Thinking of Buying a Plumbing Business in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

The Australian plumbing industry represents a lucrative $15 billion market with approximately 26,000 businesses nationwide.

With households spending over $1,000 annually on plumbing services and the industry projected to grow at 2.0% annually to reach $21.9 billion by 2028-29, plumbing offers resilient investment opportunities.

However, before diving in, savvy buyers need to understand the critical factors that separate thriving operations from struggling ones.

Question 1: How has the business performed financially compared to industry benchmarks over the past three years?

Why It Matters

Plumbing businesses should maintain healthy profit margins despite recent industry challenges.

While overall industry margins have narrowed to 7.6% in 2023-24 due to rising material costs and residential market downturns, well-positioned businesses in non-residential and maintenance sectors still achieve solid profitability.

Understanding where a potential acquisition sits relative to these benchmarks helps identify value or potential red flags.

What to Check

• Examine profit margin trends over three years to identify if the business is maintaining margins above the industry average of 7.6%
  
  
• Analyze revenue distribution across service categories (installation vs. maintenance) to verify diversification—maintenance work provides more stable income during economic fluctuations
  
  
• Review cost structures to ensure wages remain proportional (industry average is 29.8% of revenue) and materials/equipment costs (48.6% of revenue) are managed efficiently
  
  
• Evaluate cash flow patterns and strategies for managing seasonal fluctuations, which are common in plumbing operations

Question 2: What is the business's market positioning and customer distribution across residential, commercial, and emergency services?

Why It Matters

The plumbing industry is experiencing divergent trends across different market segments.

While residential single-unit construction has declined due to interest rate hikes, non-residential building and infrastructure markets remain robust.

Businesses with diversified customer bases and specializations are better positioned to weather market shifts. Additionally, emergency services typically command higher margins than routine maintenance.

What to Check

• Review customer records to quantify the proportion of revenue from residential, commercial, and industrial clients
  
  
• Assess the business's specialization areas (e.g., eco-friendly plumbing, emergency services, gas fitting) and their corresponding growth trajectories
  
  
• Examine the geographic service area and local market competition—most plumbing contractors employ fewer than 20 people and service narrow geographic areas
  
  
• Analyze customer retention rates and recurring service contracts, which indicate business stability and reputation—established businesses often become trusted community fixtures with loyal customer bases

Question 3: How is the business addressing industry challenges including skilled labor shortages and technological integration?

Why It Matters

The plumbing industry faces persistent challenges that directly impact operational efficiency and growth potential.

Labor shortages have intensified following COVID-19 border closures, putting upward pressure on wage costs.

Additionally, the industry is evolving with digital technologies for customer management and service delivery, while facing new competition from multi-disciplined facilities management companies for larger commercial contracts.

What to Check

• Evaluate staff retention strategies and training programs—high staff turnover disrupts operations and customer relationships
  
  
• Assess the implementation of technology including CRM software, online booking systems, and digital payment methods that improve efficiency
  
  
• Review inventory management systems and supplier relationships, critical for avoiding service disruptions and managing costs
  
  
• Examine how the business monitors potential building projects and secures new contracts, particularly in growth sectors like non-residential construction and infrastructure

Ready to tap into a steady stream of income with a plumbing business?

With consistent consumer demand and an industry projected to grow to $21.9 billion by 2028-29, plumbing businesses offer strong investment potential despite some short-term challenges.

The key to success lies in selecting businesses with diversified service offerings, strong community reputation, and adaptability to changing market conditions.

For a more comprehensive exploration of this opportunity, read the full article here: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Plumbing Business