France building index BT38: sanitary plumbing
France building index BT38: sanitary plumbing stood at 149.4 in Aug 2026, according to INSEE – Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (BDM). It is one of the indicators in the Construction cost indices table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Oct 2014 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Construction cost indices table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building index - BT38 - Sanitary plumbing (including apparatus) - Base 2010 | 149.4 | 147.6 | 147 | 146.2 | 144.8 | 144 | 143.7 | 142.2 | 140.8 | 138.7 | |
| Building index - BT40 - Central heating (excluding electrical heating) - Base 2010 | 133.5 | 133.3 | 133 | 132.8 | 132.7 | 132.6 | 131.8 | 131.6 | 130.1 | 130.4 | |
| Building index - BT41 - Ventilation and air conditioning - Base 2010 | 141 | 139.3 | 139 | 139.3 | 139.3 | 138.3 | 138 | 138.2 | 136.1 | 136.6 |
Understanding france building index BT38: sanitary plumbing
Sanitary plumbing cost variations are quantified by this metric, encompassing water supply piping, sanitary apparatus, valves, and fixture installation materials for residential and non-residential buildings. The calculation aggregates factory gate prices for porcelain sanitaryware, copper and plastic piping runs, and brass fittings, separating them from heating and ventilation systems. Structural piping embedded deeply within major civil engineering works is excluded in favor of building-interior networks.
When evaluating these figures, analysts must consider supply chain pressures originating from metal foundry and ceramics manufacturing sectors that supply taps and basins. Seasonal installation slowdowns during major holiday periods can dampen short-term demand signals, making annual comparisons the more honest gauge of underlying inflation. Comparing this series directly with general structural indices is misleading, as sanitary installations depend heavily on specialized finishing labor and imported fixture components.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of items are bundled into the sanitary plumbing index?
- It includes water supply pipes, fittings, valves, and porcelain sanitaryware apparatus like sinks and toilets.
- Are heating pipes included under this plumbing category?
- No, central heating pipework and radiators are tracked under a separate dedicated heating index.
- How do imported fixtures affect this domestic index?
- Fluctuations in international manufacturing and shipping costs for porcelain and brassware directly influence index movements.