How Many Plumbers in the UK

 Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Plumbers and answer how many plumbers work in the UK.

Plumbing is one of the most vital trades in the country, keeping homes, businesses, and public buildings running safely and efficiently. From emergency callouts to large-scale installations, plumbers form the backbone of the UK’s construction and maintenance sectors. But just how many plumbers are currently working across the nation? Understanding the scale of the industry gives useful insight into market demand, opportunities, and the level of competition for both new and established businesses.

The Size of the Plumbing Industry

Estimates suggest there are between 110,000 and 130,000 qualified plumbers working in the UK today. This figure includes self-employed tradespeople, employees of small and medium-sized plumbing firms, and those working for larger construction or maintenance companies. When including related roles—such as heating engineers and bathroom installers—the total number of professionals in plumbing-related fields rises to well over 150,000.

The plumbing industry continues to expand steadily, fuelled by population growth, ageing housing stock, and increased demand for energy-efficient systems. Many plumbers specialise in heating, renewable energy, or bathroom design, reflecting how diverse and adaptable the trade has become.

Regional Distribution of Plumbers

The number of plumbers varies significantly by region. London and the South East have the highest concentration, driven by high housing density and ongoing development projects. Major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow also support strong plumbing sectors with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial work.

Rural areas often have fewer plumbers per capita, which means local tradespeople can build loyal client bases and charge premium rates for availability and reliability. In smaller towns and villages, reputation and word-of-mouth remain essential for maintaining steady work.

Employment Trends in the Plumbing Sector

The plumbing trade in the UK is split between self-employed professionals and those working as employees. Around half of all plumbers operate independently or as part of small partnerships. These self-employed tradespeople often focus on domestic jobs such as repairs, installations, and bathroom refurbishments.

Larger firms and contractors employ plumbers for commercial projects, housing developments, and government-funded infrastructure work. The demand for plumbers with broader skills, including gas and renewable energy installation, continues to rise.

Recent years have also seen a growing number of women entering the plumbing trade, supported by industry initiatives encouraging diversity and training. Although still a small proportion, this shift is gradually broadening the industry’s demographic base.

Demand Outpacing Supply

Despite the large number of plumbers in the UK, demand still often exceeds supply, particularly for skilled tradespeople with gas or heating qualifications. Many regions report a shortage of available plumbers, especially during peak seasons like winter when boiler breakdowns increase.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has highlighted ongoing skills shortages across the wider building and maintenance trades. As older plumbers retire, new entrants are needed to fill the gap. Apprenticeships and retraining programmes have become critical to maintaining the country’s skilled workforce.

This shortage means that qualified plumbers can expect strong job security, steady workloads, and the potential to earn above-average income compared to many other professions.

How Many Plumbing Businesses Operate in the UK

According to business registry data, there are approximately 45,000 to 50,000 active plumbing and heating businesses in the UK. Most are small companies employing fewer than five people, though some regional firms have expanded to manage multiple teams across wider service areas.

These businesses range from local sole traders handling emergency callouts to established firms offering design, installation, and maintenance for large commercial projects. Many plumbers also work as subcontractors, providing specialist services to construction firms and developers.

The Role of Apprenticeships and Training

Apprenticeships remain the main route into the profession, combining classroom study with hands-on experience. A typical plumbing apprenticeship lasts three to four years and leads to recognised qualifications such as the Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating.

Each year, thousands of apprentices begin their training, helping to replace retiring workers and meet rising demand. However, industry bodies continue to emphasise the need for more training opportunities to prevent long-term shortages.

The rise in environmental awareness has also created demand for plumbers skilled in renewable systems such as solar thermal heating, heat pumps, and water-saving technologies. This shift is expanding what it means to be a modern plumber, blending traditional trade skills with sustainable innovation.

Economic Value of the Plumbing Sector

The UK plumbing and heating industry contributes billions of pounds annually to the economy. It supports not only direct employment but also related sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and retail. The sale of plumbing materials, fixtures, and heating systems adds further value through supply chains and distribution networks.

Home improvement trends have also boosted the sector. As more homeowners invest in modern bathrooms, efficient heating systems, and property upgrades, plumbers continue to see stable demand throughout the year.

The Future of Plumbing in the UK

Looking ahead, the UK plumbing industry faces both challenges and opportunities. The transition to low-carbon heating systems and water efficiency standards will require plumbers to learn new technologies and adapt to changing regulations.

Government initiatives to promote energy-efficient homes and renewable energy installations will keep skilled plumbers in high demand. Meanwhile, the ongoing skills shortage offers strong career prospects for those entering the trade.

Digital marketing is also playing a growing role in how plumbers attract business. Online visibility, Google reviews, and local SEO are now key factors in how customers choose who to hire. A plumber’s ability to market effectively online can be just as important as their technical skills in securing new clients.

At Lillian Purge, we help plumbing professionals capitalise on this digital shift. By optimising their websites, managing local listings, and running targeted campaigns, we ensure they stand out in local search results and reach customers ready to book.

Find related guidance in how does a plumber find a water leak underground and how much do plumbers charge per hour. Visit our Plumbers Hub.