All There is to Know about Being a Plumber

A plumber is essential for installing and repairing the pipes that carry the water and gas to and from buildings. They also install fixtures that are necessary for accessing these water pipes, like sinks, toilets, showers, and other household appliances.

Some things that you might not know about plumbers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that plumbers earned a median salary of $52,590 a year in 2017. Being a plumber means that you would have access to a variety of full-time jobs. And, if you prefer the freedom of self-employment, then it might excite you to know that 10% of plumbers are successfully self-employed. There are many opportunities for a plumber, and the need for this field of work is growing.

What are the duties and expectations of a plumber?

According to job listings on Indeed, plumbers install, maintain, and repair water systems of all types, including hot water, chilled water, and steam systems. They install, maintain, and repair backflow preventers, piping, valves, traps, and general fixtures of all types. They unstop toilets, sinks, and sewers. A plumber must also be able to read and write work orders, part orders, blueprints, and manuals. They have to follow policies, procedures, time schedules, and budgets. And, most importantly for maintaining clientele, a plumber must be professional with know-how, friendly, and patient.

Some reasons that you might not want to be a plumber

Plumbers usually have to work on evenings and weekends. And plumbers work overtime, which means working more than a typical 8 hour day and 40 hour work week. And plumbers do need to be on call in case there is a plumbing emergency. There’s also the risk of injuries, like cuts, burns, or falls, while on the job.

How can you become a plumber?

An apprenticeship is a way that most people become plumbers, which integrates classroom lectures with hands-on, on-the-job training that is paid. These apprenticeships are taken care of by trade unions and other employers and they last around 4 to 5 years. You can even earn your certificate IV in plumbing online or in-class if you prefer. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED and you’ll have to be at least 18 years old to begin these programs. In the classrooms, they’ll teach you about the codes and regulations for your local area, how to read blueprints, and how to perform the job safely. Plumbers need a special license to work in most states of the country. In order to acquire this license, you will need 2 to 5 years of experience and be able to pass an exam, all depending on where you attain the license.

What are the skills that you will need?

To work as a plumber, you will need excellent listening skills so that you can connect with your clients, be able to pay attention to what they are telling you, and understand their problems so that you can fix them. You’ll also need to be skilled in troubleshooting so that after listening to your client’s problem, you can determine what the cause of the problem is and figure out the proper solution.

Critical thinking is also important because sometimes you will need to weight the pros and cons of different solutions before choosing the best one for a situation. Verbal communication is also key, since you will need to be able to communicate with your clients and explain the process of your work as you are helping them, including letting them know what to expect when it comes to costs. You must also have physical strength because plumbers need to be able to lift their equipment and tools when working.

Is being a plumber the right choice for you?

Now that you know more about the occupation, ask yourself if it is something that you are interested in. Only you can know if this career is a good match for you and your personal lifestyle.