Quick Answer for Plumbing Contractors
2025 benchmark: exclusive live-transfer plumbing calls typically cost ~$35-$150 and convert 30-50%. Shared web form leads sold to 3-5 plumbers cost ~$15-$50 and convert ~10% or less, meaning a $25 shared lead at 10% close runs ~$250 per won job. By contrast, a $75 exclusive lead at 35% close is ~$214 per job—often double the appointment rate with no competition. Prioritize emergency repair calls for fast cash flow, then layer in water heater and repipe installs for margin.
Plumbing Lead Generation: Complete Guide for Contractors
Everything plumbers need to know about generating, buying, and converting leads in 2025. Emergency response tactics, installation strategies, and year-round lead management.
Table of Contents
Plumbing Lead Costs by Type (2025)
Current market ranges: live-transfer calls ~$35-$150 (exclusive, homeowner on the line), callback leads ~$20-$100, shared web forms ~$15-$50 (sold to 3-5 plumbers), and exclusive web forms ~$50-$80. Live transfers stay the ROI leader because exclusivity + immediacy drive 30-50% conversion.
Live Transfers
- Homeowner on line immediately
- 100% exclusive (no competition)
- Pre-qualified and verified
Callback Leads
- Homeowner expects your call
- 100% exclusive (no race)
- Good for scheduled installs
Shared Web Leads
- Sold to 3-5 plumbers
- Cold calling required
- Heavy competition
Plumbing Cost Per Job Analysis:
Live transfers around $35-$150 convert 30-50%, putting most campaigns near ~$175-$300 cost per won job (floor can be ~$70 when calls are cheap and close rates high). Shared leads at $15-$50 with ~10% conversion end up ~$150-$500+ per job—and you still fight 2-4 competitors. Exclusive live calls avoid the race and usually double or triple appointment rates.
Geography drives price. Recent market data shows national plumbing lead averages around ~$90, with competitive states like Texas pushing ~$120+. Dense metros and urgent emergencies (burst pipes) trend to the top of the $100+ band, while smaller towns can see exclusive calls in the $50-$80 range.
Platform mix matters. Shared marketplaces (Angi/HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, CraftJack, Networx) typically sell the same form to 3-5 plumbers at ~$15-$80. Exclusive providers (ResultCalls, Service Direct, 33 Mile Radius, LeadHelpline) focus on live calls or exclusive web leads at the higher end of the range but with far better close rates—one exclusive provider cites ~$60 average winning cost for plumbing.
Best Lead Types for Plumbing Contractors
1. Emergency Plumbing Leads
Burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, no water
Emergency plumbing leads have highest urgency and conversion (40-50%). Homeowners need immediate help to prevent water damage. Often 24/7 service, higher callout fees ($150-300), but quick close. Best for cash flow and building customer relationships that lead to future work.
2. Installation & Replacement Leads
Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, fixtures
Installation leads have good job value ($800-$3,000 for water heaters, $400-$1,500 for fixtures) with solid conversion. Water heater failures create urgency. Homeowners compare 2-3 quotes, so fast response and transparent pricing win. Excellent profit margins.
3. Drain Cleaning & Maintenance Leads
Clogged drains, slow drains, rooter service
Drain cleaning leads close quickly ($150-$500 jobs) with good conversion. While lower individual value, they're volume drivers and entry point for customer relationships. Upsell camera inspections, identify repiping needs—30% lead to bigger projects.
Plumbing Lead ROI Calculator
Save $99 per job by switching to LeadHelpline plumbing live transfers
Plumbing Lead Service Mix Strategies
Successful plumbers balance emergency calls (cash flow), installations (profit), and maintenance (recurring revenue). Optimize your lead mix based on your business goals.
Cash Flow Focus
Prioritize volume and fast payment
- 60% Emergency repairs
- 30% Drain cleaning
- 10% Small installations
Balanced Growth
Mix of volume and profitability
- 40% Emergency repairs
- 40% Installations
- 20% Drain/maintenance
Profit Focus
Higher-ticket project work
- 50% Installations & Repiping
- 30% Emergency repairs
- 20% Maintenance contracts
Plumbing Industry Benchmarks
| Metric | Emergency | Installation | Drain/Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conversion (Live) | 40-50% | 25-35% | 35-45% |
| Avg Job Value | $200-$1,500 | $800-$3,000 | $150-$500 |
| Time to Close | Same day | 1-3 days | Same day |
Common Plumbing Lead Mistakes
Slow Response on Emergency Calls
Burst pipes and major leaks need immediate response. Homeowner calls next plumber if you don't answer in 5-10 minutes. Live transfers solve this by connecting you instantly.
Not Upselling Drain Cleaning to Bigger Jobs
30% of drain cleaning calls reveal bigger problems (repiping needs, sewer line issues). Camera inspection should be standard—reveals $3,000-$10,000 opportunities.
Plumbing Lead Sources Compared
| Source | Lead Cost | Conversion | Cost Per Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeadHelpline (Live) | $35-$150 | 30-50% | $175-$300 (typical) |
| ResultCalls / Service Direct (Exclusive) | $50-$120 | 25-40% | $125-$480 |
| Angi / HomeAdvisor | $20-$80 | 6-12% (shared) | $250-$1,000+ |
| Thumbtack | $10-$50 | 8-15% (shared) | $67-$625 |
| Google LSA | $20-$60 | 15-25% | $80-$400 |
| Google Ads | $25-$50/click | 5-10% | $500-$1,000+ |
Plumbing Lead Generation FAQs
How much do plumbing leads cost?
Live-transfer plumbing calls typically run ~$35-$150 per exclusive call, callback leads ~$20-$100, shared web forms ~$15-$50 (sold to 3-5 plumbers), and exclusive web forms ~$50-$80. The top end appears in competitive metros and for urgent emergencies.
What is a good close rate for plumbing leads?
Live transfer plumbing leads convert around 30-50% because the customer is on the line and exclusive. Shared web form leads convert ~10% or less since they are sold to multiple plumbers. Exclusive web forms or callbacks generally convert in the mid-20s to mid-30s.
Should I focus on emergency or scheduled plumbing work?
Both are valuable. Emergency calls ($200-$1,500) close faster with higher conversion but lower profit margins. Installations and repiping ($2,000-$10,000) have better margins but longer sales cycles. Balanced mix is ideal.
How quickly should I respond to plumbing leads?
For live transfers, you're already connected. For callback leads: emergency plumbing needs <30 minute response, water heater replacements within 2-4 hours, scheduled work same day. Fast response dramatically improves conversion, especially for emergencies.
Do plumbing leads work year-round?
Yes. Plumbing has consistent year-round demand unlike seasonal trades. Peak periods: winter (frozen/burst pipes), spring (outdoor plumbing), and when water heaters fail. Emergency work is 24/7/365.
Can I target specific plumbing services?
Yes. Specify residential vs commercial, emergency repairs, installations (water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets), repiping, drain cleaning, sewer line work, leak detection, or specific services you offer.
What information comes with a plumbing lead?
Live transfers connect you directly. Callback leads include: homeowner name, phone, address, problem description (e.g., "water heater not heating", "toilet overflowing"), urgency level, and any relevant details about the issue.
How do plumbing lead costs compare to other marketing?
Google Ads for plumbers averages $25-$50 per click with 5-10% conversion to leads, then 15-25% close rate = $500-$1,000+ per job. LeadHelpline exclusive live transfers average $50-$120 (range ~$35-$150) with 30-50% close rates—often resulting in ~$175-$300 cost per won job, even in competitive markets.
Are these leads exclusive to me?
Yes. LeadHelpline provides 100% exclusive leads. Unlike HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack that sell the same lead to 3-5 plumbers, you're the only plumber who receives each lead. No competition, no race to respond.
What is the average plumbing job value from these leads?
Emergency repairs: $200-$1,500. Water heater installations: $1,200-$3,000. Repiping projects: $4,000-$10,000. Drain cleaning: $150-$500. Sewer line work: $3,000-$8,000. Mix of service types balances volume and revenue.
Can I pause plumbing leads when I'm fully booked?
Yes. Pause and resume anytime from your dashboard. Many plumbers pause when their schedule is full for 1-2 weeks ahead, then resume when capacity opens. No penalties or fees.
Do I need to be available 24/7 for emergency leads?
Not required, but emergency plumbing leads (burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups) are highest value and conversion. If you offer 24/7 emergency service, specify this to receive after-hours leads. Otherwise, receive normal business hours only.
How many plumbing leads can I expect per week?
Depends on your service area, budget, and season. Typical plumber receives 12-30 leads/week. You control volume via budget caps. Plumbing has steady year-round demand, unlike highly seasonal trades.
What if I specialize in specific plumbing (e.g., only water heaters)?
You can target specific service types. If you only install water heaters, tankless systems, or specialize in repiping, set those preferences to receive only relevant leads. Specialization often improves conversion.
Do these leads include commercial plumbing work?
Most leads are residential. If you do commercial plumbing, specify this preference to receive commercial leads (restaurants, offices, apartment buildings). Commercial leads have higher value but longer decision cycles.
Ready to Fill Your Schedule?
Join thousands of contractors growing their business with LeadHelpline. No contracts, pay as you go.