Short answer: Plumbers wear disposable shoe covers to keep mud, water and shop grime off customers' floors, and because customers notice. It takes seconds at the door, and a pair costs well under a dollar.
Why plumbers use shoe covers
Plumbing calls often start in the yard or the crawl space and end in a kitchen or bathroom. Work boots pick up mud, water and debris along the way. Covers keep that off hardwood, tile and carpet and help you look as careful as the work you do. That can mean better reviews and more referrals. For more on the customer side, read our guide to shoe covers for service professionals.
What to look for
- Fits over work boots. Ours stretch to about 16.9 inches and fit men's work boots up to size 13.
- A non-slip sole. Bathrooms and kitchens are often tile or wet. See our guide to non-slip shoe covers.
- Water resistance. Our disposable covers are water-resistant, not waterproof, which covers damp floors and splashes. Read how we test them. For wet jobs, consider our waterproof reusable covers.
- Tear resistance. A cover that rips on the first step is a wasted pair. Every order is covered by our Tear-Free Promise: if a cover tears, we refund the whole box.
How many do you need?
One pair per visit. A plumber with four calls a day uses four pairs, or eight covers. At the 200-pack price ($39.99, about $0.40 a pair) that is about $1.60 a day. The Contractor Case brings it down to about $0.34 a pair: 1,000 covers, free shipping, and a free reusable pair.
A simple routine
- Keep a box in the truck and a few pairs in your tool bag.
- Put covers on at the door, before you step inside.
- Swap to a fresh pair if you go back out to the truck or yard.
- Throw them away when you leave, or take them with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do shoe covers fit over steel-toe boots?
They stretch to fit men's work boots up to size 13. Check the product specs for sizing details.
Can I reuse a pair on the same call?
If they are still clean and intact, yes. Replace them once they are dirty, wet or torn.
Is there a discount for a whole team?
Yes. Ask about wholesale pricing for larger teams.
Shop the Contractor Case: 1,000 covers, free shipping or browse all shoe covers.