A licensed plumber is responsible for diagnosing and repairing piping and plumbing problems. They carry out a variety of tasks, such as reading and interpreting plans to locate drainage systems, dismantling sinks, bathtubs and toilets to examine and assemble sections of pipes, repair valves, select the most appropriate tools for plumbing work, and installing water pumps.
Licensed plumbers must also
prepare work estimates, negotiate plumbing contracts, and plan major plumbing projects. Maintenance plumbers are employed by larger organizations to maintain the plumbing systems of large facilities or campuses.Their duties depend on the type of building they are maintaining, but their basic tasks are to maintain, repair or install gas, water, irrigation or sewer systems. Plumber trainees work in a plumbing apprenticeship program with experienced plumbers. An apprentice position is required to become a licensed plumber at the officer and teacher levels. The duties of an apprentice plumber are similar to those of the plumber officer or teacher for whom the apprentice works.
They evaluate customer problems and help the plumber with repairs. For new construction projects, plumber trainees help with the installation of water, gas and drainage pipes for the entire building. They also learn about safety regulations and government regulations. The Department of Labor states that 8 percent of plumbers are self-employed and owning a business can be quite lucrative, especially when emergency service is provided 24 hours a day.
Plumbers who work under riskier conditions are likely to earn more. The industry that pays plumbers and pipefitters the most is steel manufacturing, and most jobs are available in hiring construction equipment, constructing non-residential buildings and constructing utility systems. The type of plumbing work you do and whether or not you own your own business can affect your income as a plumbing master. Requirements vary by state, but future plumbers typically spend four to five years as paid trainees while receiving classroom classes on skills such as reading blueprints.
A master plumber can also work as a foreman, superintendent, or project manager, and each one earns more than the last. Internships can last up to five years and are completed when the new plumber passes a test that demonstrates their knowledge of building codes, piping systems, and local regulations. They also prepare the work area and allow plumbers and plumbers to work in shorter periods with fewer errors. Some plumbers earn six-figure incomes but a typical workweek lasts about 50 hours and the jobs are usually physically demanding.
Plumbers may start working for a company but they can branch out and start their own business once they have several years of experience in the field. Most states require plumbers to have a license which usually involves passing an exam on basic industry concepts and local restrictions and codes. According to recent job offers at ZipRecruiter, the plumber assistant job market in the United States is very active and many companies hire.
