If you’re considering a plumbing career, you might be wondering what tasks are involved in this field of work. As a plumber, you will have a range of duties and responsibilities, and you’ll have the opportunity to work for lots of different clients.
No two days are the same when you’re a plumber. You can work as an independent contractor or an employee of a large plumbing business. Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll face new challenges and adventures on a daily basis.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of a Plumber
Here are some of the main tasks that you can expect as a plumber:
- Fixing broken or burst pipes
- Installing heating and air conditioning systems
- Fitting and fixing household appliances
- Fitting bathroom fixtures
- Performing emergency repairs for those with a home warranty for plumbing
- Planning and installation of plumbing systems in new homes and constructions
What Skills Do You Need to Succeed as a Plumber?
As a plumber, you’ll be interacting with a range of different customers every day, so you’ll need great communication skills. You’ll need to be friendly and approachable.
To successfully resolve complex plumbing problems, you’ll need to have great problem-solving and investigational skills to figure out what is causing the plumbing issues. Patience is vital for plumbers too. It can several hours to resolve some of the most common plumbing issues!
You’ll also need to have great dexterity as you’ll be fiddling with intricate plumbing tools to fix pipes, unclog drains, and install heating systems.
How Much Can You Earn as a Plumber?
Even as a newly qualified plumber, your earning potential is high, although it does vary depending on your location and specialties. The more expertise and knowledge you gain, the more money you can earn each year.
If you choose to specialize in one area of plumbing, you may be able to earn more than general plumbers.
What Hours Do Plumbers Work?
The hours that you work as a plumber depends on whether you’re self-employed or employed by a larger company. If you work as a contractor, you have more control of your schedule but you’ll still need to meet the needs of your customers.
If you’re employed by a company, you will likely work a standard 37.5 to 40 hour work week. You’ll be expected to work during the evenings and weekends too, especially if you specialize in emergency repairs.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Plumber?
The exact qualifications that you need to work as a professional plumber depend on your location. Different states will have different rules and regulations.
Generally, to become a plumber, you’ll need a high school Diploma and several weeks of work experience. If you want to specialize in a specific area of plumbing, you will need to complete further specialty training.
All plumbers need to be registered and licensed to work. When you have gained the necessary qualifications, you can apply for a license to legally work as a professional plumber.
