The plumbing market - Italy (2025)

1.2 The global market

The global plumbing and fixtures market grows steadily from **** to ****, from $**.* billion to $**.** billion, an increase of **.* percent and an estimated compound annual growth rate (***) of *.* percent.

Plumbing and plumbing market World, ****-****, in billions of dollars Source: ****

There are a few factors positively influencing the market and driving this sustained growth. The growth of urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles have a direct impact on construction, which is a major end-consumer of plumbing services. In fact, *.* billion more people are expected to live in cities by ****. The increase in quality of life and disposable income also likely means that consumers will be more likely to spend more in this market and its products. The recent rise of smart homes, which is expected to grow at a rapid pace, will also provide a boost to this market, particularly in the installation of modern showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and faucets

The market is quite fragmented in terms of plumbing services, with most players being SMEs with few employees. However, in terms of plumbing products and systems, there are giants operating on a global scale such as Kohler Co, Globe Union Industrial Corporation, Lixil Group Corporation, Toto Ltd., Masco Corporation, MAAX Holdings, Inc, Hansgrohe, ...

1.3 The European market

In ****, the European plumbing market is worth €**.* billion, with a projected growth to €** billion by ****. This corresponds to an overall increase of **.* percent over the period, with a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.* percent. Compared to the global market, European growth appears more moderate. In fact, globally, the sector shows a more pronounced expansion, with a **.* percent increase between **** and ****, showing an acceleration driven mainly by urbanization in emerging countries and the adoption of advanced hydraulic technologies.

Value of the European plumbing market Europe,****-****, Billions of dollars KBM Research; Research and Markets

1.4 The Italian Market

In this section we analyze plumbing market trends by considering the turnover trends of companies operating in the sector. Initially we consider Ateco code **.**, to which belong from freelance plumbers to large plumbing companies. Next, we analyze Ateco code **.**, to which plumbing construction companies belong, and code **.** related to manufacturing. Plumbing installation In ****, the industry's turnover stood at **.** billion euros, registering a slight increase in ****, when it reached **.** billion euros. In ****, despite global economic difficulties, turnover remained almost stable at **.** billion euros. As of ****, the industry experienced significant growth, with turnover rising to **.** billion euros, marking a substantial increase from previous years. This positive trend continued in ****, with a further jump to **.** billion euros, highlighting the market recovery and accelerating investment in the industry. For the years **** and ****, turnover was estimated by applying the annual growth rate of *.* percent, in line with the European industry average, thus providing a reliable projection of market trends in the short term. Turnover of companies involved in Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Italy,****-****, Millions Istat;Companies Register

Construction of plumbing works

Between **** and ****, the industry's turnover remained essentially stable, fluctuating between *.** billion and *.** billion, reflecting a phase of market consolidation. In ****, there was ...

1.5 Import and Export

Since there is no single code that represents the entire hydraulics market, we chose to analyze several customs codes (***) to provide a comprehensive view of the most relevant segments within this sector. The import and export of liquid pumps, hydraulic actuators, taps and valves reflect dynamics crucial to understanding Italy's position in the global hydraulics market. This multi-sector analysis allows us to capture the nuances and complexity of a sector involving multiple products and technologies, thus offering a ***-degree view of its main components and international competitiveness.

Liquid pumps:

the import and export of liquid pumps (***) are critical to the Italian hydraulic sector, reflecting Italy's role as both a producer and consumer of hydraulic technologies. Exports demonstrate the country's competitive ability in international markets, while imports indicate domestic demand for specialized equipment not produced locally or at lower cost abroad.

exports remain consistently higher than imports. In ****, Italy exported $*.* billion, compared to $*.* billion in imports, with a coverage rate of *.*. This dynamic has been maintained over time: exports grew to *.* billion in ****, peaking at *.* billion in ****. In ****, imports reached *.** billion, still remaining lower than exports, with a coverage rate of *.*, down slightly from the past.

Import and Export of (***) HS **** Italy, ...

2.1 Demand for the plumbing industry in italy

Demand for the plumbing industry in Italy reflects the constant need for maintenance and installation work on domestic systems. Analyzing spending trends and the types of services most in demand provides insight into market dynamics and consumer needs, offering useful insights for operators and companies in the sector.

The average monthly expenditure on home repair and maintenance services increased slightly between **** and ****, from ** to ** euros, a * percent growth.

Average monthly household expenditure (***) on home repair and maintenance services Italy,****-****,current euros Istat;Istat Among the most popular plumbing services, installation and maintenance of fixtures stand out, followed by connections and plumbing. Technical consulting and drafting of estimates also play a significant role, signaling not only operational but also design demand. Less in demand, on the other hand, are administrative tasks and the sale of plumbing components, which remain supporting activities compared to the main services. Plumbers in civil construction Italy,****,scale *-* Professions Demand Drivers The main drivers of demand for the plumbing sector in Italy are multiple and stem from economic, demographic and technological factors. Building renovations and energy upgrades, incentivized by government policies such as the Superbonus, have stimulated the modernization of plumbing systems, promoting more efficient and ...

2.2 Demand in terms of sales

We also wanted to analyze the demand of the plumbing market from the perspective of production in order to get a more complete view of the industry. The production sold of ball and plug taps in Italy peaked in ****, reaching *.* billion, almost doubling compared to previous years. From **** onward, a continuous decline is observed: from *.*** billion in ****, it drops to *.*** billion in ****, down to *.*** billion in ****. Overall, between **** and ****, production sold declined by **.* percent.

Production sold - m.ia of Ball and Plug Taps Italy,****-****, Millions Istat

Different is the trend in production sold of faucet and valve parts, which shows steady growth from **** onward. After touching *.* billion in ****, the sector reached *.* billion in ****, an increase of ** percent from the lowest value recorded during the period under consideration, signaling a consolidation of demand. Production sold - m.ia of Parts of taps and valves Italia,****-****,milioni Istat Production of other sanitary fittings also followed a downward trajectory after the peak in ****. From *** million in that year, the value fell to *** million in ****, a ** percent decrease. This decline could be related to lower spending on component replacement or supply diversification. Production sold - m.ia of Other sanitary fittings, mixers, ...

2.3 Geographical distribution of demand

We decided to break down the geographic distribution of average spending to highlight differences between the purchase of equipment and materials for home repair and maintenance versus services. This approach provides a better understanding of how Italian households allocate different resources based on their geographic location.

A comparison of Italian regions shows that the Northwest has the highest spending, with an average of *.** euros per month. This is followed by the Center with *.** euros, and the Northeast with *.* euros. The Islands stand at an average of *.** euros, while the South shows the lowest spending at *.** euros.

The geographical distribution shows that the Northeast has the highest spending, with **.* euros per month. The Northwest follows with **.** euros, while the Center stands at **.** euros. The Islands show an average expenditure of **.** euros, while the South has the lowest value at **.** euros.

2.4 Online interest in "plumbing"

Analysis of online interest in the plumbing industry provides a clear indication of search trends and seasonality of demand. Monitoring this data helps to understand when consumers are most searching for information and services, allowing companies to adjust their marketing and supply strategies.

Search trends show clear cyclicality, with recurring peaks in the fall and winter months, as evidenced by the high of **.** in November **** and the similar value predicted for October ****. On the other hand, lows are recorded between May and July, signaling a decline in interest in the warmer months.

Trend of online interest in the topic "Hydraulics" Italy,****-****,Google Trends Index Google Trends

Sardinia stands out with the highest value of ***, followed by Liguria with ** and Veneto with **. Other regions with high interest include Piedmont (***). Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna show slightly lower values, between ** and **.

Regions such as Lazio and Abruzzo are in the middle range with **, while Molise, Valle d'Aosta, Marche, Puglia and Basilicata record an interest of **. Areas with the lowest interest include Campania and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, both of which are at the lowest value of **.

This distribution shows greater interest in hydraulics in island and northern Italian regions, while the South ...

3.1 Market structure

Number of businesses:

In ****, there were **,*** enterprises, followed by a decline in **** to **,***. In ****, the number of businesses rose slightly to **,***, maintaining a stable trend in **** with **,*** businesses. In ****, the number remained similar at **,***, declining again in **** to **,***.

Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Installation enterprises Italia,****-****,migliaia Istat

Employment: In ****, there were ***,*** employed, followed by a slight increase in ****, with ***,*** employed. In ****, the number increased further to ***,***. In ****, a more significant increase was observed, with ***,*** employed, and in ****, the number exceeded ***,***, reaching ***,***. In ****, the number of employed people increased again, reaching ***,***. This graph shows a steady growth in the number of workers in the sector, with an increase of **.* percent between **** and ****, reflecting the increased demand for services related to plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Employment in the Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Installation sector Italia,****-****,Migliaia Istat;Companies Register Legal form of enterprises: The table shows the distribution of different legal forms of enterprises in Italy from **** to ****, expressed in thousands. The categories include: sole proprietors, general partnerships, limited partnerships, joint stock companies, limited liability companies, cooperatives and other business forms. During the period analyzed, the number of sole proprietors, freelancers and self-employed persons decreased from **,*** in **** to ...

3.2 Construction of hydraulic works

from **** to ****, the number of enterprises remained relatively stable, fluctuating between *** and *** enterprises. In ****, there were *** enterprises, followed by a slight increase in **** (***). In ****, the number rose again to ***, and then declined slightly in **** to ***.

Water works construction companies Italy, ****-****,hundreds Istat;Companies Register

in ****, the sector employed *,*** people, increasing in **** to *,***. In ****, the number of employed remained stable, with a slight decrease to *,***. Starting in ****, a recovery is observed, with the number of employed rising to *,*** and growing further in ****, reaching *,***. In ****, the sector has *,*** employees, marking the highest level in the period analyzed. This trend shows continued growth in employment in the sector, with a ** percent increase between **** and ****. Employment in the Water Works Construction sector Italy, ****-****,thousands Istat;Companies Register In ****, there were ** sole proprietorships, a number that grew to ** in **** and then dropped to ** in ****. General partnerships, starting at ** in ****, have steadily declined to ** in ****. Limited partnerships remained stable with slight changes, staying between ** and ** firms during the period. Limited liability companies (***) show an increasing trend, starting at *** in **** and reaching *** in ****, indicating an increasing preference for this legal form. Cooperatives, on the other hand, fluctuate between * and * units, remaining a more limited component. Finally, ...

3.3 Major players in the Italian market ATECO (43.22.01)

Impianti SpA

Impianti S.p.A. is an Italian company founded in **** and based in Genoa. it specializes in the design, construction and maintenance of complex technological systems, operating mainly in the energy, oil & gas, shipbuilding and large civil infrastructure sectors. The company offers integrated solutions that include electrical, mechanical, industrial automation, and plumbing and thermal hydraulic systems, such as water networks, air conditioning systems, and fire protection systems.

Gianni Benvenuto Spa

Gianni Benvenuto S.p.A. is an Italian company founded in **** and based in Grassobbio, in the province of Bergamo. The company operates in the plant engineering sector and specializes in the design, construction and maintenance of advanced technological systems. Its main areas of activity include plumbing, thermal-hydraulic, electrical and air conditioning systems, with a focus on customized solutions for civil, industrial and commercial buildings.

G.D.L. Spa

G.D.L. S.p.A. is an Italian company based in Buccinasco, in the province of Milan. Founded in ****, the company operates mainly in the civil and industrial plant engineering sector, offering integrated solutions for the design, implementation and maintenance of technological systems. Its expertise ranges from electrical and mechanical systems to plumbing, heating and air conditioning, with a ...

3.4 The Main Market Players ATECO (42.91)

N.V. Besix S.A.

Founded in ****, BESIX is a leading global construction company headquartered in Brussels. it is active in numerous sectors including infrastructure, civil construction and environmental engineering. Among its most famous projects, BESIX has built the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and is involved in innovative projects such as renewable hydrogen production in Belgium. The company is distinguished by its expertise in the use of cutting-edge technologies such as *D printing

Fincosit Srl

Fincosit specializes in the construction of marine infrastructure, port and coastal defense works. The company focuses on projects that require advanced engineering solutions, with long experience in the construction of docks, piers and dams.

Rhama Port Hub Srl

This company operates in the port logistics sector and provides services related to cargo handling and infrastructure development in Italian ports.

Nuova Co.Ed.Mar. Srl

this is a company active in the maritime and infrastructure sector, specializing in dredging and reclamation works, mainly in Italian ports. The company is also involved in coastal defense works.

Società Italiana Dragaggi Spa

this is one of the leading dredging companies in Italy, specializing in interventions to keep ports and waterways navigable. The company is involved in major projects to expand ...

3.5 The value chain

The value chain in the plumbing industry is complex and includes several stages, each of which contributes to the final value of the product. It starts with the extraction and processing of raw materials, such as steel, copper, and plastic, which are used to produce hydraulic components such as pipes, pumps, fittings, and valves. These materials are then transformed at the production stage through advanced engineering and automation processes, which enable the creation of high-precision, high-quality components. Next, products are distributed through a network of suppliers, distributors, and wholesale and retail dealers, ensuring market availability. Logistics is crucial at this stage to keep costs low and ensure quick delivery times. Specialist installers play a key role, ensuring the proper installation and integration of plumbing systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The added value also extends to after-sales maintenance and technical support services, which ensure the long life and operational efficiency of the systems. Technological innovations such as automation, IoT systems, and water-saving solutions are also redefining the value chain, creating new opportunities for the integration of smart and sustainable systems.

3.6 Focus: Plumber's profession

we decided to devote a section of our research to the plumbing profession because we believe it is a key component to the overall effectiveness of our study. Delving deeper into this area provides a better understanding of the skills required, technological changes, and sustainability trends affecting the industry. This focus makes our research more realistic and in line with current labor market challenges, adding value to our analysis and forecasts.

"Others" account for ** percent of the sample, while "Youth" make up the remaining ** percent. This visualization highlights that most of the population analyzed belongs to the "Others" category, while "Youth" make up a smaller slice.

Age Italy,****,percentage UNIONCAMERE The largest percentage concerns "Professional Experience," which makes up **.* percent of the total. This is followed by "Experience in the same field," with **.* percent, and "Generic work experience" with **.* percent. Finally, **.*% of the jobs do not require any specific experience. Experience Italy,****,percent UNIONCAMERE the majority of positions are for males, who make up **.*% of the total. Females, on the other hand, make up **.* percent, while only *.* percent of roles are considered equally suitable for both genders. Gender Italy,****,percentage UNIONCAMERE

the main cause, indicated by **.*%, is the lack of ...

4.1 Prices of plumbing services

the plumbing market in Italy has experienced a steady increase in prices in recent years, reflecting various factors, including inflation, increasing demand for plumbing services, and rising costs of materials and labor. This trend has a direct impact on both households and businesses in need of plumbing, heating and air conditioning services. Monitoring price trends is critical to understanding the economic dynamics of the industry and anticipating any fluctuations.

Between **** and ****, the annual consumer price index for plumbing services in Italy increased by **.* percent, from ***.* to ***.*.

Annual consumer price index for the whole community of plumbing services Italia,****-****,indice:(***) Istat

Analyzing **** on a monthly basis, we see a gradual growth starting from ***.* in January and reaching ***.* in December. This confirms a continuous upward trend in prices throughout the year, in line with the observed long-term trend.

Monthly Consumer Price Index for the Whole Community of Plumbers' Services Italy,****-****, (***) monthly data Istat

Prices for plumbing services naturally vary depending on the plumber, region, type of service and other factors. The website Preventivo.it provides an overview of average prices for different plumbing services.

There are three costs that need to be considered: the call-out rate, the hourly rate, and the ...

4.2 Average prices of major products used in the plumbing industry

To fully understand the dynamics of prices in the plumbing market, it is essential to analyze the cost of the most widely used products. These prices directly influence both the cost of plumbing services and the performance of the market in general, as they affect business expenses and the final price for consumers.

The tables show the average prices of several key plumbing products. Polyethylene pipes, for example, range from €*.** per meter for ** mm diameter pipes to €**.** for *** mm pipes. Polyethylene fittings have an average cost of **.** €, while electrofusion fittings stand at **.** € for ** mm diameter.

As for components such as valves and gate valves, the average brass ball valve costs €**.**, while ductile iron gate valves range from €**.** to €***.**, depending on size.

Among PVC fittings, **-mm pipeline pipe is priced at €**.** per meter, while ***-mm pipe goes up to €**.**. PVC fittings also have a significant cost, with prices ranging around **.** € per meter.

Bolarino.com

4.3 New trends and technologies le field of hydraulics

In ****, the plumbing industry is being traversed by several innovative trends that aim to improve efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance. One of the main innovations involves the adoption of smart hydraulic systems, which integrate sensors and IoT connectivity. These systems enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing the risk of failure and optimizing operational performance. This technology is becoming crucial for applications in sectors such as heavy industry, agriculture, and FullBlastHydraulics construction .

Another important trend is environmentally friendly solutions. The hydraulics industry is adopting biodegradable fluids and energy-efficient designs to reduce environmental impact. Regenerative systems are also on the rise, enabling energy recovery and reducing resource consumption Brennan.

In addition, miniaturization of hydraulic components allows the creation of more compact systems while maintaining high power levels. This trend is particularly relevant for applications in tight spaces, such as in aerospace and FullBlastHydraulics robotics.

In the field of materials, there is an increase in the use of advanced materials such as lightweight alloys and graphene-based compounds, which improve the durability and strength of hydraulic components, making them more efficient and durable even under extreme conditionsHydraulicsHoses.

Finally, human-machine collaboration, through the use of collaborative robots (***), is improving safety and precision in hydraulic operations, ...

5.1 Regulations

There are a number of decrees, laws, regulations, and rules affecting plumbers and plumbing services.

Technical and professional requirements of the contractor or technical manager

*) Specific technical diploma: a degree in engineering, architecture or physics. *) Upper secondary school diploma: industrial expert diplomas issued by I.T.I. (***)

Companies or individuals intending to carry out all or part of the activities of installation, expansion and maintenance (***) must submit a declaration of commencement of activity, indicating the relevant items for which they can be qualified, the so-called "letters" indicating the possession of the technical and professional requirements by the company, according to its duties resulting from the Chamber of Commerce register.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of plumbing legislation:

Ministerial Decree of May **, **** Supplementary regulations to the regulations approved by Royal Decree No. *** of May **, ****, and provisions for exemption from certain checks and tests established for pressure equipment Ministerial Decree of December *, **** Safety standards for equipment containing hot liquids under pressure Decree of October **, **** Safety prescriptions for the use of gas appliances, operating without external exhaust of combustion products Ministerial Decree of March **, **** Safety standards for the design, construction, installation and operation of LPG storage facilities with a total capacity not ...

5.2 Conclusion

The global plumbing market is growing rapidly, with a forecast to increase from $**.* billion to $**.** billion by ****, a CAGR of *.* percent. The main drivers are urbanization, environmental regulations, and the adoption of innovative technologies such as water-saving systems. In Europe, the market is more mature, showing moderate growth (***) until ****, driven by the upgrading of existing infrastructure. In Italy, the market has reached €**.** billion in ****, supported by incentives such as the Superbonus, with a fragmented structure dominated by SMEs that stand out for quality and innovation. Italy is a significant player thanks to a positive trade balance in the export of pumps and valves. Demand is fueled by building modernization, energy efficiency, and advanced technologies such as smart systems and rainwater harvesting. On the supply side, prices grew **.* percent between **** and ****, influenced by inflation and rising raw material and labor costs. Italian companies such as Gianni Benvenuto and GDL are focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency, while new technology trends such as IoT and advanced materials are redefining the industry.

Analyst comment:

The market is experiencing moderate growth at the European level, while in Italy the expansion appears more sustained. Revenues are increasing for both production and installation and maintenance of plumbing ...

6.1 Segmentation

• Aflutec S.R.L
• Antonacci Termoidraulica
• Gobbi Impianti
• Tecnomat
• Bricofer
• SIRAM S.P.A
• Impianti Spa
• Iren Energia Spa