Plumber Training
Plumbers may be called on to repair water, drainage, gas, and other piping systems. They also install plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs and toilets, and appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. Plumbers maintain septic systems, the large, underground holding tanks that collect waste from houses which are not yet connected to a public utility sewer system
Master plumbers on construction jobs may be involved with developing blueprints that show the placement of all the pipes and fixtures. This helps ensure that a structure's plumbing meets building codes, stays on budget, and works well with the location of other utilities, such as electric wiring. Diagrams are now created digitally with the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), which allows a building's physical systems to be planned and coordinated across occupations.
Residential water systems, for example, use copper, steel, and plastic pipe that one or two plumbers can install. However, power plant water systems, by contrast, are made of large steel pipes that require a well-trained crew of pipefitters to install correctly. Pipefitters install and maintain pipes that carry chemicals, acids, and gases. These pipes are used mostly in manufacturing, commercial, and industrial settings. Fitters install and repair pipe systems in power plants, as well as heating and cooling systems in large office buildings.
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters may be exposed to cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes and soldering equipment, and falls from high ladders.
Most states and localities require plumbers to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary, most states and localities require workers to have 2 to 5 years of experience and to pass an exam that shows their knowledge of the trade and of local plumbing codes before they are permitted to work independently. Some states require pipefitters to be licensed; they may even require a special license to work on gas lines.
Education
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn their trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship. Apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year. In the classroom, apprentices learn safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, and blueprint reading. Apprenticeship programs are offered by unions and businesses. Although most workers enter apprenticeships directly, some start out as helpers.
The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship training program in plumbing and other trades.
After completing an apprenticeship program, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are considered to be journey workers, qualifying them to perform duties on their own. Plumbers with several years of plumbing experience may earn master status by passing an exam. Some states require a business to employ a master plumber in order to obtain a plumbing contractor's license.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Plumbers must be able to direct workers, bid on jobs, and plan work schedules. Plumbers talk to customers on a regular basis and need to understand and communicate problems and directions.
Dexterity. Plumbers must be able to maneuver parts and tools precisely, often in tight spaces.
Mechanical skills. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters use a variety of tools to assemble and repair pipe systems. Choosing the right tool and successfully installing, repairing, or maintaining a system is crucial to their work.
Physical strength. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters must be strong enough to lift and move heavy tools and materials.
Troubleshooting skills. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters find, diagnose, and repair problems. For example, pipefitters must be able to perform pressure tests to pinpoint the location of a leak.
Organizations
Whether you’re a new graduate or have several years of experience, there’s an industry trade group ready to offer training, networking opportunities and other specialized resources that can help you stay current in your field and manage your career.
-
1. American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE)
2. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
3. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - PHCC Division
4. Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI)
5. The Water Quality Association (WQA)
6. ASSE International
7. The Uniform Plumbing Code Council (UPCC)