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Jordan
Student
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Why did you want to be a plumber? What inspires you to go to work every day? What is a tip you would give to everyone who wants to be a plumber?
I want to be a plumber but I want to know some information about plumbers, to know if that's actually what I want to do
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2 answers
Justin Bacon
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Justin’s Answer
I am a master plumber who currently works in a hospital, as for why I wanted to become a plumber....I didn't. I never wanted to become a plumber, I went to college got a couple degrees and never any job that was in the field I wanted to be in. So I went to the trades as I needed a job, I was now married with a baby on the way and a stepson. I was learning to become a wielder and I enjoyed that, however the economy took a turn and I was laid off. Ok so now what I back to square one of being screwed, when I seen an ad in the newspaper that said plumber apprentice wanted no training required. I applied and a few days later had a job interview, then the rest is history as for me becoming a plumber. I needed a job and plumbing gave me the chance to fill my need, and once I got started I discovered I like being a plumber.
Everyone starts with there's always a need, they make good money, and blah blah blah. These are true, but shouldn't be the first thing you consider when looking into plumbing. Ask yourself do you mind getting dirty, what about working in sewage, how about the physical hard labor, or working in the elements. If you can get past this then give it a go, apply to become an apprentice and get at it. Don't expect the pay to be great as you are just learning, pay will come in time. While working try to learn all you can and see what school requirements your state or county require. Here in PA some counties just require you to work under a master plumber to move up to the journeyman level, however in my county I had to go to an apprentice school for four years. School was twice a week after work and the employer paid for it. Then I had to take the journeyman exam and work two years a journeyman before taking the masters exam.
I wake up and go to work everyday because I need to support my family, but also I like to help people and I enjoy the other plumbers I work with. No matter what career you follow, you have to find the joy and love in it somehow.
If you think you want to become a plumber or you're not sure what you want to do in life, just take the leap and apply to an apprentice job. Give it an honest try and remember being an apprentice is not going to be easy, plus depending on what type of plumbing you do people will give you a hard time. It could be customers if you get into service work or it could be other plumbers or trades if you get into new construction. Worst case you find out that plumbing isn't your thing and move onto something else. At least you will get paid while trying to figure out your next steps in life.
Everyone starts with there's always a need, they make good money, and blah blah blah. These are true, but shouldn't be the first thing you consider when looking into plumbing. Ask yourself do you mind getting dirty, what about working in sewage, how about the physical hard labor, or working in the elements. If you can get past this then give it a go, apply to become an apprentice and get at it. Don't expect the pay to be great as you are just learning, pay will come in time. While working try to learn all you can and see what school requirements your state or county require. Here in PA some counties just require you to work under a master plumber to move up to the journeyman level, however in my county I had to go to an apprentice school for four years. School was twice a week after work and the employer paid for it. Then I had to take the journeyman exam and work two years a journeyman before taking the masters exam.
I wake up and go to work everyday because I need to support my family, but also I like to help people and I enjoy the other plumbers I work with. No matter what career you follow, you have to find the joy and love in it somehow.
If you think you want to become a plumber or you're not sure what you want to do in life, just take the leap and apply to an apprentice job. Give it an honest try and remember being an apprentice is not going to be easy, plus depending on what type of plumbing you do people will give you a hard time. It could be customers if you get into service work or it could be other plumbers or trades if you get into new construction. Worst case you find out that plumbing isn't your thing and move onto something else. At least you will get paid while trying to figure out your next steps in life.
Vamshee Gunturu
Principal Engineer
187
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Successful plumbers can earn a good income. I personally used plumbers few times for repairs at my home..they make good income and are in demand for sure..
But the work can be difficult and often include random evening and weekend hours.
There is typically a strong demand for plumbers, which shows no signs of slowing.
I am not a plumber ..Based on my research online , i am copying the Pros and Cons being a Plumber.
As always every career/profession has pros and cons...So consider the points below and decide whats best suits to you.
10 Reasons to Become a Plumber
Plumbing Tools
1. Job stability. The need for plumbers is kind of like the need for doctors – everyone everywhere will always need them. Being a plumber offers you a certain level of security: a good plumber can always find employment, and the job can’t be outsourced!
2. Less student loan debt. College students these days are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars worth of student loan debt. Choosing a trade like plumbing often means you can attend vocational school or a community college for significantly less money, and then enter an apprenticeship where you’re actually paid while you learn the trade.
3. Advancement opportunities. Plumbing is a licensed and regulated trade, and you can choose to work your way all the way up to the master level if you have the ambition to do so. Master plumbers have a higher salary, more job flexibility, and more opportunities than many other professions.
4. Job variety. Being a plumber doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing house calls and fixing toilets all day (unless you want to, of course). Plumbers work in all kinds of industries. You could find a job designing plumbing systems for new buildings, deciding how to manage, repair, and expand city/municipal water systems, or developing new plumbing technologies. Where there’s water and people, there’s a need for plumbing. The opportunities are almost endless!
5. Independence. Professional plumbers can always choose to go into business for themselves. Owning your own plumbing business means you can work when you want and where you want, which is great for those who have family obligations or need flexibility in scheduling or location.
6. Personal benefits. As a plumber, you’ll be working your body and your mind all the time. Analyzing problems, developing solutions, and handling day-to-day business transactions will keep your mind sharp, and the physical requirements of the job can keep your body active and healthy.
7. Job satisfaction. Plumbers really do save lives. Without good plumbing systems to deliver clean water and get rid of wastewater, we would all be at risk of catching potentially fatal diseases. Keeping the plumbing systems in our homes and cities in good working order is a worthy task that protects the health of our nation.
8. Social interaction. As a plumber, you won’t be stuck in an office all day. You can be out and about, meeting and interacting with new people all the time. If you’re a friendly person and offer your clients good customer service, you can also generate a significant amount of income through these positive interactions.
9. Respect. There are plenty of jokes and biases, but thankfully, more and more people are realizing what plumbers do for us, and respect for the trade is growing. Indeed, the entire social landscape regarding skilled trades is shifting. After all, not everyone can be a plumber – people try to fix extensive problems themselves, make it worse, and then realize that they need you, the professional, to fix things for them.
10. No more plumbing bills. Once you’ve got the skills, you’ll never need to pay someone else for plumbing repairs! This is probably the least important reason to become a plumber, but hey, if you’re on the tipping point this just might help you make the decision!
The Cons of Being a Plumber
To get a proper understanding of all facets of a plumbing career, the perks must be weighed against the less-than-ideal aspects of the work.
Plumbing Work Can Be Physically Demanding
Like most construction trades, plumbing generally requires above-average amounts of physical exercise.
For example, plumbers may need to carry a heavy bathtub or other specialty equipment, sometimes up a staircase when working in older buildings or new construction.
Plumbing work can require professionals to spend a fair amount of time crawling and crouching in tiny, cramped spaces.
So, if you have claustrophobia, a plumbing career may not be a great fit.
The Bottom-Line – Plumbers work in all weather conditions, which may include extreme heat or cold.
A Plumber’s Daily Routine Can Be Unpredictable
As noted above, the job market for plumbers is strong and, therefore, predictable.
This is in stark contrast to many workdays for plumbers, which can be anything but predictable.
Plumbing emergencies happen at all hours and in all kinds of weather.
The Bottom-Line – Whether you are self-employed or work for a plumbing company, the hours tend to be irregular, especially for those who respond to emergencies for 24-hour service providers.
Plumbers Work Under Pressure
The unpredictability of the work can also generate pressure-cooker-type situations in which to work. Clients become impatient, difficult, and demanding if a plumbing issue is dangerous (or even simply inconvenient).
The Bottom-Line – Plumbers must remain calm when confronting a serious plumbing issue that may be dangerous to the plumber or other people in the house or building.
There’s an Occupational Risk Of Getting Injured
Plumbing work can be risky because of the nature of the work.
There are a variety of hazards, especially when working in construction.
The rate of injury for this profession is high.
These hazards may include chemicals, falling objects, or sparks from a flame used to plumb piping.
Plumbers may suffer from eye injuries, hearing loss, flammable situations, or slips and falls, among other injuries.
The Bottom-Line – Plumbers must wear protective and safety gear, which may include a mask, goggles, gloves, and earplugs, among others.
If You Are Choosing An Apprenticeship Path, It Can Take Several Years
While trade schools offer programs for plumbing, many professionals choose to work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber as a way to learn the plumbing trade – while getting paid!
An apprenticeship is a great career path for a plumber, but it may take upwards of 3 or 4 years to complete the apprenticeship program and be ready for the licensing exam.
The Bottom-Line – To become licensed as a plumber, you must pass a written examination, but fret not, there are online plumbing programs available.
Plumbers Have To Deal With Waste
Plumbing is not the most glamorous occupation because it often includes dealing with clogged drains or toilets, which likely means dealing with waste.
The Bottom-Line – Plumbing work is sometimes done in very unpleasant settings. If you lean on the side of OCD, plumbing might not be the right career.
Plumbers May Be Liable for Mistakes
If a plumbing job goes awry, the damages caused by the plumbing error may be the plumber’s responsibility.
As such, it is vital for plumbers to purchase insurance as a protection for the business and professional.
The Bottom-Line – The cost of the insurance must be included in your operating costs and expenses if self-employed.
Good Luck with your future endeavors.
But the work can be difficult and often include random evening and weekend hours.
There is typically a strong demand for plumbers, which shows no signs of slowing.
I am not a plumber ..Based on my research online , i am copying the Pros and Cons being a Plumber.
As always every career/profession has pros and cons...So consider the points below and decide whats best suits to you.
10 Reasons to Become a Plumber
Plumbing Tools
1. Job stability. The need for plumbers is kind of like the need for doctors – everyone everywhere will always need them. Being a plumber offers you a certain level of security: a good plumber can always find employment, and the job can’t be outsourced!
2. Less student loan debt. College students these days are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars worth of student loan debt. Choosing a trade like plumbing often means you can attend vocational school or a community college for significantly less money, and then enter an apprenticeship where you’re actually paid while you learn the trade.
3. Advancement opportunities. Plumbing is a licensed and regulated trade, and you can choose to work your way all the way up to the master level if you have the ambition to do so. Master plumbers have a higher salary, more job flexibility, and more opportunities than many other professions.
4. Job variety. Being a plumber doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing house calls and fixing toilets all day (unless you want to, of course). Plumbers work in all kinds of industries. You could find a job designing plumbing systems for new buildings, deciding how to manage, repair, and expand city/municipal water systems, or developing new plumbing technologies. Where there’s water and people, there’s a need for plumbing. The opportunities are almost endless!
5. Independence. Professional plumbers can always choose to go into business for themselves. Owning your own plumbing business means you can work when you want and where you want, which is great for those who have family obligations or need flexibility in scheduling or location.
6. Personal benefits. As a plumber, you’ll be working your body and your mind all the time. Analyzing problems, developing solutions, and handling day-to-day business transactions will keep your mind sharp, and the physical requirements of the job can keep your body active and healthy.
7. Job satisfaction. Plumbers really do save lives. Without good plumbing systems to deliver clean water and get rid of wastewater, we would all be at risk of catching potentially fatal diseases. Keeping the plumbing systems in our homes and cities in good working order is a worthy task that protects the health of our nation.
8. Social interaction. As a plumber, you won’t be stuck in an office all day. You can be out and about, meeting and interacting with new people all the time. If you’re a friendly person and offer your clients good customer service, you can also generate a significant amount of income through these positive interactions.
9. Respect. There are plenty of jokes and biases, but thankfully, more and more people are realizing what plumbers do for us, and respect for the trade is growing. Indeed, the entire social landscape regarding skilled trades is shifting. After all, not everyone can be a plumber – people try to fix extensive problems themselves, make it worse, and then realize that they need you, the professional, to fix things for them.
10. No more plumbing bills. Once you’ve got the skills, you’ll never need to pay someone else for plumbing repairs! This is probably the least important reason to become a plumber, but hey, if you’re on the tipping point this just might help you make the decision!
The Cons of Being a Plumber
To get a proper understanding of all facets of a plumbing career, the perks must be weighed against the less-than-ideal aspects of the work.
Plumbing Work Can Be Physically Demanding
Like most construction trades, plumbing generally requires above-average amounts of physical exercise.
For example, plumbers may need to carry a heavy bathtub or other specialty equipment, sometimes up a staircase when working in older buildings or new construction.
Plumbing work can require professionals to spend a fair amount of time crawling and crouching in tiny, cramped spaces.
So, if you have claustrophobia, a plumbing career may not be a great fit.
The Bottom-Line – Plumbers work in all weather conditions, which may include extreme heat or cold.
A Plumber’s Daily Routine Can Be Unpredictable
As noted above, the job market for plumbers is strong and, therefore, predictable.
This is in stark contrast to many workdays for plumbers, which can be anything but predictable.
Plumbing emergencies happen at all hours and in all kinds of weather.
The Bottom-Line – Whether you are self-employed or work for a plumbing company, the hours tend to be irregular, especially for those who respond to emergencies for 24-hour service providers.
Plumbers Work Under Pressure
The unpredictability of the work can also generate pressure-cooker-type situations in which to work. Clients become impatient, difficult, and demanding if a plumbing issue is dangerous (or even simply inconvenient).
The Bottom-Line – Plumbers must remain calm when confronting a serious plumbing issue that may be dangerous to the plumber or other people in the house or building.
There’s an Occupational Risk Of Getting Injured
Plumbing work can be risky because of the nature of the work.
There are a variety of hazards, especially when working in construction.
The rate of injury for this profession is high.
These hazards may include chemicals, falling objects, or sparks from a flame used to plumb piping.
Plumbers may suffer from eye injuries, hearing loss, flammable situations, or slips and falls, among other injuries.
The Bottom-Line – Plumbers must wear protective and safety gear, which may include a mask, goggles, gloves, and earplugs, among others.
If You Are Choosing An Apprenticeship Path, It Can Take Several Years
While trade schools offer programs for plumbing, many professionals choose to work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber as a way to learn the plumbing trade – while getting paid!
An apprenticeship is a great career path for a plumber, but it may take upwards of 3 or 4 years to complete the apprenticeship program and be ready for the licensing exam.
The Bottom-Line – To become licensed as a plumber, you must pass a written examination, but fret not, there are online plumbing programs available.
Plumbers Have To Deal With Waste
Plumbing is not the most glamorous occupation because it often includes dealing with clogged drains or toilets, which likely means dealing with waste.
The Bottom-Line – Plumbing work is sometimes done in very unpleasant settings. If you lean on the side of OCD, plumbing might not be the right career.
Plumbers May Be Liable for Mistakes
If a plumbing job goes awry, the damages caused by the plumbing error may be the plumber’s responsibility.
As such, it is vital for plumbers to purchase insurance as a protection for the business and professional.
The Bottom-Line – The cost of the insurance must be included in your operating costs and expenses if self-employed.
Good Luck with your future endeavors.