Author: Patrick Herron

Have you tried to hire a plumber recently (or any other tradesperson for that matter)? You may have noticed it is increasingly difficult to find qualified plumbers and that prices have increased dramatically. You are not alone. A phenomenon in the last 20 years, fewer and fewer Americans have entered the trades for a variety of reasons. Prestige, societal pressures, and a cultural shift away from labor intensive careers have pushed young people towards different career paths. As of 2021, for every 5 master plumbers that retire only 1 fills their place. Moreover, the average age of a plumber is 55 years old. The numbers are staggering and indicate a looming crisis as plumbers and tradespeople are critical to a functioning society.

The Drain Guys, a plumbing company based in Rockville, Maryland, is working to promote the plumbing trade as a viable career path for the next generation of people entering the workforce. Their mission, besides providing affordable plumbing services to Montgomery County and its surrounding areas, is to help young people build successful lives with financial stability and a clear path to retirement in a time of increased economic uncertainty. The Drain Guys hopes to help dispel the myth that plumbing is not a respectable, lucrative career. In fact, experienced plumbers in Montgomery County often command well over $100,000 per year plus competitive benefits,