What Is a Plumber?
Plumber
A plumber is a tradesperson who installs and maintains the pipes, fixtures and fittings that carry water or other liquids in homes and businesses. They also repair and maintain toilets, bathtubs, showers and appliances such as dishwashers and heaters. Plumbers typically work indoors and outdoors, alone or with a team of other construction professionals. They may have to stand or crouch for long periods of time and may need to lift heavy materials. The standard work week for a plumber is 40 hours, although this can vary depending on the industry and region. There are often peak periods when more plumbers are needed, which can lead to overtime.
The minimum requirement to become a plumber is a high school diploma. Most plumbers complete a four-year apprenticeship program that includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Upon completion of the program, they earn a journeyperson plumber’s licence. Those with prior experience or who have completed an apprenticeship program at a community college or technical school can reduce the length of their apprenticeship.
Some of the job duties of a plumber include examining and inspecting pipes and fixtures, installing new fixtures, repairing old ones, testing backflow devices, removing and replacing water heaters, analyzing drainage problems and performing emergency plumbing repairs. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams and charts to plan and execute plumbing projects. Plumbers are expected to adhere to all applicable building codes and regulations when working on a project.
What Is a Plumber?
There are many reasons homeowners might need to call a plumber, from hearing the telltale sound of a leaking faucet to noticing their basement is flooding. In addition to repairing and maintaining pipes, fittings and fixtures, plumbers can also assist with water heater installation and repairs, drain cleaning, garbage disposal installation and replacement, and bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Whether the job is big or small, it’s important to hire a licensed and insured plumber for safety and quality assurance.
Many homeowners ask, “What is the cost to hire a plumber?” There are several factors that affect the price of plumbing services, including the plumber’s expertise level, type of work, location and supplies. Homeowners can save money by entering their zip code into a online plumber cost calculator to get estimates before hiring someone.
Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who are knowledgeable about a wide range of tools, machinery and equipment. They use these tools to ensure that all plumbing installations and repairs are done correctly, safely and within the set time frame. They are also trained to handle hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead. Some of the tools used by plumbers include wrenches, pliers, hacksaws, pipe cutters and hammers.
In addition to their plumbing skills, plumbers must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with customers. They must be able to explain complex issues in simple terms and provide solutions that meet the customer’s needs. They also must be able to identify potential problem areas in the current system and recommend ways to avoid future issues.