If you’re looking for a career with on-the-job variety and an ability to work with your hands, plumbing may be the right choice for you. Plumber Topeka KS installs, repairs and maintains pipes and fixtures that carry water and sewage in homes and buildings.
They’re also involved in new construction projects from the outset, working from blueprints and architectural drawings to lay pipe and install faucets, toilets and other fixtures. Read on to learn about the duties and responsibilities of plumbers, and how to get started in this rewarding career.
A plumber is tasked with the installation, repair, and maintenance of piping systems for water, gas, and other liquids in residential and commercial buildings. They must be able to read blueprints, understand building codes and regulations, and be comfortable working with tools and equipment. Some plumbers also perform inspections to ensure that plumbing installations and repairs meet safety standards.
Plumbing duties vary depending on the type of work, but generally include inspecting pipes and fixtures for damage or wear; testing water pressure levels; locating and fixing leaks; fitting and replacing parts such as taps, valves, and sinks; connecting waste disposal units to drainage systems; installing new fixtures such as toilets and showers; and clearing blockages in drain lines and sewers. Plumbers must also be able to communicate with clients and answer questions effectively.
A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for becoming a plumber. However, many individuals choose to attend a technical or trade school to earn a degree in plumbing. These programs often last four to five years and include hands-on training with relevant tools and equipment. After graduating, students must complete an apprenticeship to gain practical experience in the field.
Plumbers must have good critical thinking skills to evaluate their work and make necessary adjustments. They must also be able to weigh different solutions and determine which ones will be most effective for the client. In addition, they must be able to read and interpret blueprints in order to plan plumbing layouts and install pipe and other fixtures correctly.
Because plumbers often work with hazardous materials, they must be able to recognize and understand health and safety risks. For example, when repairing sewage pipes, they may be exposed to human waste, which contains microbes that can cause infections like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Plumbers must also be able to follow strict hygiene rules when handling such materials.
Including the required qualifications in your plumber job description will help you find the right candidates for your position. Make sure to list any specific skills or experiences that you’re looking for, such as previous experience with particular types of plumbing projects. Additionally, you should always include a call to action at the end of your job description that instructs applicants on how to apply for the position. This helps manage expectations and avoids wasting time interviewing candidates who aren’t a good fit.
Education and Training Requirements
A career as a plumber begins with a high school diploma or GED certificate and completion of an approved apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship typically lasts four to five years and is a paid position that allows the apprentice to earn money while learning the trade. Some prospective plumbers also choose to attend a college degree program that includes plumbing classes.
Plumbing training is hands-on and typically involves on-the-job work under a certified journeyperson plumber who oversees the apprentice’s performance. Apprentices are typically required to perform a certain number of hours each week at the job site in addition to attending classroom-based educational sessions. This enables the journeyperson to evaluate the apprentice’s progress and determine whether or not the candidate is ready to take on the role of a full-fledged plumber.
Plumbers are required to be physically fit because the work often requires heavy lifting and prolonged periods of standing or walking. Additionally, plumbers must be comfortable working in small spaces. Plumbers need excellent customer service skills because they interact with clients on a regular basis, listening to their problems and providing information about the best solution.
Plumbers must understand the science behind water flow, be able to read blueprints and understand building codes and regulations. They must also have strong math and problem-solving skills to properly diagnose issues and make repairs.
As a plumbing professional, you may need to attend continuing education courses to keep up with industry standards and advances in technology. Manufacturers also offer training on specific products and systems that you might install as a plumber.
It’s important for plumbers to develop a network of colleagues and associates that they can call upon for advice and support. Joining a trade association or other professional groups can help you find these opportunities.
In some cases, a licensed master plumber can substitute directly related academic or technical training for up to one-half of the required experience needed for certification. This is only true in states and cities that require a license to be a plumber, and the process can vary by jurisdiction.
Licenses and Certifications
Plumbers must have a valid state license to work in their area of specialty. License requirements tend to vary slightly from place to place, with the bulk of oversight responsibility falling to local municipal governments. In New York City, for example, you must have at least one year of journeyman plumbing experience before you can apply to take a master plumber’s exam. Other cities may require more or less time as an apprentice before you can take the test.
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain valuable on-the-job training while earning a decent living. Many apprenticeship programs are offered by the government and are free to participants. These programs are designed to give you the skills necessary to become a licensed journeyman plumber, and they also provide you with hands-on, real world experience that you will not get in a classroom.
To become a journeyman plumber, you must have at least 18 months of apprentice training and 3,000 hours of hands-on experience performing plumbing installation, maintenance, service, and repair. You will then be required to pass a written and practical exam. Some states allow you to substitute education for some of this training, but you should always check with your local municipality’s licensing board to make sure that you meet all the requirements for your particular location.
Continuing education is usually not required for plumbers, but it’s important to keep up with the latest changes in the plumbing code in your area of expertise. In addition, it’s often a good idea to have a professional certification such as National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
As a plumber, your job duties include planning and directing the construction or renovation of plumbing systems. This includes preparing and reviewing blueprints, ensuring that all work meets local plumbing codes and regulations, and obtaining permits. You may also be responsible for inspecting and testing finished products. Depending on your level of license, you may also be responsible for repairing or replacing parts and equipment. You must be able to work well in a team, as most plumbing jobs require coordination between various tradespeople.
Work Environment
Plumbing systems are essential for homes, offices, and industrial buildings, providing a safe and clean water supply and adequate drainage. Plumbers perform installation, maintenance, and repair work to ensure that these systems continue to function properly. They may specialize in specific types of pipes or fixtures, or they may focus on a wide range of plumbing tasks, including:
Plumbers often work in residential settings, installing systems for new construction and renovation projects. In these situations, they must follow building codes and blueprints to ensure the proper placement of piping. They also may interact directly with homeowners or tenants to discuss their plumbing needs and provide estimates for services.
In commercial and industrial settings, plumbers may install complete plumbing systems or specialized components, such as backflow preventers. These devices help prevent the contamination of drinking water and are required by many municipalities. Plumbers may also be responsible for the inspection and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems, which carry excess rainwater away from buildings and into community sewers to avoid damage to underground infrastructure.
Some plumbing jobs require emergency service, and plumbers must be available to respond to calls outside of normal working hours. They are also likely to spend a significant amount of time traveling between job sites, either to consult with customers or to purchase supplies.
For those who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving, the career of a plumber can be rewarding. The pay is competitive, and with experience and expertise, plumbers can command higher hourly rates and even establish their own businesses.
Interviewers ask questions to understand the candidate’s ability to work as part of a team and in a fast-paced environment. They may ask how the candidate handled unexpected challenges or changes during previous projects to evaluate their flexibility and adaptability. They may also ask how the candidate used innovation or improvement to enhance processes and efficiency in their past plumbing roles. This can reveal whether the candidate is open to new ideas and willing to think creatively about ways they could improve their performance or that of their company.
