Skills Necessary to Become a Plumber

By Len Wallacher


So, you are wondering if you may wish to train as a plumber. Before you begin researching plumber training, you have to know what this trade may require you to do, the tasks you will have to perform and the skills you've got to have. What jobs does a plumber have? The job description of a plumber will require installing, fixing and maintaining plumbing systems. For instance, you might need to deal with cold water, heat, steam, sewage and drainage systems. These might be commercial, industrial and domestic plumbing systems.

You will look at heaters, sinks, tanks, pumps, pipes, commodes, joints and valves to figure out what's broken or malfunctioning, so that you get to repair or exchange these things as required. You will need to be able to read blueprints, schemes and drawings to learn the layout of the system, plus to find out positions of pipe connections and other fixtures. The trade will definitely involve learning a selection of specialist plumbing tools, like pipe cutters, threading disks, reamers etc.

You ought to be aware that you might end up working in bad lighting, small spaces, dirty spaces, big heights, toxic materials (for example, acid), and you will end up soaked in hot and freezing water sometimes. However, as well as the physical skills needed so that you're good at the job, you will also need to learn the legal aspects of plumbing; you'll have to be aware of safety procedures, and to ascertain that your work answers all the existing legal requirements. What other qualities could you require to turn into an excellent plumber?

The job description of a plumber will certainly require a mix of brains and physical skills. Your hands may get dirty, and you need to be okay with this. A head for heights may also be required, as well as the ability to lift and carry heavy stuff. You ought to be able to climb into small spots and do your job there, like in small basements, under sinks and behind dishwashers. You'll need to find out how to use a multitude of tools safely and properly, so being generally good with your hands is required for any future plumber. In addition, you'll require to have a good skill and initiative to problem solve: believe me, you'll need it when you're lying under a sink with freezing water spurting in your face. You'll need to be fairly flexible, as there are tons of plumbing systems you will need to know. A sound judgement and a mind that is open to non-standard solutions will also reflect well on you.

Most of all, you'll require a good work ethic, be scrupulously honest and completely professional, because your reputation with clients will make or break your plumbing career. In summary, plumbing is a highly skilled trade, and your plumbing training will take some serious work. However, it is also very rewarding and well-paid, because good tradesmen are always in demand. Everyone needs plumbers, don't they?




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