Plumbers install and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances like sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters. Their job duties also include interpreting blueprints and building codes, identifying leaks, and using diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot problems.
Plumbing is a highly skilled career that doesn’t require a college degree, and it offers more stability than some other professions. Here are a few things you should know about being a plumber:
Installation
Plumbing professionals install new systems in homes and businesses. This includes laying out piping, connecting fixtures and appliances, and testing for leaks. They also make sure plumbing meets local codes and regulations. Plumbers often work with architects and construction teams during the planning stages of a building project, interpreting blueprints to ensure plumbing is integrated seamlessly into the structure.
A career as a plumber offers stability and good pay. It’s also a physically demanding job that requires stamina to carry heavy tools and work in inclement weather. Plumbers must have good communication skills to listen to customers and explain solutions clearly. They must also be able to identify and resolve problems quickly. Plumbers often work evenings and weekends to meet customer needs, especially in emergency situations. This can affect their family life. However, this type of flexibility can help plumbers maximize their earnings potential. They can also find opportunities to advance in their career through training and professional development.
Maintenance
Plumbers often use specialized tools and equipment to inspect pipes, fixtures, and appliances for issues like leaks, corrosion, or temperature fluctuations. They also need to follow strict safety protocols when working with dangerous materials or in elevated or confined spaces.
Many plumbing professionals work in residential settings, installing piping and fixtures for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They may also work on larger scale plumbing systems for office buildings, restaurants, hospitals, and industrial settings. Plumbers who specialize in commercial or industrial projects must be familiar with a wider range of building codes and regulations. These professionals often collaborate with construction teams and architects to ensure plumbing is integrated seamlessly into new building projects. Regardless of the setting, all plumbers must provide customer service and communicate with clients to understand their plumbing needs and concerns. They also need to be able to accurately estimate project costs and timelines.
Repair
Plumbing pipes carry water, waste and a range of other materials through buildings.
When these pipes become damaged or clogged, plumbers repair them. They may use tools like snakes and drainers to remove obstructions or they might employ a more dramatic approach, such as hydro jetting, where high-pressured water is propelled into obstructed pipes.
Commercial and industrial plumbers install, maintain and repair large-scale plumbing systems in offices, hospitals, factories and other large buildings. These jobs often require interpreting blueprints and working with construction teams to ensure the plumbing is integrated into the overall building design.
Regardless of the nature of the job, all plumbing repair work requires excellent problem-solving skills. This is especially important when working with an emergency situation, such as a burst pipe or severe leak. In these instances, the plumber needs to assess the damage quickly and determine a course of action. This could involve implementing temporary fixes or sealing off parts of the plumbing system until more permanent repairs can be made.
Inspection
During an inspection, plumbers examine the quality and condition of a home’s plumbing system. They look for leaks, clogs, drain issues and other problems that may need repair or replacement. They also assess the size of pipes and fixtures to ensure they can properly accommodate water flow and prevent overflow and drainage issues.
Leaks are a major problem for plumbing systems, as they can lead to water damage, mold growth and structural weakness. Plumbers check all visible plumbing fixtures for signs of leaks, including faucets, showerheads, water heater tanks and other appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. They also look for corroded valves, rusty pipes and other indications of damage or wear.
Plumbers inspect drain lines, vents and sewer lines to ensure they’re clear of obstructions. They also use cameras to assess the inside of pipes and other hard-to reach areas. They check for proper slope in drain lines, as well as any kinks or compression from improper installation. For more information on what plumbers do, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will list all plumbing services available.