A plumber is a tradesperson who installs, repairs and maintains pipes that supply water, remove sewage and provide gas for homes, businesses and industry. Plumbers may work in residential or commercial settings and must have a thorough knowledge of plumbing codes, piping systems, health and safety regulations and construction procedures. They often must perform diagnostics on-site and estimate the cost of a job before beginning any work.
Plumbers must have physical strength, stamina and dexterity to handle tools and tight spaces. Some states require licensure, which usually entails passing an exam and demonstrating knowledge of building codes, piping systems, plumbing fixtures and local restrictions. Those interested in becoming plumbers should complete a vocational school or community college program that offers courses in plumbing, or gain on-the-job training by working as an apprentice for an established plumbing company. Some plumbers join a union and receive excellent benefits, including health insurance, life insurance and a pension, in addition to a higher salary.
Unlike many careers that involve sitting in an office all day, plumbing Plumber Guelph is a physically demanding occupation that requires walking, lifting and bending throughout the day. This can lead to a high rate of injuries, especially back injuries. Plumbers should also expect to have some unpleasant interactions with clients, as they often must deal with people in stressful situations when their plumbing is not working properly.
In a time when college students are graduating with tens of thousands in debt, a career as a plumber offers a path to a stable income that does not require extensive education. Most plumbers learn their trade through vocational schools or as apprentices assisting licensed plumbers, and they can earn while they learn.
As the population continues to grow, so too will the need for plumbers. This is one profession that can never be outsourced or automated, and there will always be a need for skilled tradespeople.
There are few jobs more satisfying than restoring water service to a home, fixing a clogged sewer line or installing an energy-saving tankless water heater. Plumbers make a difference in people’s lives every day, and that is a feeling that can’t be replicated with an office job or any other career.
In a recent survey, plumbers reported lower levels of happiness than those in other fields and positions. This may be due to the fact that many plumbers must work long, difficult hours and may not get enough sleep because of the demands of their job. Still, there are many reasons to choose a career as a plumber, and it is a good choice for those who enjoy manual labor and want a sense of accomplishment from their work. For those who are not interested in this type of work, there are plenty of other options. The key is to find a field that you are passionate about and that offers a good financial future. The right field is out there for you; it just takes some time and research to find it.