On Becoming a Plumber

Dec 3
16:37

2011

Aaliyah Arthur

Aaliyah Arthur

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While other types of jobs are becoming harder to find, positions for plumbers are becoming more and more available. This type of construction trade involves more than unclogging drains and repairing fixtures. Becoming a plumber involves several years of training and education, as well as the appropriate licensure for your state.

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You may be surprised to learn that there is a growing demand for plumbers in today's struggling job market. When you think of this occupation,On Becoming a Plumber Articles you probably picture the man or woman who has made house calls to unclog a drain or fix leaks in your plumbing equipment. Most people seldom realize the level of skill involved in plumbing jobs, especially those that work on new home construction projects. Plumbing is sometimes considered to be the same trade as pipelaying and pipefitting, but it is actually a specialized trade within that group. A pipelayer typically lays pipe for drains, sewers and water mains. A plumber works specifically with the water, waste disposal and gas systems in buildings, like houses and offices.

If you are still in high school and interested in this type of occupation, you can better prepare to pursue it by developing your mathematical and science skills. In addition to the repairs that most people associate with this job, a plumber must also know how to install piping for water and waste disposal systems in new homes. Math skills are handy when measuring and marking areas where pipes will be installed. Other useful high school courses include shop class and drafting. These types of classes will help you learn to safely handle tools and properly read blueprints and drawings.

Another important requirement for this job is good physical condition and flexibility. You may need to work in small, constricted spaces frequently, which requires strength and the ability to withstand long periods of discomfort. You will also need to become comfortable with sharp cutting tools and soldering torches. While this occupation has a higher than average rate of injuries, you will want to avoid them by practicing good safety measures when operating such equipment.

Becoming a plumber typically starts with an apprenticeship or training from a technical school. Apprenticeships usually last for four or five years. They include on-the-job training, as well as classes in drafting, chemistry, plumbing codes, and other related subjects. You may still learn the trade without a formal apprenticeship, but it is less common. When your years of training are complete, you will need to acquire the necessary licensure for your state. There are no federal licensing standards for this type of trade, and state requirements may vary. Most states mandate two to five years of experience prior to an exam to test your knowledge. You will need to have a thorough understanding of the types and grades of pipes used and how to properly install pipes and plumbing fixtures.

While other types of jobs are increasingly difficult to find, the number of plumber positions is expected to grow. This is partly due to the amount of plumbing professionals who are nearing retirement age. Another reason for the increase is the greater focus on water conservation methods and environmental protection efforts. Many older systems will need to be updated to meet stricter standards, resulting in the need for skilled professionals to do the work. Existing plumbing systems in homes across the country will continue to need maintenance and repairs, ensuring that the demand for people in this occupation remains high. It is a good career choice, especially among construction trades, because it has a higher average salary than most other construction positions.