If you have ever had a problem in your bathroom or kitchen, you may have called a plumber. There are thousands of plumbers across the world, providing valuable and essential services.
However, you may have wondered what exactly a plumber does. To figure out the answer to this question, please continue reading.
What are the Responsibilities of a Plumber?
Plumbers have the duty of installing, preserving, and fixing water systems. As a result, most of their work is done in the kitchen and bathrooms.
You may need to contact a plumber if you have problems with your washing machine, shower, or taps. Because of this, plumbers have a really important job.
Their responsibilities include:
- Installing, replacing and fixing hot water heaters
- Cleaning clogged drains and pipes
- Fitting appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers
- Fixing leaking or worn faucets
- Doing emergency plumbing repairs
- Identifying problems with the equipment
- Checking and repairing toilet plumbing issues
- Ensuring the plumbing system works efficiently
- And a lot more
How Much are Plumbers Paid?
The amount of money that a plumber earns will vary. Plumbers with more experience will be able to earn more money than those with less experience.
Newly-trained plumbers will receive approximately $20,000 a year. Meanwhile, plumbers with increased experience and skill can earn between $30,000 and $35,000 per annum.
This is merely a rough guide. Plumbers with extra qualifications and training can earn more money than this.
However, if you are self-employed as a plumber, you can set your salary. This will give you increased control over your job.
How Many Hours Do Plumbers Work?
Again, this will depend on a few different factors. If you become a plumber, you will likely work around 8 hours a day for 5 days a week.
Because of that, plumbers will work in the region of 35 to 40 hours each week. However, you may also work overtime.
If you become a self-employed plumber, you will have extra control over the hours and days you can work.
Consequently, you can better manage your work schedule. If you are an emergency plumber, you will be called out whenever you are required.
How Do You Become a Plumber?
It can take a while to become a plumber. The reason for this is that you need to possess a large number of specialist skills and knowledge.
You will also need to acquire a specific license to become a plumber. There are a few steps to becoming a plumber, such as:
Graduate from High School
You do not need an array of top grades to become a plumber. On the other hand, you will need some basic qualifications. Subjects such as maths and science will be essential for plumbers.
Therefore, it is recommended that you focus on these areas if this is a career that you are interested in.
Apprenticeships or Other Forms of Training
One way of receiving training is through an apprenticeship. For some apprenticeships, you will need to be at least 16 years of age.
On the other hand, you may have to be 18 to enroll in other apprenticeships. An apprenticeship is a form of employment whereby you learn essential skills while on the job.
This means that you can earn money even when you are training. In addition, this will give you a more hands-on education.
You will be trained under expert supervision, allowing you to receive their wisdom and ask any questions you may have.
Though apprenticeships are beneficial, they will require hard work and effort. In fact, you will likely need to work at least 30 hours a week.
Some may require you to have specific skills or qualifications. Moreover, they will take a few years to complete. Most plumber apprenticeships will last 4 years.
Get a License
In order to practice as a plumber, it is essential that you obtain a license. To get this license, you may have to have a certain level of training or experience.
In addition, you will have to complete and pass an exam. Some potential plumbers fall at this hurdle. If you work hard and pay attention, you should be able to pass this exam with relative ease.
Become a Plumber
After gaining all this education and training, you will now be in a position to become a plumber. At this point, you will have to think about whether or not you want to become self-employed.
If not, you will need to begin looking for companies that are hiring plumbers. If you do aim to be self-employed, you will have to set up your own business. Though this is quite time-consuming and can require a lot of effort, it is worthwhile.
What Skills are Needed To Become a Plumber?
To see if you are suitable to become an effective plumber, you will need to possess a handful of skills. These include:
- Good communication – you will need to communicate with customers and your colleagues.
- Psychical ability – plumbing can be quite a hands-on job that will require you to be physically active. You may have to carry equipment that weighs a lot.
- Problem-solving – being able to identify and solve problems in a water system will be essential to this job.
- Math skills – you will need to work with numbers in this line of employment. Though you can use a calculator on your phone, some situations will call for good mental maths.
- Patience – you may have to work on one job for a long time. As a result, it is a good idea to adopt a patient persona in this work.
- Driving ability – some plumbers will need to be able to drive a van to get to jobs. As a result, you will need a driving license.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
How long is plumbing school?
Studying to become a plumber in college tends to take approximately 2 years. Apprenticeships will take longer, though you will also be paid for this work.
How many plumbers are female?
Plumbing is an industry that is dominated by men. In fact, it is believed that anywhere between 5% and 2% of the plumbing workforce is made up of women.
Of course, this should not deter you from becoming a plumber if you are a female. Women are just as capable as men in this industry.
Is it worth it to become a plumber?
On the whole, yes it is worth it. Though becoming a qualified plumber can take a lot of time and effort, it is a good career.
It earns decent wages and there are always places that are looking for trained plumbers. Unlike other jobs, it is unlikely to ever become obsolete.
ConclusionÂ
Plumbers provide an essential service. Without plumbers, homes would likely experience a lot of water-related problems that would hamper the use of taps, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers.
Though it can take some time and hard work to become a plumber, it is worthwhile in the long run.
