Plumbers are needed to install and maintain water systems in a variety of settings, including municipal water supply plants, sewers, and commercial and residential buildings. Plumbers often specialize in one or more aspects of the trade, such as installing water and sewer lines, fitting pipes and valves for pressurized water systems, and maintaining existing fixtures. In each specialization, there are numerous types of plumbing jobs available.
Pipelayers and pipefitters work for construction companies and city government organizations that construct new homes and buildings, and they hold many plumbing jobs. Pipelayers are professional plumbers who install pipes in municipal buildings, businesses, and homes. To ensure that new pipes, water mains, and sewer lines are installed properly, they must adhere to strict plumbing codes as well as specific blueprints. Pipefitters work on pressurized water, gas, and steam systems, such as those found in industrial manufacturing plants, to install and service them. They connect pipes, hoses, and valves, as well as perform routine maintenance on entire systems.
Plumbers who maintain commercial and residential pipes, fixtures, and appliances are frequently self-employed. Plumbers commonly follow regional codes when running pipes and installing new fixtures. A general plumber will come out to diagnose and fix problems when a residential or commercial system stops working properly. General plumbers are usually meticulous and adept at making quick repairs.
People must usually receive training at community colleges or vocational schools, or complete formal apprenticeships, or both, in order to obtain plumbing jobs in any specialization. Classroom studies and hands-on training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of various water systems are included in the training. Students learn about the various tools, techniques, and laws that govern the plumbing industry. Apprenticeships are typically four to five years long, during which time new plumbers work as assistants to more experienced plumbers.
To work as a plumber in most states and countries, you must first obtain a license. To obtain a plumber’s license, a person must pass a written exam after completing all education and training requirements. Most exams test a person’s knowledge of techniques, procedures, safety, and plumbing codes, though the material covered by an exam varies by location and a plumber’s area of specialization. After passing the licensing exam, a new plumber can start working on his or her own.
A master plumber can be designated after a sufficient amount of training and experience. Master plumbers have a long track record of demonstrating their abilities and in-depth knowledge of the trade. Master plumber certification is available in some areas to document a person’s expertise and qualify him or her to perform more complex plumbing jobs.