Yes, the United States is currently facing a massive shortage of plumbers. The industry is experiencing a critical workforce gap, with estimates projecting a shortage of over half a million plumbers and skilled tradespeople in the coming years.
BuildForce Canada estimates that Canada's construction industry will need more than 85,000 additional workers by 2032 to meet demand and replace retiring workers. The shortages are most pronounced in key trades such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers and heavy equipment operators.
The 135 rule means horizontal drain pipes cannot connect using a fitting that creates more than a 135-degree change in direction. In plain terms, you cannot use a standard short-turn 90-degree elbow between two horizontal drain lines. Plumbers use two 45-degree elbows, a long-sweep 90, or a wye-and-eighth-bend instead.
The National Outlook for Plumbers
The future looks bright for plumbers in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbing jobs are expected to grow about 4% from 2024 to 2034, creating around 44,000 new openings each year.
The average annual salary for plumbers in the U.S. is $69,940, with significant state variations. Factors influencing plumber salaries include location, experience, job type, and advancement potential. Plumbing offers job security and competitive pay, with an average starting salary of $47,096.
Licensed Plumber in Canada – $43,680 to $95,680 annually.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Plumber Demand
Some states are in desperate need of more professionals to handle the workload. Georgia stands out with its combined search and service request demand of 56.93 searches and job requests per plumber, followed by South Carolina (53.81), West Virginia (53.77), Delaware (47.42), and Ohio (41.46).
In a November 1954 letter, Albert Einstein famously expressed his admiration for tradespeople by writing:
An interview with Richard Harpin in London, exploring how he built his wealth. The discussion covers how he scaled his business globally, why he chose the home services industry, and the strategies behind reaching billionaire status.
Items to Never Flush or Pour Down the Drain:
Pull-push rule is used for measuring the exact distances of pipe fittings and fixture in the plumbing system in doing the final lay out. It is used in measuring the length of the pipes before cutting. 5. Inside caliper is used to measure the inside diameter of a pipe.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
Nurses, pharmacy technicians, and dental assistants are among the top 15. Randstad describes a “huge shortage” in health care and expects strong job opportunities to continue into 2026.
Most Ontario plumbers charge between $110 and $145 per hour, while after-hours service can cost between $200 and $350. The final cost, however, varies depending on job complexity, fixtures needing replacement, the type of pipes your property uses, and your location.
The "Lonely Canadian" rule (outlined in Subsection 117(1)(h) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations) is an immigration provision that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor one extended relative of any age (such as a sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew).
Thomas Crapper was an English plumber who forever laid his name on the industry when his company was chosen to provide cistern toilets for soldiers in the First World War. Each cistern was labeled with the name of his company — Thomas Crapper & Co.
Legend has it that Marilyn, aware of her intellectual prowess, once suggested to Einstein with her characteristic charm, “You and I could have a child: I would donate my beauty and your intelligence.” Einstein, quick on his feet, reportedly quipped, “Maybe it comes out with my beauty and with your intelligence.” This ...
Albert Einstein had two wives:
There is no single "hardest" trade, as the difficulty depends heavily on whether you struggle more with mental problem-solving or physical endurance. However, a few trades consistently rank at the top for their extreme demands.
The 135 rule in plumbing is usually about direction changes, not how many feet a pipe can run. In practical terms, plumbers often use it to mean that certain drain sections should not exceed 135 degrees of total horizontal change in direction before venting or cleanout requirements become a problem.
High Paying Plumbing Jobs
Fatality and injury statistics: Roofing has one of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities of all occupations. In 2023, roofing contractors experienced 110 deaths due to falls, slips, and trips. Essential safety measures: Wearing safety gear, including harnesses and lanyards, is critical when working on a roof.
10 Things That Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
Yup, Plumbing, the real lifesaver, has saved million and millions of lives over the course of human history.