Plumber is a skilled professional who installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems in commercial, residential, and industrial settings. These individuals work with various types of pipes, fixtures, and equipment. They install and connect fixtures and appliances like toilets, sinks, showers, and water heaters. The profession requires plumbing codes and regulations, so as to maintain the highest standards of safety and functionality. In this role, plumbers may be called upon to respond to emergency situations. In this article, read all about the plumber job description details.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Plumbing Equipment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Plumber Levels
Some common job levels include-
- Apprentice Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
- Plumbing Supervisor/Manager
- Plumbing Inspector
Educational Qualifications
Typical education level includes-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Trade School
- Apprenticeship Programs
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Basic Plumbing Courses
- Online Plumbing Courses
- Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs
- Plumbing Trade School Programs
- Specialty Plumbing Courses
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- Backflow Prevention Certification
- Green Plumbing Certification
- Journeyman Plumber Certification
- Master Plumber Certification
- Medical Gas Certification
- Plumbing Inspector Certification
Several organizations offer these certifications-
- Green Plumbers USA
- International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
- National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC)
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Commercial Plumbing Experience
- Construction Plumbing Experience
- Industrial Plumbing Experience
- Residential Plumbing Experience
- Service/Repair Plumbing Experience
- Specialty Plumbing Systems Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Conduct routine maintenance of plumbing systems
- Diagnose/repair plumbing issues
- Install/maintain backflow prevention devices
- Install/repair fixtures
- Install various plumbing systems
- Perform customer service/communication
- Perform inspections of plumbing systems
- Read blueprints/drawings
- Respond to emergency plumbing calls
- Troubleshoot plumbing problems
- Work with different types of pipe systems
- Work with appliances, gas lines, and systems
Abilities/Skills
Some common skills include-
- Backflow prevention knowledge
- Blueprint reading skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Gas system skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Pipefitting/installation proficiency
- Plumbing systems knowledge
- Professionalism
- Proficiency in tools/equipment handling
- Repair and maintenance skills
- Safety awareness knowledge
- Strong attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Working flexibility/adaptability
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Adherence to safety standards
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Frequently interact with customers
- May need to travel to different sites
- May need to work at heights or on elevated surfaces
- May work both outdoors and indoors
- May work on variable work schedules
- Need to follow proper safety procedures
- Often work as part of a team
- Often work in confined spaces
Plumbing Equipment
Some common plumbing equipment includes-
- Drain Augers/Snakes
- Drain Cleaning Machines
- Leak Detection Equipment
- Pipe Benders
- Pipe Cutters
- Pipe Freezing Kits
- Pipe Inspections Cameras
- Pipe Locators
- Pipe Threaders
- Pliers
- Plunger
- Pressure Testing Devices
- Safety Equipment
- Soldering Tools
- Wrenches
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May encounter cramped and confined spaces
- May need to stand for extended periods
- May perform repetitive motions
- Must adhere to safety protocols (use PPE)
- Must have good manual dexterity
- Must have the ability to maintain balance
- Need to climb and work at heights
- Need to have physical stamina to sustain energy levels
- Often need to lift and carry heavy objects
- Often require precise hand-eye coordination
Top Industries
Some common job areas include-
- Commercial Plumbing
- Construction Plumbing
- Drainage/Sewer Plumbing
- Emergency Plumbing
- Gas Piping/Appliances Plumbing
- Green Plumbing
- Industrial Plumbing
- Residential Plumbing
- Service/Repair Plumbing
- Specialized Plumbing
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Construction Plumber
- Drainage Specialist
- Entrepreneur/Business Owner
- Fire Protection Plumber
- Gas Plumber
- Green Plumber
- Installer
- Maintenance Plumber
- Pipefitter
- Repair Technician
Salary Information
On average, a plumber earns $27.31 per hour in the United States. But the factors like education, certification, experience, skills, location, company size, etc. affect the salary trends from place to place. The highest hourly paying cities for plumbers are Brooklyn ($31.13), New York ($30.75), San Antonio ($27.16), and Phoenix ($27.00).
However, the following approximate salary figures are-
- Hourly Wage – $20 to $40
- Monthly Salary – $3,400 to $6,800
- Yearly Salary – $40,800 to $81,600
The aforesaid figures are just general estimates.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
| 401(k) Matching | Life Insurance |
| 401(k) Plan | Opportunities for Advancement |
| Company Truck | Paid Sick Time |
| Continuing Education Credits | Paid Time Off |
| Dental Insurance | Paid Training |
| Disability Insurance | Parental Leave |
| Employee Assistance Program | Pet Insurance |
| Employee Discount | Professional Development Assistance |
| Employee Stock Ownership Plan | Profit Sharing |
| Flexible Schedule | Referral Program |
| Flexible Spending Account | Relocation Assistance |
| Fuel Card | Retirement Plan |
| Fuel Discount | Tools Provided |
| Health Insurance | Tuition Reimbursement |
| Health Savings Account | Vision Insurance |
Summary
Plumbers play a crucial role in installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems in residential, commercial, industrial, and specialized fields. The plumbing career requires certain qualifications and it may vary depending on the specific job requirements. They work in various conditions. The salary of a plumber can vary but certified ones get more money. Overall, plumbers play crucial in maintaining proper waste management, water supply, and other plumbing infrastructure.
