Behind the Wall Plumbing

Increasing Number of Bathrooms per Structure to Drive Demand

US spending on behind the wall plumbing (BTW) products is projected to advance 4.6% annually through 2022. Rising single-family housing completions and consumer interest in adding bathrooms to existing homes will boost demand for BTW plumbing products. As more bathrooms are installed, more and longer pipe runs will be needed to connect these bathrooms to water supply and sewer lines, while more fittings and valves will be needed to direct and regulate fluid flows.

Key Findings in the Behind the Wall Plumbing Study:

Homeowner Interest in Adding Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures to Support Growth

In addition to installing more bathrooms in residences, homeowners will add fixtures to kitchens and bathrooms to enhance convenience. Such amenities as island and prep sinks, pot fillers, his-and-her vanities, and showers with multiple showerheads will further promote demand for BTW plumbing products. All of these fixtures need pipe and fittings to connect them to existing water supply and sewer networks, and valves are needed to ensure that water is delivered to fixtures at the proper temperature.

Radiant Flooring Systems to See Strong Demand Advances

Among all applications, radiant flooring systems will see the most rapid demand gains going forward. Demand will be fueled by increased installations in new homes and high-end commercial buildings and greater use in bathroom renovation projects. The installation of radiant flooring systems generates significant demand for BTW plumbing products. Significant quantities of pipe are needed to move water beneath floors, while large numbers of pipe supports and other fittings are needed to secure pipes.

Fire Suppression Systems Will Continue to Account for Largest Share of Demand

Fire suppression systems accounted for the largest share of BTW plumbing product demand in 2017 and will continue to do so going forward. Building codes require the installation of these systems in nearly all new commercial structures and multifamily housing complexes, thus ensuring significant demand for these systems in any given year. Going forward, demand for fire suppression systems will be supported by growth in commercial construction spending and rising interest among building code specifiers in requiring the use of these systems in new single-family residences.

Study Coverage

This industry study presents historical demand data (2007, 2012, and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 and 2027 by product (pipe, fittings, valves, fire sprinklers), application (fire suppression systems, distribution, DWV, radiant flooring) and market (new residential, residential improvements and repairs, new commercial, commercial improvements and repairs). Demand is presented in dollar value terms, as well as in unit demand for pipe fittings and fire sprinklers. The study also evaluates factors driving kitchen and bathroom remodeling spending growth and discusses key sales channels.