Signs Plumbing Franchises are Recession-Resistant
Plumbing franchises continue to see demand through recessions
Common plumbing issues brought on by the pandemic kept plumbers busy, even during unprecedented times. Plumbing in the pandemic fared rather well, mostly because the sector’s services were deemed “essential” and able to continue operations. Plumbers can now rest assured that whatever happens in the world, we as a society recognize the work of plumbers must go on.
But even as the world has reopened, the need for plumbers showed no signs of slowing down. According to a recent study, the demand for the plumbing industry’s services is expected to increase over the next five years. Already, the industry’s annual revenue has hit $124 billion, with 127,343 plumbing businesses and 565,537 jobs as of 2021.
Across the U.S., however, the need for skilled labor outpaces available workers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, for example, recently said 75% of construction companies are asking contractors to do more work than usual to meet demand.
For an industry whose services are in such high demand, there is an incredible lack of available plumbers. In 2021, the National Homebuilder’s Association estimated there was an incredible 55% shortfall of plumbers needed across the country.
How has the pandemic affected the plumbing industry?
As many other industries and businesses struggled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, plumbing saw unprecedented demand.
In fact, one study stated that the demand for plumbers skyrocketed, both during shutdowns and after they were lifted, due to a number of plumbing-related issues – drainage problems, clogs in the system, emergency calls, burst pipes, you name it. People were spending more time at home and realizing it was long overdue to address their plumbing systems and other home infrastructure needs. As a result, the plumbing industry continued to thrive during a time when most other industries were experiencing economic hardship, further proving the industry is capable of withstanding whatever is thrown at it.
The need for plumbers is showing no signs of slowing down, either. As the housing market continues to erupt all over the country, plumbers are in high demand and in low supply. According to the same study, online searches for plumbers reached their highest levels in five years, another sign of soaring demand for their skilled labor.
So let’s talk about what kept plumbers’ phones ringing off the hook, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Toilet Paper Substitutes
One of the most commonly reported problems in plumbing systems is the flushing of sanitary wipes, baby wipes, and extra thick toilet paper. People aren’t supposed to flush these items, because they don’t break down the same as traditional toilet paper. Once a clog forms, it can wreak havoc on the system. Even still, these items find their way flushed down the toilet, and eventually homeowners have to call a plumber. Sure, it’s not great for the plumbing system, but it’s keeping our plumbers in demand.
Old Water
Here was a problem no one was ever expecting – offices, gyms, schools, shopping malls, and other buildings that were left vacant during pandemic shutdowns ended up with water sitting in pipes for weeks and months, which developed the potential to become dangerous to human health.
When water sits stagnant for too long, it can grow harmful organisms and bacteria that can make people sick. Additionally, water sitting in pipes, not moving, can even accumulate unsafe levels of lead and copper, which can also lead to a number of health issues. With contaminated water, your first call is to a plumber.
Community Sewage Blockage
Not sure what “community sewage blockage” is? Well, you’re not alone.
After toilet paper flew off shelves in the early days of the pandemic, substitutes such as sanitary wipes, which are not made to be flushed, were being sent down the drain in record numbers. So, when a mass of non-flushable material starts to clog sewer lines and infrastructure, it becomes a community sewage blockage. These are also often called ‘fatbergs’ because the mass of non-flushable material typically combines with other non-soluble substances, such as fats, which are not supposed to go down the drain, either.
In Australia, for instance, a 100,000-pound blockage was discovered as a direct result of people flushing wet wipes and other toilet paper alternatives during the pandemic. The cost to fix such a large-scale problem can be astronomical.
Join Z PLUMBERZ and the Plumbing Industry Today!
Anyone researching franchise opportunities looks for several key factors. Finding an industry whose services are in high demand with little competition seems too good to be true. But at Z PLUMBERZ, it’s the reality.
The demand for plumbers is far greater than the number of plumbers on the ground and available to meet that demand. Z PLUMBERZ offers aspiring entrepreneurs an affordable, effective franchise opportunity to break into and thrive in this essential industry. We’ve developed a business plan that allows our franchisees to hit the ground running with a model that’s built to scale.
If you’re ready to invest in a recession-resistant business like Z PLUMBERZ, fill out our form here, and one of our team members will be in touch. We can’t wait to start a conversation with you about the Z PLUMBERZ franchise opportunity!