The Career of a Plumber
Plumbers install, repair and maintain the pipes that carry water, gas and waste in homes and businesses. Their job duties include inspecting a building’s plumbing systems, testing water pressure levels, and locating and repairing leaks. They also install new piping and fixtures, such as bathtubs, showers, toilets, sinks and water heaters. Plumbers may also work on plumbing fixtures in industrial settings, such as water treatment plants and power generation facilities. The career of a plumber can be physically demanding. They often work in cramped spaces, and they are on call to respond to emergencies at any time of the day or night. Some plumbers are self-employed and can set their own schedule. Others are employed by construction companies or plumbing services, and may be required to meet certain job requirements, such as having a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. Plumbers must be able to read blueprints and understand the layout of pipe systems. They must also be able to use hand and power tools to cut, bend and shape metal piping. They must be able to solder and weld metal joints together. Plumbers must also be able to identify the type of material used in a pipe system and determine the best way to repair or replace it. Plumbers must also be able to follow all safety standards when working with chemicals and other hazardous materials. Many plumbers are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent and undergo on-the-job training for several years. They can attend technical schools to learn the necessary skills or complete an apprenticeship program, which is a combination of classroom studies and on-the-job training under a certified journey worker. Some plumbers also choose to earn a trade certificate by passing a series of exams.
