The global drinking water pipe repair market, valued at US$ 71.1 Bn in 2022, is on a growth trajectory, projected to reach US$ 128.5 Bn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2031. This market is gaining momentum as concerns around water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and rapid urbanization continue to intensify across the globe.
Analyst Viewpoint
The growing pressure to ensure access to clean water is driving governments, municipalities, and private stakeholders to invest in water infrastructure upgrades, especially in pipe rehabilitation. A significant focus is being placed on detecting leaks, reducing non-revenue water (NRW), and modernizing aging systems to prevent wastage and health hazards. Technological innovations such as acoustic monitoring, trenchless repair, and advanced pipe materials are transforming how drinking water pipe repairs are approached.
Market Dynamics
Water Scarcity: A Global Crisis
Water scarcity is no longer a distant concern—it is a pressing global issue. According to the UN, 2.2 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water in 2022, and 703 million had no access to basic water services. In parallel, 3.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation. Leaks and damaged water pipes contribute to massive water losses, further exacerbating the issue.
Governments worldwide are launching water conservation initiatives to mitigate this challenge. In the U.S., the WaterSense program promotes water-efficient products and infrastructure. Singapore’s NEWater initiative and Israel’s water recycling and desalination programs are prime examples of public sector innovation aimed at addressing water scarcity through better water management.
Repairing damaged water pipes is emerging as a practical and cost-effective way to reduce NRW losses and ensure sustainable supply.
Urbanization and Population Growth
The UN forecasts that the global population will hit 9.7 billion by 2050, with 7 billion people living in urban areas. As urban populations grow, the demand for reliable drinking water distribution systems also increases. Poorly maintained or outdated infrastructure cannot support this demand, making repair and upgrade efforts a top priority.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the U.S. alone witnesses 240,000 water main breaks per year. These incidents cause service disruptions, property damage, and massive financial losses, reinforcing the need for proactive repair strategies.
Infrastructure Challenges and Investment Opportunities
Many water systems around the world operate on decades-old pipelines that are approaching or have surpassed their operational lifespan. The shift toward preventive maintenance and system modernization is driving investments in pipe repair services.
Cities and governments are allocating substantial budgets to update their water networks. This presents a lucrative opportunity for repair service providers, pipe material manufacturers, and leak detection technology companies.
Technology Trends in Pipe Repair
The market is witnessing rapid adoption of trenchless pipe repair techniques, which enable underground repairs with minimal surface disruption. Additionally, remote assessment and monitoring technologies using acoustic sensors or smart metering systems are helping utilities detect issues before they escalate.
Manufacturers are also innovating with new plastic and composite materials that resist corrosion and offer longer service life in urban environments. Companies like 3M, Aegion Corporation, and Kurita Water Industries Ltd. are expanding their offerings through R&D investments and acquisitions.
In 2022, Kurita Water Industries Ltd. launched the Kurita Innovation Hub, while Corrpro UK (Holdings) Limited acquired Corrpro Companies Europe Limited in 2024, signaling industry consolidation and capability expansion.
Segment Insights
The pipes & connectors segment held the largest market share in 2022 due to increased use in addressing leakages and preventing pipe bursts. This is driven by construction booms in emerging economies, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
Trenchless pipe repair is another high-growth segment, appealing to utilities looking for cost-effective and non-intrusive solutions in dense urban settings.
Regional Outlook
Asia Pacific leads the global market, with China and India driving the demand. Government-backed programs like India’s Atal Bhujal Yojana are helping communities manage groundwater usage, while simultaneously promoting investment in clean water infrastructure.
Other high-growth regions include North America and Europe, where old infrastructure and strict water quality regulations fuel demand for pipe repair and modernization.
Key Players and Competitive Landscape
The drinking water pipe repair market is moderately consolidated, with key players including:
- 3M
- Aegion Corporation
- Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
- AGRU Kunststofftechnik GmbH
- Amex Sanivar
- Mueller Water Products
- BRAWO SYSTEMS GmbH
These companies are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographical expansion to strengthen their market presence.
Conclusion
The drinking water pipe repair market plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable water management. As water scarcity looms and infrastructure ages, the market offers significant opportunities for innovation, investment, and impact. With strategic policies, public-private partnerships, and technology-led solutions, the industry is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for safe, clean, and uninterrupted drinking water.
