 2022 to an estimated USD 20.13 billion by 2031. The smart toilet market offers advanced features like self-cleaning and touchless operation, supported by sensor technologies and AI integration.

Challenges and Opportunities in Plumbing Services

Fact #11: Poor Sanitation in Remote Areas

Poor sanitation is one of the world’s largest environmental and health problems. Within remote Indigenous communities in mainland Australia, contaminated drinking water, poorly maintained water treatment, and hygiene-related issues are caused by overcrowded housing.

Fact #12: Growth Opportunities in the Australian Plumbing Industry

Despite facing challenges, we expect plumbing businesses in Australia to grow. As interest rates rise, there will be less new housing construction, but commercial and infrastructure projects like industrial warehouses and retail premises offer opportunities.

Fact #13: Competition and Competitive Edge

The Australian plumbing industry is highly competitive, with numerous plumbing contractors operating but no single entity dominating the market. Despite challenges such as the impact of COVID-19 and potential shortages of qualified plumbers, the industry continues to offer lucrative opportunities.

Plumbers can earn substantial salaries, and there is room for diversity and inclusion within the workforce. Despite challenges such as the impact of COVID-19 and potential shortages of qualified plumbers, the industry continues to offer lucrative opportunities.

Environmental and Energy Efficiency in Plumbing Services

Fact #14: Hot Water Systems

About 23% of energy used in Australian homes goes to hot water systems. The bathroom is where water heating is used the most, followed by laundry (washing machines) and kitchen activities. Installing water-efficient fixtures, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and choosing the best hot water system are just a few of the ways that households can save expenses and the environmental effect.

Fact #15: Drainage Systems

A high-quality drainage solution can significantly reduce the environmental impact on waterways by preventing debris and pollutants from being carried away during heavy rain. Effective drainage relies on proper positioning, installation, and build quality. 

Key practices for environmentally sustainable drainage include grading impervious surfaces to direct water to vegetated areas, detaining stormwater on-site using permeable materials, using fertilizers and chemicals sparingly, positioning drains on slight gradients to prevent erosion, and choosing durable, non-toxic materials like stainless steel.

Industry Revenue and Economic Impact on the Plumbing Services Industry

Fact #16: Industry Revenue Generated

A projected annualised revenue growth of 2.00% for the plumbing services industry in Australia, is set to ascend to increase to $21.9 billion.

Fact #17: Revenue from Residential Developments

The Plumbing Services sector provides certified services for the setup, fixing, and upkeep of equipment and components designed to capture, transport, and manage fluids, gases, and sewage. Over the last five years, the sector’s earnings have fallen at a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, settling at an anticipated $19.8 billion in 2023.

Fact #18: Non-Residential Building Construction

The number of new homes started increased by 0.5% to 39,715 homes, while the construction of new private sector homes saw a 4.8% increase to 25,072 homes. However, the construction of new homes for private and other residential purposes decreased by 3.1% to 14,071 homes. Moreover, the value of all construction projects completed decreased by 3.5% to $33.4 billion.

Plumbing Installations and Services

Fact #19: Plumbing Installations

Professional plumbing contractors in Australia play a crucial role in various sectors, including house construction, non-building construction, new residential developments, and heavy industry. They provide a wide range of services, from installing plumbing fixtures and ventilation systems to natural gas connections and servicing gas appliances.

Additionally, they address issues such as leaking toilets and provide essential maintenance for gas heaters. Labour statistics show the importance of plumbing professionals in supporting the economy across diverse industries, reflecting the ongoing demand for plumbers.

Overall, these contractors ensure the integrity, safety, and efficiency of plumbing and gas systems, contributing to the functionality and sustainability of properties and industrial facilities nationwide.

Fact #20: Sanitary Plumbing Services

Sanitary plumbing services have seen modest growth, fueled by public funding for sewage facilities and the expansion of non-residential structures. Previously, civil work on sewerage connections in residential areas drove industry activity.

The sector benefits from non-residential building construction, where contractors install and maintain intricate water plumbing systems in diverse settings such as offices, universities, and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, ongoing maintenance and repair work offer consistent revenue streams for many commercial plumbing contractors and facilities management firms.

Looking to solve your plumbing issues with ease? Your plumbing expert awaits! Visit Link Plumbing or call us at 0412 056 027.