Plumbers install and repair systems that carry water, sewage, and natural gas in buildings. These systems have to meet national and local codes to be safe and sanitary.
Many vocational schools and community colleges offer plumbing certificate programs. Plumbers also learn through apprenticeships, which last up to five years.
Plumbing involves the assembly and repair of pipes that carry water, sewage, and waste to and from homes and businesses. Plumbers use a variety of tools to perform their job duties, such as wrenches, socket wrenches, pipe cutters, pliers, and soldering equipment. They also inspect and test systems for proper functioning. Other responsibilities include reading and interpreting blueprints to locate drainage systems, dismantling sinks, bathtubs, and toilets to examine and assemble pipe sections, repairing valves, and installing water pumps.
Plumbers may work on residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They usually work in teams with other construction workers and tradesmen to install complete plumbing systems for new buildings. They also help to maintain existing plumbing in older structures. Some plumbers specialize in specific areas of the field, such as gas, water, or sewer systems. Plumbers can also choose to be self-employed or work for a large plumbing company.
Many states require plumbers to be licensed in order to work on their jobs. In order to qualify for a license, plumbers must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of plumbing codes and regulations. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate programs in plumbing, which can prepare a plumber for the licensing exam. In addition, completing an apprenticeship program can provide on-the-job training and hands-on experience in the trade.
In addition to being knowledgeable about plumbing codes and regulations, a plumber must have strong critical thinking skills in order to solve problems quickly and effectively. They must be able to listen to customers’ concerns and explain technical issues in an easy-to-understand manner. Plumbers also need to have physical strength to lift heavy materials and tools.
A career as a plumber can be very rewarding, but it is important to keep in mind that the job can be physically demanding and requires a high level of skill. Individuals interested in becoming plumbers should seek out opportunities for on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship with an experienced journeyman. They should also consider attending a vocational school or community college to receive training in pipe system design, safety, and tool usage.
Repair
Assemble, detect issues, and repair pipes that deliver water or gas into and throughout a building. Plumbers use pipe cutters, saws, drills, caulking guns, and other tools to perform these tasks. When they work with copper pipes, they often solder them together. They may also be required to read blueprints and other technical documents as part of their job.
Plumbers have to be able to listen well to their customers in order to understand their problems and provide them with the best solutions. They also need to be able to troubleshoot and think critically. If they are trying to solve a problem like a stuck fastener, for example, they need to consider whether or not it is worth the risk of cutting the pipe in order to get the fastener separated.
Almost any establishment that has plumbing needs the services of a plumber from time to time. These include houses, office buildings, hospitals, hotels and resorts, and even cruise ships and large aircraft. Some plumbers are self-employed, while others work for small or medium businesses.
Maintenance
Plumbing systems are designed to provide clean water, heat, and waste disposal services for homes and businesses. In order to function properly, these systems require regular maintenance from skilled professionals. Plumbers install, troubleshoot, and repair plumbing fixtures and fittings, as well as plumbing pipes. Plumbers must have a high school diploma or equivalent and are often required to complete a postsecondary trade program that includes hands-on training with tools and equipment.
Some plumbers specialize in commercial or residential work. For example, a commercial plumber may work with large public systems in settings such as schools, hospitals, or shopping centers, while a residential plumber focuses on maintaining plumbing for houses.
In addition to working with standard plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, toilets, and sinks, plumbers can also install and repair appliances, including dishwashers and water heaters. They can also maintain septic tanks, which are large underground holding tanks that collect and treat waste from houses that aren’t connected to city sewer systems.
Because plumbing systems are so essential to our everyday lives, plumbers need to be able to identify and repair problems quickly. For example, a pipe that bursts in freezing temperatures can cause water damage to the walls and floors of a home or business. In some cases, this can lead to toxic mold growth or even structural damage. A plumber who can quickly assess and fix a problem will save homeowners and businesses money, time, and hassle.
Plumbers can diagnose issues by reading blueprints and determining the best locations for pipes, fixtures, and vents. They also need to be able to join pipes using various methods, such as soldering, compression or threaded fittings, solvent welding, and push-fitting. Plumbers must also have strong mathematical skills in order to read and interpret scaled drawings, as they are often responsible for cutting and sizing pipes to the correct specifications.
Plumbers, along with pipefitters and steamfitters, keep our modern civilization running by installing, repairing, and maintaining the systems that transport water, gas, and waste. These complex systems must be able to deal with everything from hot water for showers and washing machines to waste disposal and HVAC systems. To be successful in this career, plumbers need patience, a practical mind, and manual dexterity to handle the demanding work.
Design
Plumbers often work on the design of plumbing fixtures and fittings. This aspect of the job is called plumbing engineering and is more likely to be found in larger construction projects. It involves designing plumbing systems that supply water and drain waste on a large scale and may also include other building elements, such as fire sprinklers and natural gas lines. Plumbing engineers must be able to provide exact specifications for the various types of pipe required in the system.
Manufacturers of plumbing fixtures and fittings must design their products to comply with strict codes, regulations, and trade standards. They must produce designs that appeal to consumers and reflect current trends in home decoration and décor. They must also consider the practical implications of their design choices, such as water usage and noise issues.
As the building industry began to boom in the 1990s, many plumbing manufacturers introduced innovative new products that took advantage of the increased use of air conditioning and insulation. This helped lower energy costs and improve indoor environmental quality. These products are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than older models.
In addition to standard plumbing for bathrooms, plumbing engineering often includes the design of plumbing for kitchens and laundry rooms, fire protection systems, fire sprinkler notes, floor drainage diagrams, water heater layouts, and sewer drain drawings. These plumbing engineering systems are usually part of a much bigger project that may require a team of engineers, including electrical and mechanical design specialists as well as plumbers.
