Things you need to know to become a plumber

So, you are wondering if you may want to go into being a plumber. Before you set off looking for plumber training, you have to figure out what the trade may need you to do, the jobs you will have to perform and the skills you need to have.

What jobs does a plumber have

The job description of a plumber will require installing, fixing and maintaining plumbing systems. As a rule, you will need to look after chilled water, steam, heat, sewage and drainage systems. This will include commercial, domestic and industrial plumbing systems.

You will get to look at sinks, heaters, pumps, tanks, valves, pipes, joints and commodes to figure out what’s broken or malfunctioning, so that you can fix or exchange these as needed.

You will need to be able to read drawings, schemes and blueprints to find out the layout of the system, plus to find positions of pipes connections and other fixtures.

The work has to involve working with a variety of specialist plumbing tools, like pipe cutters, threading disks, reamers and others.

You have to be aware that you may find yourself working in dim lighting, small spots, dirty spots, big heights, dangerous materials (for instance, acid), and you will find yourself soaked in hot and cold water on many occasions.

Plus, as well as the physical skills you will need to master the job, you will also need to memorise the legal aspects of plumbing; you’ll have to know safety laws, and to ascertain that your work answers all the relevant legal procedures.

What mental skills will you need to have to develop into a good plumber?

The job description of a plumber is sure to need a mix of a quick brain and physical skill.

Your hands will, of course, get dirty, and you have to be okay with that. A head for heights will also come in useful, as well as the ability to lift and carry heavy things. You’ve got to be able to climb into cramped spots and perform your duties there, for example, in little cupboards, underneath sinks and behind washing machines. You’ll need to learn to use a variety of tools in a proper and safe way, so being generally good with your hands is required for each future plumber.

As well as all that, you have to have a good skill and initiative to solve problems: seriously, you’ll need it when you’re stuffed under a tub with cold water gushing in your face. You will have to be very flexible, as there are tons of plumbing systems you’ll have to know your way around. A sound judgement and a mind that is open to non-standard solutions will also stand you in good stead.

Most of all, you’ll need a good work ethic, be scrupulously honest and very professional, as your reputation with clients is of the most importance for your plumbing career.

To conclude, plumbing is a highly skilled trade, so your plumbing training will take some serious work. However, it is also highly rewarding and lucrative, as good tradesmen are always rare. Everybody needs a plumber, don’t they?