Plumbers In Lexington install, repair, and maintain pipes and fixtures that provide water, gas, and waste disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They also work with other professionals to ensure that plumbing systems integrate seamlessly into building projects and meet necessary regulations and standards.
Plumbing is a physically demanding job that requires stamina, strength, and manual dexterity. It is also a highly technical career that demands knowledge of various tools and systems.
Behind the walls and underneath the floors of most homes is a network of pipes that brings in fresh water from public or private well systems, disposes of wastewater, and carries it to sewer lines. When these pipes need maintenance or repair, a residential plumber is called in to address the issue.
Water lines run to and from sink faucets, bathtubs, showers, toilets, dishwashers, refrigerator water dispensers and more. These lines must be kept free of debris and in good working order to ensure there are no leaks or breaks. A regular schedule of maintenance from a qualified plumber can help prevent future problems.
The main sewer line runs from the home’s drain line to the city sewer system, and most of the waste from a home flows into it from the various toilets, sinks, and tubs. If this line gets clogged, it can cause waste to back up into the house, which can lead to significant damage and health risks for residents. Residential plumbers are trained to find the source of a sewer line clog and address it promptly.
Most homeowners may think they know when their drain lines or sewer lines are clogged, but it’s best to have a State Licensed Master Plumber perform a camera inspection to be sure. A camera will show the exact nature of the problem and allow a plumber to determine the best course of action to fix it. A major clog in the sewer line will most likely show up in the toilets first because they drain into it directly. Regular check-ups from a professional plumber can keep these lines in top condition and prevent costly and stressful emergency repairs.
Commercial Plumbing
Plumbing is a trade that involves many different aspects, from installation and repairs to maintenance and inspections. A plumber must be knowledgeable of all of these aspects in order to do his job well. In addition, he must be familiar with industry standards and regulations.
Commercial plumbers work on piping systems for larger buildings such as offices, malls, warehouses, and apartment complexes. These piping systems are much more intricate than those found in residential homes, and they must be able to accommodate a higher volume of water and waste. Commercial plumbers also typically work on plumbing for restaurants, hospitals, and other large institutions that require high levels of sanitation.
A plumber who specializes in commercial plumbing may also be called on to install and repair gas lines. This can be a dangerous job, as it requires working with highly pressurized systems. A plumber who does not follow proper safety procedures can risk serious injury or even death. For this reason, it is important for a plumber to understand the risks involved in his profession and take all necessary precautions when working on plumbing projects.
In addition to installing and repairing plumbing fixtures, commercial plumbers also maintain and inspect these systems. This can include testing pressure levels, locating leaks, and checking for obstructions. Commercial plumbing can also involve repairing or replacing appliances such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, and washing machines. Plumbers may also be responsible for maintaining water heaters, and they often test the water temperature to ensure it is safe for drinking.
Although a commercial building’s plumbing system is more robust than that of a residential building, it is still prone to problems like water leaks and clogged drains. These issues can disrupt business operations and cause unsanitary conditions for employees and customers. To prevent these problems, it is important for businesses to have a reliable plumber on call who can address them quickly and efficiently.
Although a residential plumber can handle some commercial plumbing tasks, it is usually best to leave the more complicated jobs to professionals who specialize in commercial plumbing. These plumbers have the experience and equipment necessary to deal with the increased size and complexity of commercial plumbing systems.
Industrial Plumbing
A plumber’s work isn’t limited to household plumbing, and industrial jobs come with their own unique jargon. Whether you’re hiring a plumber to repair the wastewater system at your factory or you need help with a drain in your home office, it pays to be familiar with some of the most common plumbing industry terms.
Black water: This is a euphemism for sewage, the waste that flows out of your toilet when you flush it. Sewage is different from gray water, which refers to the wastewater from all other household fixtures like sinks and shower floors.
Backflow: When water flows in the opposite direction it’s supposed to flow, it can contaminate your freshwater supply with dangerous chemicals and debris. A backflow preventer is a device that stops this from happening.
Branch drain: These are the pipes connected to your kitchen, bathroom, and other household fixtures. They flow towards your main drain pipe, which connects to the sewage line that runs out to your local sewer system. Your plumber may use a tool called an auger to clear blockages in these pipes.
Water softener: Your plumbing systems might contain a lot of minerals, and this can cause clogged drains. A water softener removes excess mineral content, which makes your plumbing run smoothly and prevents damage to your fixtures and appliances.
Interceptor: This is a drain-separating device that helps to keep oil and other substances out of your drainage system. Your plumber may recommend installing one if you often pour grease and other cooking materials down your sinks.
Plumbing snake: A flexible length of metal that can be inserted into a drain or pipe to free up a clog. The plumber will usually attach the snake to a long rod, known as a handle, that allows them to maneuver the device through the pipes.
Plumber’s putty: A dough-like putty that plumbers use to seal joints between fixture surfaces and metal pieces. It’s sometimes used as a more durable alternative to plumber’s tape.
Job Duties
Plumbers install and repair water systems, pipe networks, fixtures, appliances and gas lines. They may specialize in residential, commercial or industrial construction. Other duties include maintaining plumbing systems, repairing plumbing problems and ensuring compliance with plumbing codes. Some plumbers also manage their own plumbing businesses. For this reason, they must be able to effectively oversee their crew and schedule work to maximize efficiency and profit.
The minimum educational requirement for a plumber is a high school diploma or equivalent. Many choose to attend a vocational or trade school to learn the skills necessary for the job. These schools often offer programs that teach apprentices the theory behind plumbing and pipe systems, as well as how to read blueprints and use plumbing tools. Once they have completed their education, apprentices must obtain a plumbing license in order to practice.
Once licensed, plumbers are typically responsible for repairing or replacing a wide range of fixtures and equipment, including sinks, commodes, showers, bathtubs, toilets, drains, valves and fixtures. They also perform preventative maintenance by cleaning drains and sewer lines, replacing washers in faucets, resealing joints, opening clogged drains and resolving other issues. Other responsibilities include completing forms, tags and log books, as well as preparing parts requisitions for supervisor approval.
Plumbing contractors are responsible for a variety of other administrative tasks, such as bidding on plumbing jobs, scheduling work and invoicing clients. Depending on the size of their business, they may have one or more administrative assistants who assist them with these tasks. Plumbers must be able to accurately estimate the cost of materials and labor for each job, as well as communicate clearly with their clients.
In addition to being able to repair and maintain plumbing systems, plumbers must be able to understand and comply with local, state and federal plumbing regulations. They must also be able to read and interpret blueprints, and have strong critical thinking skills in troubleshooting and problem-solving.
It is also important for plumbers to be able to interact professionally with customers, as they may be asked to advise customers on preventative maintenance. In addition, they must be able to work well under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations.