What Does a Plumber Do?
A Plumber:
1. Does lots more than just unclog drains and/or install new faucets. There are far more duties involved when being a professional plumber.
2. Installs and maintains many types of piping systems that are found in residential as well as commercial properties such as: power plants, water treatment facilities, disposal plants and factories.
3. Is responsible for the installation and maintenance of various types of piping systems and their fixtures.
4. Must be able to read blueprints and follow detailed instructions from builders and contractors alike. They need to be capable of planning out their work and be efficient.
5. Must also be computer literate since many computers are now being used more and more for tracking progress.
6. Must be handy with tools and use a number of specialized tools as well as techniques. Some jobs require the use of steel, copper, and plastic piping.
7. Needs to be aware of what types of materials are needed for each job.
8. Sometimes designs the piping systems for brand new construction projects.
9. May perform basic type carpentry work in order to access pipes that are inside walls or brace pipes to have them stay in place.
10. Welds, solders and at times may attach fittings together whenever necessary. Once installation of the piping system is complete, plumbers install fixtures, such as: tubs, bathroom showers, toilets, dishwashers and water heaters.
11. May be Pipelayers, Pipefitters, or Steamfitters – Pipelayers repair and maintain commercial as well as industrial pipe systems. Pipefitters (sometimes called steamfitters) lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs mechanical piping systems.
Plumbing schools normally take four to five years before a student graduates. A high school diploma or GED is required. Apprenticeships will provide training while on the job as well as build knowledge of piping types, use of tools, mathematics, reading of blueprints, codes along with water distribution.
So the next time you must call a Plumber, remember the above and how knowledgeable they need to be.
Unfortunately, not all plumbing contractors are alike. When you need one, ensure you find a reputable plumber with an extensive amount of experience. There are a lot of scary stories out there when it comes to plumbers, contractors and the like so be proactive and know who you are about to hire.