Plumber Cons: Real Drawbacks of Being a Plumber in 2025

Being a plumber, a skilled tradesperson who installs and repairs water systems, gas lines, and drainage in homes and buildings. Also known as a pipefitter, it’s a job that keeps homes running—but it’s not all wrenches and paychecks. Many people see plumbing as a steady, high-paying trade. And sure, it can be. But behind the tools and the call-outs, there are real, everyday challenges that don’t show up in job ads.

First, the physical toll, the strain on the body from bending, lifting heavy pipes, crawling under houses, and working in tight, dirty spaces. You’re not just fixing leaks—you’re fighting back pain, knee damage, and repetitive stress injuries. One plumber in Ohio told me he couldn’t kneel without pain after just five years. No one warns you about that. Then there’s the schedule chaos, emergency calls at midnight, weekends, holidays. If your kid has a soccer game, or your mom’s birthday is coming up, you might miss it. Plumbing doesn’t clock out at 5.

Pay can be good, but it’s not guaranteed. In some cities, you’ll make $40 an hour. In others, you’re stuck at $20 because of competition or low demand. And don’t expect benefits unless you’re unionized. Most plumbers are independent contractors, meaning no health insurance, no paid sick days, no retirement match. You pay for everything yourself. Then there’s the job risk, exposure to raw sewage, mold, asbestos, and gas leaks. One wrong cut can mean a burst pipe, a flooded house, or worse. You’re not just fixing pipes—you’re handling hazards most people never see.

And yes, you’ll deal with angry customers. People don’t hire plumbers because they’re happy. They hire you because their bathroom is flooding or their water’s gone cold. You’re the last resort. That means yelling, blame-shifting, and people who think you should fix everything for $50. No matter how good you are, you’ll get treated like a cheap fix-it guy.

Plumbing isn’t a bad career. But if you’re thinking about it, don’t just look at the pay. Look at the cost. The sore muscles. The missed holidays. The stress of being on call 24/7. The risk of getting sick from what’s inside the pipes. The posts below break down what you won’t hear from the brochures—the real, messy, honest side of being a plumber in 2025. You’ll find stories from the field, cost breakdowns, and what actually makes this job worth it—or not.