Plumbers provide essential services to ensure a safe and clean water supply and functioning drainage systems. They are often on call at all hours to deal with emergencies like burst pipes that pose risks to human health or extensive damage to property.
Being a plumber also offers some degree of job security, as there is always a need for people who can repair and maintain water and drainage systems in homes and buildings. However, this career path is not without its challenges. Contact Gateway Plumbers of Aurora now!
Plumbing involves hard work that requires physical strength and the ability to lift heavy equipment. It is often performed in cramped spaces and requires attention to detail as well as critical thinking skills. Plumbers have high earning potential and can advance to supervisory roles or start their own businesses as independent contractors.
Plumbers work in a variety of environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In residential settings, plumbers work on plumbing systems for homes and apartment complexes. They may also repair and install toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and other household appliances. Plumbers in commercial settings work on more complex plumbing systems that serve multiple occupants, such as water distribution lines and fire sprinkler systems. They may also work on large-scale industrial systems, such as sewage and water treatment plants or steam pipes for power generators.
Working conditions can vary between companies, depending on the size of the company and the type of work being done. Smaller companies may have more standard business hours, while larger companies have more flexibility in their schedules. Regardless of the work environment, all plumbers should prioritize safety and follow health and safety policies to protect themselves and their customers.
Plumbers are exposed to a variety of safety hazards, from slips and falls to electric shocks and exposure to hazardous chemicals. This is why it is important for plumbers to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever possible, and follow all relevant health and safety regulations. Plumbers should also have a thorough understanding of the equipment and materials they are working with, so they can mitigate any risks that may arise.
Education and Training Requirements
Plumbers must be skilled in the design, installation, and repair of various plumbing systems in homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. They also need to be familiar with state and local building codes. They often have to take continuing education courses to maintain their licenses and stay updated on new technology, tools, and equipment.
Plumber training options in New York include vocational schools, community college programs, and formal apprenticeships. Vocational schools like the New York City College of Technology and Apex Technical College offer comprehensive educational programs that incorporate practical hands-on training to prepare students for the demands of the profession. Programs include OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and blueprint reading and drafting.
Apprenticeships are another way to obtain the necessary skills for a career in plumbing. These programs are available through a variety of organizations, including the United Association unions. For example, UA Local 22 in Buffalo offers a five-year apprenticeship program that requires classroom work and on-the-job training. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, pass WorkKeys achievement tests in Applied Math, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy (must score at least a “C” or higher), complete a job interview and provide professional references, and pass a background investigation.
Some cities require that you have at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job experience to become a journeyman plumber. Once you have that requirement met, you can apply to be a licensed master plumber.
Commercial plumbers focus on the plumbing systems in office buildings, shopping centers, and other large structures. They usually collaborate with other tradespeople to install and repair complicated plumbing systems and make sure the facilities meet all applicable building codes.
Industrial plumbers work in settings such as factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities. They are responsible for installing and repairing specialized plumbing systems that support manufacturing processes and ensure the safety of workers.
Beyond the required apprenticeship and education programs, you can pursue other certifications to increase your marketability to employers or clients. Certifications from reputable professional associations such as the National Inspection Testing and Certification and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials can enhance your resume and help you advance in your career.
Job Duties
Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes that carry water, gas and waste in homes, businesses and other buildings. They also install plumbing fixtures like bathtubs, sinks and toilets and appliances that use water line connections, such as dishwashers and washing machines. Other duties include responding to emergency calls and educating customers about maintenance. Plumbers usually start their careers as apprentices, working under the guidance of experienced journeymen. With further experience and training, they can become master plumbers.
Plumber jobs require physical strength and the ability to work in tight spaces, sometimes in extreme temperatures. They also need good math skills to understand blueprints and engineering drawings. The job entails interpreting building plans and blueprints to plan and lay out the routing, placement and fall of pipe systems; cutting, threading and joining pipes; and making measurements. Plumbers also inspect, test and analyze system operations. They make recommendations for improvements to ensure optimum system performance and compliance with applicable codes.
Plumbers typically begin their career as apprentices, learning to handle tools and materials under the guidance of experienced journeymen. The apprenticeship can last up to four years. After successfully completing an apprenticeship and earning their journeyman plumber status, they can advance to supervisory positions or own their own plumbing businesses. Plumbers must also keep abreast of evolving building and safety codes to stay current in their field.
Requirements for Licensing
Depending on the municipality, some states and cities require plumbers to be licensed. Individuals wishing to become licensed plumbers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a program offered by a technical or trade school. These programs teach the skills and knowledge needed to perform plumbing work, including reading blueprints, understanding local plumbing codes and regulations, and working safely in confined spaces.
Applicants may also need to pass a written exam and hands-on practical test. Experienced plumbers can often advance to the position of master plumber by demonstrating their ability to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems. Those who wish to specialize in particular areas of plumbing, such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling, must undergo additional training. Plumbers who are certified in trenchless technology can replace aging pipes without disturbing existing landscaping or structures, and plumbers trained in backflow prevention can help protect potable water supplies by installing and testing backflow preventer devices.
In addition to installing and repairing plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances, plumbers may need to inspect plumbing systems and their components for defects or problems. These inspections ensure compliance with building codes and regulations and may require the use of specialized tools or equipment, such as video cameras, to identify issues or locate problem areas. Plumbers must be knowledgeable about the materials, tools, and equipment used in their plumbing work and be able to troubleshoot problems quickly to minimize downtime.
Because they often work with hazardous materials, such as sewage and toxic chemicals, plumbers must be careful not to come into contact with them. They are also exposed to potential health hazards, such as bacteria and microbes excreted from human waste. Plumbers should wear protective clothing when necessary and regularly clean tools, work stations, and vehicles.
A career as a plumber can be highly rewarding, but it is important for potential candidates to understand the requirements and responsibilities before beginning the application process. Individuals who are interested in becoming plumbers should consult the website or office of their municipal licensing authority to learn more about the specific qualifications and restrictions in their area.
