Plumbers install and repair pipes that supply water, gas or waste to-and-from homes and businesses. They use specialized equipment like video cameras and pressure gauges to inspect plumbing systems and identify issues.
They may also collaborate with construction teams and architects on new building projects. Because plumbing emergencies can occur at any time, they’re on-call 24/7. Contact Gateway Plumbers of Aurora now!
Plumbing is often seen as an invisible job, but the impact of a plumber’s work can be felt in many ways. Whether it’s a shower, bath, or sink that doesn’t drain properly, or a pipe bursts causing water to flood a kitchen or bathroom, the work of a licensed plumber can directly impact people’s health and well-being.
For example, if there’s a crack or hole in the pipes that carry fresh drinking water, it could lead to contamination of the water supply and potential illness or death from diseases like cholera and typhoid. It’s estimated that 88 percent of diarrhea cases around the world can be traced back to poor water and sanitation systems. Licensed plumbers ensure that the water we drink is safe and clean, helping protect us from serious illnesses and disease.
A plumber’s work also contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of a nation by ensuring that public buildings, including hospitals, schools, and offices, have sanitary plumbing. Without the services of licensed plumbers, these structures would have dangerous and unhealthy conditions that put the people inside them at risk.
Plumbers are often called upon to inspect existing pipe work to identify issues and ensure that building codes are being met. These inspections can involve using specialized equipment to view the interior of a pipe, testing for leaks, and locating blockages. They may also be required to install new fixtures or pipes, such as toilets, basins, showers, and waste disposal units, as well as repair or replace old ones.
In addition, plumbers must be able to work safely and follow plumbing codes that are set by their state or municipality. This can include wearing appropriate clothing, gloves, and masks to protect themselves from inhaling hazardous fumes or working with toxic materials.
Plumbers can find a lot of satisfaction in their jobs, especially since they play such a vital role in keeping water flowing smoothly and preventing potential safety hazards. If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, the first step is getting your license and enrolling in an apprenticeship program where you can learn the trade while earning money.
They Make Hot Water Available
The plumbing system takes away waste water, provides hot and cold water, and regulates indoor climate through pipes, valves, fixtures, and appliances. Plumbers install these components and repair them when necessary. The job also involves identifying and preventing problems like leaks, clogs, and floods.
A career as a plumber is ideal for people who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. It’s also a stable and rewarding occupation. The demand for plumbers is consistent, regardless of economic conditions. This makes it a good choice for people who want to build a long-term career.
Plumbers typically work in homes, businesses, and construction sites. They may have to enter crawl spaces and other confined areas to access pipes. They also need to wear safety equipment and follow strict health protocols when working with chemicals and other dangerous substances.
When installing a new plumbing system, plumbers follow blueprints and building codes to ensure the proper placement and connections of pipes and fixtures. They also use specialized tools to unclog drains and identify and repair broken pipes and fixtures. They often work with electrical systems as well, so they must be familiar with the hazards involved in working with electricity.
The job requires physical strength and agility to navigate cluttered work areas while lifting heavy objects. It also demands excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle tools and parts. Plumbers need strong communication skills to listen to customers’ concerns and explain their repair options clearly. They must be able to work well under pressure and in inclement weather.
Plumbing jobs can be stressful and physically demanding, especially when dealing with emergency situations. Plumbers frequently work late hours and weekends to respond to calls for help. This can lead to burnout and stress, so it’s important for plumbers to seek out a healthy work-life balance.
Plumbers are also required to maintain their own tools and keep up with industry changes and regulations. They must attend continuing education classes to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, tools, and procedures. They must also pass an examination to become licensed. If they are not licensed, plumbers may be vulnerable to fines and other legal actions.
They Impact Lives
From the comfort of hot showers to the ease of boiling water in kettles on a cold winter morning, the conveniences we enjoy every day are made possible by plumbing. But the skills and expertise of plumbers go beyond just fitting pipes. They play a critical role in enhancing and maintaining public health, directly impacting our lives and preventing deadly diseases.
A significant part of plumbers’ work involves ensuring safe and reliable water supply, sewage systems, and waste disposal. They are trained to spot potential hazards in these systems, such as leaks, blockages, and other issues that can cause water damage, promote the growth of harmful bacteria, and negatively impact the quality of drinking water. By addressing these problems before they cause major damage, plumbers prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and ensure that we have access to clean drinking water.
Plumbers are also involved in disaster response efforts to help communities recover after natural calamities. For instance, they are responsible for assessing and repairing plumbing systems in emergency shelters, hospitals, and other critical facilities. This way, these people have access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation to protect their health and safety.
Plumbing professionals are constantly advancing their techniques and tools to improve the efficiency of plumbing systems. This allows households to conserve water and energy, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability. Furthermore, many plumbers have adopted eco-friendly practices in their businesses to further reduce the environmental impact of their services.
Unlike other professions, the plumbing industry isn’t just about making money and getting paid. Plumbers are also actively involved in the community, promoting and championing valuable causes that can help create stronger communities and a sustainable planet. The contributions of these plumbers make them more than just ‘fixers’ — they are true heroes in their own right.
They Don’t Work Behind a Desk
Plumbing is a hands-on profession, and plumbers spend most of their time in the field. This means that they get to work around people all day long and constantly meet new people. They can also develop business relationships that can help them generate more income in the future. If you’re a people person and enjoy working with your hands, this may be the perfect job for you.
One of the main stereotypes that surround plumbers is that they don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most plumbers go through apprenticeship and trade school to learn the skills that they need for their jobs. Then, they go through additional training and certification to make sure that they’re up to date with the latest technology in their field.
As a plumber, you will work on residential and commercial plumbing systems. You’ll install and repair bathroom and kitchen fixtures, unclog drains, and maintain water heaters. You might also have to install or repair other appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines. This can be challenging because you’ll have to think about how these different systems connect to each other. It’s also important to have strong problem-solving skills because if something goes wrong with a plumbing system, it could be a health hazard or even lead to extensive damage to the building.
The piping that brings fresh water into buildings and removes waste needs to be able to coordinate with the other systems, such as heating and cooling. This is why it’s so important for plumbers to have good problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to communicate with customers and explain complex plumbing issues in an easy-to-understand way.
Plumbers often have to be creative to come up with solutions for difficult problems. They might need to cut through walls or ceilings to access pipes, so they’ll have to be physically fit and able to work with their hands. They might also have to climb on ladders or use power tools, so they need to be able to handle physical demands and high-pressure situations.
