What Does a Plumber Do?
A plumber is someone who specializes in the installation and repair of pipes which are used to carry water, gas, sewage, and wastewater. These pipes are often collectively referred to as “plumbing.” Members of this profession typically train as apprentices with qualified plumbers before striking out on their own; in some regions, plumbers must take licensing exams before establishing their own businesses. This ensures that they are familiar with prevailing health and safety codes, since poorly installed plumbing can have very serious consequences. The word is derived from the Latin plumbum, for “lead.” Historically, all pipes and joints were made from lead, and plumbers were literally “lead workers” in addition to pipe-layers. Although lead piping has since been banned in most regions of the world due to health concerns, the plumbing profession retains its name. Since plumbers often delve into the depths of pipes to clear clogs or diagnose plumbing problems, the term “plumbing” is used
A Plumber is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining pipes, plumbing fixtures and other plumbing systems used to carry water, gas, sewage, and drainage in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. A Plumber’s scope of work includes: Reading blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems, water supply networks, venting systems, waste and drainage systems. A plumber does planning, installing, servicing plumbing systems, fixtures, and piping equipment. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, sewage or gases. Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes to install and repair plumbing systems are also a part of a plumbers job. A plumber may test pipes for leaks, using air and water pressure gauges. Ensuring safety standards that conform to building codes and regulations are part of a plumbers job. Responsibilities and duties of a Plumber When a plumbing contractor installs, repairs and maintains plumbing syst
Before you decide to pursue plumbing as a profession, it is a good idea to have a clear understanding of the plumber job description in order to determine if it is the right career for you. It is also a good idea to have a clear understanding of the difference between a plumber job description and the job description of other professions that are similar to a plumber, such as a pipelayer or a steamfitter. Although certain aspects of these jobs may somewhat overlap with the plumber job description, this is not necessarily always the case. In the most specific of terms, the plumber job description involves installing and repairing items such as gas systems, drainage systems, water systems, and waste disposal systems in an industrial or commercial building. This makes the plumber job description different from that of a pipelayer, which is a person that is responsible for laying pipes for oil, water, or gas mains and lines. As a part of the plumber job description, people involved in this
Plumbers’ Responsibilities Plumbers are primarily responsible for installing and maintaining various types of piping systems and fixtures. The exact responsibilities of the plumber are dependent on the setting. Plumbers must know what types of materials are appropriate for their setting. He or she must be able to follow blueprints and work with plumbing tools. Many plumbers are involved in the design of piping systems, especially in new construction, or they may have to redesign old or outdated systems. Plumbers sometimes need to perform basic carpentry to access pipes in walls or brace pipes to keep them in place. Plumbers then weld, solder or attach fittings together when necessary. Once the piping system is installed, plumbers install fixtures, such as bathtubs, showers, water heaters or dishwashers. Different Types of Plumbers Plumbers, pipelayers, pipefitters and steamfitters are all specialties within the plumbing profession. Each works to install, repair and maintain piping syst
