What Do Plumbers Do?
Plumbers install and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances like sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters.
Their job duties also include interpreting blueprints and building codes, identifying leaks, and using
diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot problems.
Plumbing is a highly skilled career that doesn’t require a college degree, and it offers more stability than
some other professions. Here are a few things you should know about being a plumber:
Installation
Plumbing professionals install new systems in homes and businesses. This includes laying out piping,
connecting fixtures and appliances, and testing for leaks. They also make sure plumbing meets local
codes and regulations. Plumbers often work with architects and construction teams during the planning
stages of a building project, interpreting blueprints to ensure plumbing is integrated seamlessly into the
structure.
A career as a plumber offers stability and good pay. It’s also a physically demanding job that requires
stamina to carry heavy tools and work in inclement weather. Plumbers must have good communication
skills to listen to customers and explain solutions clearly. They must also be able to identify and resolve
problems quickly. Plumbers often work evenings and weekends to meet customer needs, especially in
emergency situations. This can affect their family life. However, this type of flexibility can help plumbers
maximize their earnings potential. They can also find opportunities to advance in their career through
training and professional development.
Maintenance
Plumbers often use specialized tools and equipment to inspect pipes, fixtures, and appliances for issues
like leaks, corrosion, or temperature fluctuations. They also need to follow strict safety protocols when
working with dangerous materials or in elevated or confined spaces.
Many plumbing professionals work in residential settings, installing piping and fixtures for kitchens,
bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They may also work on larger scale plumbing systems for office buildings,
restaurants, hospitals, and industrial settings. Plumbers who specialize in commercial or industrial
projects must be familiar with a wider range of building codes and regulations. These professionals often
collaborate with construction teams and architects to ensure plumbing is integrated seamlessly into new
building projects. Regardless of the setting, all plumbers must provide customer service and communicate
with clients to understand their plumbing needs and concerns. They also need to be able to accurately
estimate project costs and timelines.
Repair
Plumbing pipes carry water, waste and a range of other materials through buildings.
When these pipes become damaged or clogged, plumbers repair them. They may use tools like snakes
and drainers to remove obstructions or they might employ a more dramatic approach, such as hydro
jetting, where high-pressured water is propelled into obstructed pipes.
Commercial and industrial plumbers install, maintain and repair large-scale plumbing systems in
offices, hospitals, factories and other large buildings. These jobs often require interpreting blueprints
and working with construction teams to ensure the plumbing is integrated into the overall building
design.
Regardless of the nature of the job, all plumbing repair work requires excellent problem-solving skills. This
is especially important when working with an emergency situation, such as a burst pipe or severe leak. In
these instances, the plumber needs to assess the damage quickly and determine a course of action. This
could involve implementing temporary fixes or sealing off parts of the plumbing system until more
permanent repairs can be made.
Inspection
During an inspection, plumbers examine the quality and condition of a home’s plumbing system. They
look for leaks, clogs, drain issues and other problems that may need repair or replacement. They also
assess the size of pipes and fixtures to ensure they can properly accommodate water flow and prevent
overflow and drainage issues.
Leaks are a major problem for plumbing systems, as they can lead to water damage, mold growth and
structural weakness. Plumbers check all visible plumbing fixtures for signs of leaks, including faucets,
showerheads, water heater tanks and other appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. They also
look for corroded valves, rusty pipes and other indications of damage or wear.
Plumbers inspect drain lines, vents and sewer lines to ensure they’re clear of obstructions. They also use
cameras to assess the inside of pipes and other hard-to reach areas. They check for proper slope in drain
lines, as well as any kinks or compression from improper installation. For more information on what
plumbers do, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains-melbourne/ will list all
plumbing services available.
