Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes that bring water and gas into — and remove waste from — homes and businesses. They also work on appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. They use their knowledge of building codes and regulations to interpret blueprints and ensure all work is compliant.
Plumbing is a skilled trade that offers stability and good pay. It’s also a career that can be entered without the burden of student debt. Click Here to learn more.
Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who can work with a variety of materials, tools and equipment to install and repair plumbing fixtures, piping, systems and appliances. Their job duties include inspecting, identifying problems and determining solutions in accordance with building codes and standards. They perform scheduled inspections and services, maintain plumbing equipment and supplies and troubleshoot issues to prevent unexpected breakdowns or callbacks. Plumbers can also be found in industrial environments where they inspect and repair water, steam, air, chemical and fuel piping systems for heating, cooling, ventilation and process applications.
Using a range of hand and power tools, including a vacuum and sewer auger, acetylene torch and soldering, brazing and welding equipment, they assemble, install and repair pipes and plumbing fixtures and equipment. They may be required to locate and tap main lines, set system routes, cut and place pipe route openings, install and adjust valves, traps, basins, faucets and drains. They may be required to clear obstructions from sink drains, toilets and hydrants and install backflow prevention devices in compliance with local jurisdictional codes.
Plumbing is a physically demanding job. It requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, lift heavy items and navigate tight spaces. It’s important for plumbers to be detail-oriented and have good customer service skills to effectively communicate with customers and colleagues. The ability to read blueprints and schematics is also necessary for plumbing technicians.
One of the most valuable qualities a plumber can possess is a positive attitude. They are down-to-earth people who enjoy working with other people and take pride in their work. They aren’t looking to curry favor with the boss or engage in covert wars with coworkers to get ahead. Instead, they work together to solve problems and do their best to provide excellent customer service. The best plumbing technicians are also good communicators who can explain complex plumbing problems and solutions in easy-to-understand terms. They are also reliable and dependable, showing up for work on time and maintaining good attendance. This ensures that they can keep up with the demands of their jobs and deliver high quality work.
Education and Training Requirements
Aspiring plumbers in New York can get the training they need through a formal apprenticeship, enrolling in a vocational program or receiving an associate degree from a community college or trade school. These programs typically last four years, although those who wish to become master plumbers will need a minimum of 10 years of experience as journeymen in addition to their education.
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of places across New York, including local United Association unions. For instance, Boilermakers Northeastern JAC offers a five-year program that includes classroom instruction and 10,000 hours of on-the-job training. In order to become an apprentice, prospective applicants must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. They should also pass a series of WorkKeys achievement tests in applied math, workplace documents and graphic literacy to prove they have the abilities necessary for this trade.
Vocational and community college courses often focus on the skills that are important for plumbing, such as algebra, geometry and metric units of measurement. Other coursework may include physics, which can help future plumbers understand how water and other liquids flow and pressure operate. Moreover, students taking such classes can learn about the principles of pipe systems design and blueprint reading.
Those who want to become professional plumbers should note that state regulations vary. For instance, aspiring plumbers in New York must complete a certain number of years of hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed master or journeyman plumber before they can take the licensing exam. Those who wish to become certified master plumbers should document their experience by keeping detailed records.
A master plumber will be able to handle the many different tasks associated with this career, from installing new drains and pipes to repairing malfunctioning appliances or fixtures. They will also be able to perform more complicated jobs such as designing plumbing systems, diagnosing problems and managing larger-scale projects.
The state of New York requires plumbers to keep accurate records of their work, including detailed descriptions and images of their projects. Those who wish to pursue a master plumber license in the state of New York will need to submit these records along with other documentation and pass a background check.
Work Environment
Plumbing involves working with tools, equipment, and machinery, as well as interacting with people. Plumbers must be able to understand how different plumbing systems work, from basic toilets and sinks to more complex ones in homes, buildings, and factories. They also need to know how to read blueprints and understand building codes and regulations. They must be able to interpret these documents when ordering materials, obtaining permits, or inspecting sites.
In addition, plumbers may need to deal with contaminated or hazardous materials. They also may encounter bad weather conditions, such as floods or snowstorms, that could affect their ability to work. Plumbers must wear proper protective gear to avoid injuries such as cuts, burns, and exposure to harmful substances or contaminants. The nature of the work can also be physically demanding, especially when plumbers are forced to enter cramped spaces or perform manual tasks in awkward positions.
Most plumbers work full time and are on call for emergencies, so they need to have a flexible schedule. Evening and weekend shifts are common, especially during economic boom times when new construction is taking place. Many plumbers are self-employed and set their own hours, but those who work for companies or in the public sector must follow certain work practices and safety guidelines.
Residential buildings are the most common places where plumbers can be found. They typically install piping and fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs, toilets, showers, and water heaters, in these buildings. They also maintain these systems and repair or replace them as needed. These jobs often involve working in confined spaces or on ladders and scaffolding.
Commercial buildings are another common workplace for plumbers. These buildings require more extensive and complex plumbing systems than residential buildings, and they must comply with building codes and regulations. These structures also frequently have more complicated drainage and sewage systems. Plumbers in these settings usually work with building architects, engineers, and other tradespeople.
Larger facilities, such as hospitals and manufacturing plants, also need extensive plumbing. These environments are often regulated by government agencies, so plumbers must be familiar with all local and federal laws and regulations. These facilities also have specialized infrastructure and high-pressure systems that require special training to work on.
Salary
Plumbing is a skilled profession, and it can be quite lucrative. However, the salaries can vary significantly across different regions and companies. This is mainly due to differences in cost of living and other factors. Some states also have a higher minimum wage than others. So, if you’re thinking of becoming a plumber or are already one, it is important to do some research and find out which areas pay the best.
One of the biggest factors that influence plumber salary is experience. The more experienced you are, the more you will be paid. It’s also worth considering specialization. Specialized plumbers often command higher salaries as they can work on specific projects that require specialized skills. For example, a plumber who is certified to do gas work may be able to earn more than a general plumber.
Aside from experience, other factors that affect plumber salary include location and certifications. As a general rule, it is more lucrative to work in large cities with high costs of living than in small towns where the cost of living is much lower. Also, it is worth noting that the more certifications you have, the more valuable you will be to an employer.
As a general rule, master plumbers have the highest earning potential. They can expect to earn up to $110,601 per year. While this is a very generous salary, it is not guaranteed that every master plumber will make this much. Other factors that can influence the salary of a plumber include the area they are working in, the size of their employer’s company, and whether they are union or not. It is also worth noting that starting your own plumbing business can be the fastest way to increase your salary, but it is certainly not without its challenges. For example, you will need to cover expenses such as equipment, office supplies, licensing, insurance, and marketing. You will also need to invest a significant amount of time into continuing education and training. This is all in addition to the regular job duties of a plumber.