A plumber’s tasks vary depending on the type of property he works on. Residential plumbers are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of the water distribution, waste disposal, and drainage systems of homes. They regularly install appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, as well as plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs, sinks, showers, and toilets.
Plumbers also work in commercial and industrial settings where they may be involved in planning, installation, and service of plumbing systems, piping equipment, fixtures, and controls. These systems may be used to transport water and waste, gases or other hot liquids. Because of the diverse situations, a career in plumbing involves physical strength and stamina. Plumbers often find themselves working in extremely cramped and uncomfortable positions, working outdoors and exposed to the elements, frequently lifting heavy pipes, and being subject to burns from hot pipes or welding equipment. Generally working a 40-hour week, many plumbers who provide maintenance and emergency service may work on call and need to be available at any hour.
There are several educational avenues that can be taken in order to break into this highly competitive, high paying top blue collar job. The armed forces, community colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs are all ways for an aspiring plumber to gain the knowledge needed to begin their career.
Formal apprenticeships in either union or non-union based programs provide the best training available in the industry. The apprenticeship program generally consists of 4 to 5 years of job training, of course with pay and classroom instruction in drafting, physics, chemistry, blueprint reading, and plumbing codes and regulations. The on-the-job training equips the trainee with a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but most require the worker to have at least two years of experience and pass a licensing exam. Some states require separate licensing in order to work on gas lines, and a few states require pipe fitters to have a special license.
The opportunity for advancement in the industry is good. Some plumbers move on to become supervisors for contractors, while others go into business for themselves. Often starting as independent contractors working out of their homes, some plumbers move on to become business owners. In order to advance, excellent communication skills are required, and the ability to speak and understand Spanish has become increasingly necessary.
Plumbers are among the highest paid in the construction field. Their skills, high in demand, command median hourly earnings of over $20. Many plumbers, depending on their geographical location and area of expertise enjoy an hourly rate of more than $35. Paid apprentices usually earn an hourly wage of about half of what an experienced, licensed plumber receives.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects excellent employment opportunities for plumbers, as the demand for skilled services is expected to outpace the supply of properly trained and licensed workers. Many employers already report difficulty finding candidates with necessary qualifications.
The demand for plumbers will also be driven by the number of power plants, water treatment facilities, and new water and sewer lines that are projected for the next five to ten years. Changes to state and local laws regarding fire protection in businesses will also cause a huge increase in the need for fire sprinkler installation and maintenance. Remodeling, as opposed to new home purchasing is also on the rise. All of these situations will contribute to the job security level of the plumber.
Also, the number of devastated cities due to the recent wave of floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters has greatly increased the immediate need for qualified plumbers. It has been reported that of all the construction fields, plumbers were the scarcest during the recent rebuilding projects. Anyone entering into the field, although highly competitive, should have no problem finding gainful employment almost immediately.
A career in plumbing is an excellent and well paying labor job, and for the educated, experienced plumber, the availability of steady work seems never ending.
