Why Are Plumbers So Hard to Find?

The Truth About the Skilled Trade Shortage

Introduction

If you’re a plumber, you’ve probably heard it all:

💬 “Why is it so hard to find a plumber these days?”

💬 “I called three companies, and no one picked up!”

💬 “Everyone’s booked out for weeks! What’s going on?”

Homeowners are frustrated because they can’t find a plumber when they need one. Meanwhile, you’re overworked, overbooked, and turning down jobs left and right.

So, why is there such a shortage? Why does every plumber have more work than they can handle?

Let’s break down why plumbers are so hard to find, what caused the skilled labor shortage, and—most importantly—how solo plumbers can capitalize on the demand to grow their business.

1. The “Nobody Wants to Work” Myth

🚨 The Problem: People love to say, “Nobody wants to work anymore!” But that’s not the real issue.

✅ The Reality:

• It’s not that people don’t want to work—it’s that fewer people are choosing plumbing as a career.
• For years, schools pushed college degrees over trade jobs, leading to a decline in new apprentices.
• Many plumbers are retiring faster than new ones are entering the trade, creating a massive gap.

💧 What This Means for You:

If you’re a licensed plumber, you’re in one of the most in-demand careers out there. While other industries worry about layoffs and AI taking over, plumbing is essential and recession-proof.

2. The Demand for Plumbers is Skyrocketing

🚨 The Problem: The need for plumbing services has exploded—but the workforce hasn’t kept up.

✅ Why Demand is Growing:

• Homeowners are renovating instead of moving, meaning more plumbing upgrades.
• The rise of tankless water heaters, smart plumbing, and water filtration systems means more complex installs.
• Aging homes are dealing with leaky pipes, failing sewer lines, and outdated plumbing systems that need replacement.

💧 What This Means for You:

You can charge more, work smarter, and be selective about the jobs you take. If you’re booked out for weeks, it’s time to raise your rates and focus on the highest-paying jobs.

3. Too Many DIY Disasters and Unlicensed Handymen

🚨 The Problem: Homeowners try to DIY plumbing repairs or hire cheap handymen, which often leads to bigger problems later.

✅ Why This is a Problem:

• Some states allow handymen to do minor plumbing work, leading to bad installs and repeat failures.
• DIY tutorials make people think they can replace a water heater or fix a pipe leak themselves—until they make it worse.
• Many homeowners don’t realize that bad plumbing work isn’t just inconvenient—it can cause mold, water damage, and serious health hazards.

💧 What This Means for You:

Educate customers on the risks of cheap, unlicensed work. Highlight the value of hiring a professional by explaining how code violations and hidden leaks can cost them thousands later.

4. The Apprenticeship Shortage: Why Fewer Young People Are Becoming Plumbers

🚨 The Problem: The number of apprentices isn’t keeping up with retiring plumbers.

✅ Why Fewer Young People Are Entering the Trade:

• High schools push college degrees, making plumbing seem like a second-choice career.
• Many apprentices struggle with low pay in the beginning, making it hard to stick with training.
• Misconceptions about low wages and “dirty work” scare off younger workers, even though experienced plumbers make $80K-$100K+ per year.

💧 What This Means for You:

If you’re an experienced plumber, consider hiring an apprentice. You’ll train the next generation while also building a loyal, skilled worker for your business.

5. How Solo Plumbers Can Take Advantage of the Shortage

🚨 The Opportunity: If you’re a licensed plumber, you’re in a prime position to grow your business.

✅ How to Capitalize on the Shortage:

• Raise your prices—You’re in demand, and your rates should reflect that.
• Offer premium services—Tankless water heater installs, leak detection, and repiping jobs are high-profit services.
• Be selective with customers—If someone complains about your pricing, let them find out the hard way why cheap plumbing is a mistake.
• Streamline scheduling—If you’re getting too many calls, use online booking or hire an assistant to handle inquiries.

💧 The Bottom Line: The shortage is bad for homeowners but great for plumbers. If you’re skilled, licensed, and reliable, you have the power to build a thriving business on your own terms.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Plumbing is in Your Hands

The plumber shortage isn’t going away anytime soon. While homeowners struggle to find qualified pros, you have the upper hand.

By charging your worth, focusing on high-value jobs, and running your business efficiently, you can thrive in an industry where demand keeps growing.

💧 Your turn: Have you noticed the effects of the plumber shortage in your area? Drop a comment below!

FAQ

1. Why are plumbers so hard to find?

There’s a shortage of skilled plumbers because fewer young people are entering the trade, while demand for plumbing work keeps increasing.

2. What’s causing the plumber shortage?

The shortage is caused by an aging workforce, fewer apprentices, rising demand for plumbing upgrades, and a lack of emphasis on trade careers in schools.

3. How does the plumber shortage affect homeowners?

Homeowners struggle to find available plumbers, which leads to longer wait times and higher prices for plumbing services.

4. How can plumbers take advantage of the skilled trade shortage?

Plumbers can raise their rates, prioritize high-paying jobs, and streamline their workflow to maximize profits and efficiency.

5. Is becoming a plumber a good career choice in 2024?

Absolutely! The demand for plumbers is higher than ever, and skilled professionals can make $80K-$100K+ per year with job security and no student debt.