Try to picture your existence in a world in which there are no plumbers and where water continuously drips from a tap, where showers are cold. Luckily we have our plumbers who ensure we have proper water and sanitation hence eradicating the thought of a real life nightmare. According to the information in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these specialists are essential in today’s world and are paid an average hourly wage of $27.56. A number of people consider plumbing to be a highly stable and lucrative profession. If you are a person who has interest in this particular field but has not decided as to which direction to take, read on. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to pursue a career in plumbing:
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The Value of Plumbing in Modern Society
So, prior to pursuing a career in plumbing, one needs to have the right attitude towards this trade. The plumbing system not only makes life comfortable but also ensures that essential services like sanitation are met for every modern society. A plumber is an unrecognized hero who has the mandate of providing society with water necessities and disposal means.
Besides, plumbers also ensure that sanitation systems are installed and fixed which is another important factor in society. Hence, being a plumber is not a mere occupation but rather a noble calling to meet society’s basic necessities.
Why Plumbing as a Career?
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As much as technology has crept into almost every other area and even taking over labor intensive tasks in many sectors, plumbing remains a practical trade. Another good thing about the plumbing business is that it guarantees job security for its workers. Plumbers will always be popular if individuals depend on water for their survival and need proper disposal systems.
The financial rewards are equally attractive. Unlike many professions requiring years of costly education, a plumber can start earning a decent wage relatively quickly, often right from the apprenticeship stage.
Moreover, plumbing offers an attractive trajectory for career growth. From being an apprentice to becoming a journeyman and then finally a master plumber, each stage brings its own set of responsibilities and financial benefits.
1. Entry Requirements
Before entering the world of plumbing, one has to meet specific criteria. Most apprenticeship programs necessitate that the individual be at least 18 years old. You should get your high school diploma or GED and its equivalent, as it is generally a requirement. Mathematical skills are often underrated but are crucial when measuring pipe lengths or calculating pressure, for example.
a) Assess Your Aptitude
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Plumbing is really a great field, however it’s not going to be a good match for everyone. Self-assess yourself and rate yourself for the following the task to know if you have what it takes be a plumber. When answering this, they need to ask such questions as whether they are comfortable working with tools and whether they can work in confined spaces if necessary. You should also take some time to consider your physical condition: plumbing involves labor and sweat. This job requires a physically fit and strong candidate with an ability to work for many hours continuously.
2. Attend Vocational Training
To become a plumber, you do not need a specialized university education where you get to learn plumbing to advance your career. However, you will need to go to trade school to get vocational training after you complete your high school studies. You can complete your vocational training in plumbing in one to two years. Vocational training programs are offered not only by trade schools but also by accredited technical universities.
During such training, prospective plumbers learn not only the practical aspects, like how to use specific tools or basic pipefitting skills, but also the theoretical underpinnings of the trade. They are highly specified programs in which you learn how to fix drainage and water sanitation systems in residential and commercial units.
Understanding why things are done a certain way, not just how, can be invaluable as one progresses in their career. Once you graduate from your plumbing school or technical university, they will award you a certification. Plumbing companies are unlikely to hire you without a certificate from a good trade school.
3. Participate in an Apprenticeship
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Once you finish your vocational training in plumbing, you will need to participate in a plumbing apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships are the cornerstone of a plumber's education. You work under a senior plumber during an apprenticeship and receive on-the-job training. This training includes both classroom hours and field training.
In most apprenticeships, you complete several classroom hours before getting hands-on training, but the duration varies. Once you finish trade school, apprenticeships are a great way to gain specialized plumbing skills and receive hands-on training.
Trainees participate in digging trenches for new pipe installations, fitting fixtures, and, perhaps most importantly, learning to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. You can complete most apprenticeships in four to five years.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Your learning does not end after trade school or your apprenticeship, you are always learning. It is mandatory to acquire practical as well as professional experience in the pipeline even beyond. This is a plumbing training program that takes a shorter time, usually one-year, but is still recognized by a relevant authorities. These courses are intended for immediate skill enhancement and, at most, can be accomplished in less than ten weeks.
It also serves the purpose to enhance your resumes and improve the likelihood to get a good-paid position. One can get experience by working as an assistant plumber and also instant experience by doing instant replacements. Although it resembles an apprenticeship, it is a paid position several plumbing companies provide.
In this section, you are assigned to an experienced plumber and attend jobsites with that plumber. Initially, you work together with a plumber and merely follow their lead, but, in the long run, you get to work independently.
5. Obtain Licensure
You will need a plumbing license before you can work independently as a plumber. You can work under a master plumber without a license, but getting a license will increase your employment opportunities. The exact process of getting licensed depends upon your state. In most states, you must pass a state licensing exam.
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The exam requires an understanding of plumbing codes, business, and law. Many training institutes provide exam preparation services, and you can enroll in their programs to increase your chances of passing the exam. Once you pass the exam, you must submit your licensing application. Usually, it requires proof of your apprenticeship period, professional recommendations, and a surety bond.
There are different professional plumbing levels you can get licensed for. You are first issued a journeyman plumber license and officially become a licensed plumber. And you can apply for a master plumber license after a few years. If you possess a master plumber license, you can teach aspiring plumbers.
You will also get a pay raise as a master plumber: most master plumbers make twice what journeyman plumbers do. The average pay rate for master plumbers is $40 per hour, and they can even touch six figures.
6. Life as a Journeyman Plumber
After obtaining the license, you become a journeyman plumber. At this stage, the journeyman plumber has a significant level of independence but still might need supervision for more complex tasks. Journeymen can interpret blueprints, install and repair plumbing fixtures, work basic toilet plumbing, and even manage plumbing projects. They have moved beyond the basics but haven't yet achieved the highest level of mastery in the trade.
7. The Path to Becoming a Master Plumber
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Plumbing mastership is the highest level of professional achievement a plumber might attain. A master plumber is skilled enough to do all types of plumbing, plot out plumbing systems and oversee major projects. They can own and run a business that mainly deals with professional plumbing services, practice plumbing, teach apprentices how to go about it, among other areas of professional expertise. To be a master plumber, extra years might be required and a more demanding test has to be taken.
8. Continuous Education
Plumbing is not a stagnant profession. New material and technologies are introduced in the market and it is crucial to keep oneself abreast with them to advance in ones career. Several states have a provision for license renewal, and this usually comes with some element of renewal course. This may be short courses that are offered like a gas line installation course, backflow prevention course, indoors plumbing course, or green learning course, workshops or seminars covering new techniques, new materials or change in code.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Become a Plumber
a) What are the subjects of plumbing?
Plumbing encompasses a wide range of subjects beyond pipes and water flow. It includes studying and applying various types of piping materials, fittings, and fixtures and the methods for installing and maintaining them. The subject also covers the design and layout of plumbing systems, ensuring proper water pressure, and meeting building codes and standards.
Drainage systems, sewage treatment, and waste disposal are other essential aspects. Additionally, to some extent, plumbing delves into specialized areas such as gas fitting, fire suppression systems, and even heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Plumbing is a multidisciplinary field that requires theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
b) How long is the plumbing course?
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The duration of a plumbing course can vary widely depending on the type of training, institution, and whether it's a full-time or part-time program. Vocational schools may offer introductory training courses from a few weeks to a few months.
Apprenticeship programs, which provide the most comprehensive training, typically last 4 to 5 years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Some community colleges offer 2-year associate degrees in plumbing. Online courses provide the most flexibility, allowing students to complete modules at their own pace, which could take months to years.
Endnote
To become a plumber, one must undergo through some courses though most of it is practical. If this is not an option you can attend a college and get a vocational training in plumbing from a plumbing trade school. After that, you may proceed with becoming a plumber through the apprenticeship and having a license.
It is a profession that provides a strong financial security, and satisfaction that comes with solving important issues affecting the lives of people. When you are searching for a job that can guarantees enhanced technical skills, an ability to solve problems, and job security then plumbing may be the right career for you.
