Plumber As a Career
A plumber is basically a tradesman who specializes in maintaining and installing systems associated with water supply, including plumbing systems, and for drainage and sewage in municipal plumbing systems. A plumber’s work includes fixing such things as water pipes, storm drains, septic tanks, and sewer lines. Plumbers are also involved in the maintenance of such things as water heater repair and replacement, handling of sewage, underground gas or oil pipelines, hot water heater repair and installation, etc.
Plumbers are involved in all kinds of activities that involve water pipes, pipelines, storm drains, septic tanks, and sewer systems. These plumbing systems may span a wide area including kitchen and bathroom sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, laundry sinks, drain pipes, bath tubs, laundry rooms, garages, backyards, schools, and parks. A plumber can do virtually anything to ensure the smooth functioning of a pipeline, or drain, by making sure it’s properly insulated, having the correct number of bends, and other such services. There are also instances where a plumber has to step in to ensure that drainage and waste water treatment systems are properly maintained, so they don’t lead to flooding or other related damage.
To become a plumber in the United States, you will first have to obtain an apprentice certification from one of a few plumbing organizations in the country. Each state is required to determine the list of certified plumbing contractors. To qualify for certification, a plumber must complete either a state-approved apprenticeship program or take a test that can be purchased from most hardware stores. Some states allow individual plumbers to apply for certification without being enrolled in an apprenticeship program, but most states require plumbers to enroll in both programs if they wish to be recognized.
After certification, plumbers may apply for an apprenticeship in any state that allows them. In the United Kingdom, plumbers are usually required to take a series of tests to qualify for a plumbing job. Once qualified, they work under master plumbers until they are able to secure their own apprenticeship position. In many cases, plumbers who are hired on as assistants are responsible for installing, repairing, or maintaining all components of the plumbing system, including drains, pipes, taps, and showers. After completion of the apprenticeship, most apprentices eventually become full-fledged plumbers.
The training plumbers receive in college typically begins with four years of environmental science, mathematics, and chemistry courses. Plumbers then study for the licensing exam to become certified. To be successful at passing the licensing exam, plumbers must also complete an apprenticeship in five to eight years. Once plumbers have earned their first certificate, they generally take further studies for a second certification. This process continues until plumbers have earned every necessary certification in order to practice legally in the United Kingdom.
Plumbing tasks range from replacing faucets and toilets to installing bathtubs and sinks. Plumbers can work in residential areas or they can provide services to commercial buildings and apartments. With so many different types of plumbing systems and fixtures, plumbers can find work in a variety of fields, including government offices, schools, hospitals, corporations, private residences, and even office buildings. Even though there is a demand for plumbers today, there are fewer jobs available for plumbers than there have been in the past. Most new plumbers start out by working in the residential plumbing market. With experience and time on the job, plumbers can learn how to perform a variety of plumbing jobs and eventually open their own plumbing company.