Skilled labor squeeze
A new LIXIL study finds U.S. demand for skilled trades far outstrips supply, shifting more complex project and product questions onto retail associates and contractors alike. The U.S. home‑services market was valued near $100 billion in 2025 and is still projected to grow — creating leverage for associates who upskill or cross‑train. (proremodeler.com, openpr.com)
The report, titled "Blocked Pipes," was commissioned by LIXIL and produced by John Dunham & Associates with economist Michael Flaherty, and is listed in the Journal of Applied Business and Economics (Vol. 26, No. 3, 2024). (finance.yahoo.com) Researchers project roughly 550,000 unfilled plumbing positions by 2027 if current trends continue and estimate that modest increases in plumbing labor supply could save the U.S. about $1.27 billion annually in plumbing‑related costs. (contractormag.com) The study models that adding 16,400 plumbers would generate more than 37,000 total jobs and nearly $3 billion in additional economic activity. (contractormag.com) Authors report plumbing services touch 519 of 544 U.S. industry sectors and that roughly 90% of plumbing‑related spending is currently directed toward new construction rather than routine maintenance. (markets.financialcontent.com) The analysis flags a demographic imbalance, noting women represent about 47% of the overall U.S. workforce but make up a small share of most trade professions, and LIXIL says it will publish a dedicated microsite with resources and tools tied to the report to support workforce development. (proremodeler.com) Independent market research places the U.S. home‑services market at about $97.16 billion in 2025 and projects growth to roughly $194.73 billion by 2035 at a compound annual growth rate near 7.2%. (expertmarketresearch.com)
