Plumbing is a key part of almost any home or building, which provides resiliency to products and materials in this category. Through residential housing and commercial development, as well as strong demand in the repair and remodeling sector, plumbing fixtures show steady, long-term growth.
New home construction in the U.S. is still a challenging arena in 2026, but there continues to be demand to modernize and prolong the function of older homes and buildings, which typically calls for updating and enhancing plumbing systems, bringing them up to code.
Meanwhile, the rise of smart technology and appliances coupled with growing environmental awareness are influencing consumer preferences and the training, knowledge and tools necessary for plumbing professionals to stay ahead of the curve in years to come.
What is the Market Size of the Plumbing Industry in the U.S.?
Plumbing fixture demand remains resilient, as remodeling and brand trust support the category.
The global plumbing fixtures and fittings market reached approximately $114.31 billion in 2025. The market is projected to increase to $164.78 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%, according to The Business Research Company. Meanwhile, the North America market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% through 2030, according to analysis by Grandview Research.
What is the Future Outlook for the Plumbing Industry?
With demand in the plumbing market generally driven by essential service, as opposed to discretionary spending, the outlook is relatively positive. Some of the factors contributing to this growth include the aging of existing housing stock, water-efficiency regulations, urbanization and infrastructure development, technological and design innovations, and a growing awareness around health and hygiene in commercial and residential spaces.
The offline segment of distribution channels—which includes home improvement centers and other brick-and-mortar suppliers—currently accounts for the highest share of revenue, or more than 80%. Customers benefit from in-store demonstrations and being able to view stock firsthand in order to observer their features and make decisions. In-store also allow DIYers and Pros to grab and go for repair items with a more immediate need. However, the online segment is experiencing the most rapid CAGR through 2030 as consumers gravitate toward the convenience of purchasing products through digital distribution channels for DIY and DIFM home improvement projects.
Our custom market research team at The Farnsworth Group is able to drill deep into the degree to which certain specific plumbing market segments are growing or shrinking, as we did for this finished plumbing manufacturer. Custom market sizing research can be tailored to explore details pertaining to the markets in which your brand is active. The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) also provides key market data and insights into various product categories for its members.
What Key Plumbing Trends Will Impact the Industry in 2026 and Beyond?
The housing market continues to be tight, with low growth expected in single- and multi-family housing through 2027. Meanwhile, the desire to bring older homes up to date and remodel the existing inventory to fit current lifestyle needs creates a steady demand for plumbing projects and fixtures.
Additionally, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials and products, multifunctionality, and personalized aesthetic, as well as the appeal of smart technology, is influencing the plumbing industry, as well as the market for plumbing products and fixtures.
Here is a look at some of the main trends that are—and will continue—to affect trade professionals and consumers in 2026:
1. Evolving Economic Conditions and Struggling Housing Inventory
The necessity of plumbing fixtures in both residential and commercial spaces leads to resilient demand, despite economic slowdowns. Single-family housing is expected to stabilize in 2026, while multifamily housing (after experiencing double-digit growth in 2025) is projected to see modest increases, as renting continues to be a solution to the lack of first-time buyer affordability, based on data from our Plumbing Fixtures: Trends and Preferences Report.
In 2027, SF housing starts are projected to increase to 984,000 as affordability improves and pent-up demand returns. MF housing starts are expected to level off at 374,000 in 27 as excess supply is absorbed. As new housing is built, it will drive higher plumbing fixture demand, although needs and solutions vary within SF and MF applications.
There are also some regional differences. Areas with an abundance of healthcare facilities, multi-family housing developments, hospitality properties, and other large buildings will experience a higher demand for commercial plumbing. Meanwhile, cold-weather regions are more likely to have urgent repair needs as a result of pipe failures, freeze damage, and other stressors.
2. Plumbing Aging Out Lends to Remodeling Projects
Plumbing repair and replacements will remain in-demand to keep current housing stock, which is on average 42 years old, livable. Due to the lock-in effect, many homeowners are not able to abandon these problems in search for a different home to move into and must instead deal with the necessary repairs. The ever-aging housing stock in the U.S. and the need to retrofit and upgrade infrastructure will continue to propel demand for plumbers in the home repair and remodel sector of the home improvement market. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, plumbing fixtures and performance are key to functioning.
Based on data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS), included in our Plumbing Fixtures: Trends and Preferences Report, expenditures for improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes is expected to grow slowly but steadily through the middle of 2026 and hit $517 billion by the third quarter. About 25% of homeowners hired a plumbing contractor in the fourth quarter of 2025—on par with last year’s hiring numbers.
3. Homeowners Remain Highly Budget Sensitive
While homeowners remain motivated to improve their homes and renters aspire to buy, income growth continues to lag behind rising costs, which is keeping them budget sensitive. They are being more deliberate with their lower-than-normal disposable income, scaling back project scopes and prioritizing essentials. Pros working with homeowners increasingly face indecision and cost constraints, affecting 47% and 34% of projects, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Additionally, our Quarterly Homeowner Activity Tracker for Q1 2026 found that rising cost pressures displace other challenges, as fewer homeowners report a seamless home improvement experience. In Q1 2026, 43% of homeowners were challenged by the cost of their project, compared to 30% in the same quarter of 2025. Budget and financial reasons is also growing as a reason for postponing or canceling a project.
Contractors, suppliers, and plumbing brands are tasked with responding by offering a breadth of prices and clear value propositions accommodate a range of needs.
4. Pros Handle Most of Decision-Making and Tend to Stick to the Same Suppliers
When choosing products, professionals rely mostly on their owner judgement. About 24% of the time, they also consider input from homeowners when it comes to plumbing fixtures.
They remain open to trying new suppliers, with nearly half purchasing from a new supplier in the past year. Better availability, convenient location, and lower prices are the main drivers. However, about 24% went back to their original supplier and 56% used both the original and the new supplier, demonstrating the importance of existing relationships.
The loyalty that plumbing professionals have to brands is stronger. They only use their non-preferred brand 23% of the time, and they would be willing to pay up to 20% more before switching to a new brand. The main factors influencing their plumbing fixture brand selection are:
- Reliable performance (55%)
- East of installation (32%)
- Style and finish selection (31%)
5. Consumers Seek More Eco-Friendly and Higher Efficiency Options
Environmental concerns continue to be a big part of consumer preferences when it comes to plumbing fixtures and systems, which extends these days to water-treatment and conservation systems, landscape sprinkler systems, fire sprinklers, and waste-management systems. Residents are increasingly aware of their water consumption and seeking new ways to lessen their carbon footprint while creating healthier homes.
Along with concerns around environmental sustainability and water conservation, this type of remodeling and upgrading activity is driven, in part, by inflation. Customers are hyper-aware of long-term value and, consequently, selecting higher-efficiency products that will enhance the function of their home for years to come while keeping utility costs under control. They want products that use less energy and save water.
What New Technologies are Being Used in Plumbing?
As a result, we’re witnessing things like an increased demand for:
- Low-flow fixtures, which help conserve water
- Tankless water heaters, which are energy efficient
- Greywater recycling systems, which are low-cost and easy to install
In The Farnsworth Group’s 2025 issue of the Healthy & Safe Home and Environmental & Energy Performance Attitudes Study in partnership with Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, about 33% of homeowners have concerns about their home’s environmental or energy performance, and among those, 66% are concerned about water use and waste. Among those who have environmental or energy concerns, here are some of projects they are planning to do to increase energy efficiency:
- Tankless water heater (28%)
- Water filtration system (26%)
- Water recovery or retention system (21%)
- Heat pump for water heating (16%)
6. Innovations in Pipe Materials and Designs
In terms of recent innovations in plumbing product development, the trend toward sustainability is creating momentum for innovations in the piping materials and designs, with a focus on enhancing durability, performance, and longevity. This includes things like flexible cross-linked polyethylene, corrosion-resistant materials, and recycled components that can contribute to sustainability.
Customers are interested in products that are more durable, reducing the risk of leaks, optimizing water consumption, and minimizing ongoing maintenance needs. For DIY homeowners, they’re also drawn to piping materials that are easier to install, reducing the risk of error when taking on their own home improvement projects.
7. Smart and Connected Products are on the Rise
Technology continues to evolve in the trade industries, and we’re seeing more influence from generative artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026 that will likely continue to influence plumbing activities.
Homeowners across the U.S. are starting to trend toward smart technology in their residential spaces. In terms of plumbing, this includes everything from smart toilets and motion-sensor faucets to smart leak detectors, WiFi water filtration, and smart shower heads. These products are intended to make life more convenient for American households, while conserving water and energy and preventing things like water damage as well.
For example, the smart toilet market was valued at approximately $9.47 billion in 2024, according to Verified Market Research. The sector is projected to experience a notable CAGR of approximately 12% between 2026 and 2032, reaching $23.44 billion.
8. Heightened Demand for Specialty Plumbing Tools
It’s not only customers experiencing the influence of AI and smart technology. Developments of specialty tools and technology are underway in the plumbing industry to help professionals diagnose and prescribe solutions for plumbing issues—sometimes before they’re even detected by residents.
They can use infrared technology to look for leaks, trenchless pipe equipment to fix sewer lines, or a portable and high-definition camera to inspect drainage systems. Automated technology also can monitor plumbing systems and provide data to detect leaks, trigger automatic shut-off, and track water consumption.
Digital tools make it easier to organize and manage client relationships and offer them preventative maintenance and support. We expect these types of innovations (and adoption by boots-on-the-ground trade professionals) will continue emerging in response to other industry trends. However, efforts in this field need to align with efforts to generate interest in the plumbing profession by eligible participants in the workforce.
9. Growing Need to Expand Professional Knowledge
In light of the trends toward eco-friendly and smart options, plumbing professionals must be prepared to diversify their knowledge to effectively assist clients in understanding emerging product options and smart-home systems integrations.
This could lead to different training and licensing requirements and optional certifications to ensure professional skills stay up to date and relevant in an evolving industry.
Whether or not certifications become essential, trade professionals will have access to more opportunities and sources of revenue by being willing to adapt to shifting consumer priorities and new technology.
What are Effective Strategies for Plumbing Brands?
Plumbing manufacturers and retailers can contribute to this effort, and potentially strengthen brand loyalty and professional relationships, by offering training or tutorials for trade professionals about new products and technologies to help them feel informed and confident on the job. With skilled crews already at max capacity in terms of their time, the more you can empower them when using your products, the better.
Additionally, by conducting Customer Usage & Attitude (U&A) research you can get a better sense of what professional customers, as well as DIY homeowners, are looking for, how they use your products, and attitudes and preferences. By knowing who to target, what to promote, when, and when to say it, you can position your marketing, brand, channel, and product teams for success.
Conducting Custom Market Research to Succeed in the Plumbing Industry
Having the right data in your arsenal is critical to staying on top of industry trends and planning for the future while developing and pricing your building products strategically. The Farnsworth Group is here to help you conduct targeted market research among hard-to-reach plumbers so that you know exactly what to do next to keep up with shifting demands, innovate new technologies, and get the edge over your competitors.
