Plumbers work with systems that carry water, wastes, and natural gas to and from homes, buildings, or other types of structures. In residential settings, they handle water, gas lines, waste systems like toilets and septic disposal. In commercial construction, plumbers can work as contractors or parts of a subcontractor crew. They can take on substantial parts of the gas and water system installation. Plumbers can handle finishing work such as sinks, toilets, tubs, and fixtures.
Plumbers can work as employees of specialized plumbing companies or as part of a broader type of repair or construction company. Many plumbing professionals work full or part-time as independent businesses. In any capacity, they must keep abreast of technological changes and revisions or additions to codes, business regulations, and consumer rules. When licensed, plumbers must maintain all requirements including refresher courses and continuing education. Plumbers can establish local reputations for excellence and create a high demand for their services. A career in plumbing can be well-paid and exciting. It is a people-oriented business in terms of dealing with clients, customers, and coworkers.
Components of A Successful Plumbing Career
To become a plumber you will need technical plumbing skills and knowledge that come from high-quality education and a period of apprenticeship or other types of supervised training. Most plumbers work three to four years under supervision before working independently. University Headquarters understands that, in addition to the hard skills, there are soft skills that contribute to a successful plumbing career.
- Listening skills are essential for plumbers that must work with customers, clients, and other professionals. The ability to listen is a foundational skill for learning about a situation and developing solutions.
- Plumbers must be able to think critically. They must assess problems and develop solutions. They must also communicate their ideas to other people in clear and understandable terms.
- Physical strength is part of the requirements for a successful plumber. However, while some pipes and materials are quite heavy, plumbers do not need to be exceptionally strong. They do need to be fit, have good conditioning, and have dexterous hands. Lifting, bending, and stretching is part of the job. Plumbers may have to work in small or cramped spaces and at awkward angles.
What Do They Do?
A plumber is a skilled worker that works with pipes and fluid systems that bring fresh water, take away waste water, and connect gas lines. Plumbers work in construction, commercial, and residential settings. Their services support water and air conditioning in all types of dwellings and structures. Plumbers must understand building codes and perform work that is consistent with local laws and regulations.
Plumbers perform installations of water plumbing systems and water treatment systems. They install residential and commercial systems like spas, hot tubs, and swimming pool water lines. A plumber works with sewage systems and other types of wastewater removal. Plumbers also perform residential installations and repairs of household plumbing systems. They resolve clogs and replace damaged pipes. Socially conscious consumers and clients may seek Green solutions to household plumbing issues, installations, and new construction. Plumbers can provide specialized services that use Green or sustainable techniques and products.
Typical Educational Requirements
Plumbing apprenticeship programs and trade schools do not have a standard or national set of requirements. These sponsors and trade schools each determine the applicant requirements. The typical requirements include a high school diploma, GED, or other equivalent proof of education. Typically, students must be age 18 or older or have parental consent.
Candidates with strong backgrounds and aptitudes for science will have an advantage to become a plumber. Plumbing programs teach concepts based on mathematics, fluid dynamics, and materials science. They must understand concepts like expansion and the effects of heat and cold on metals, plastics, other materials and plumbing code. Plumbing trainees that plan to work on new installations must learn to read blueprints and other layout information and understand sanitary and plumbing codes.
Typical Certifications Needed
Plumbers must complete a training program or apprenticeship (online or on-campus) to qualify as journeyman plumbers. Most states have a further classification of Master Plumber. Plumbers must be licensed in most states. States can require exams and other demonstrations of skill for certification. All states require supervised experience to move from apprentice to journeyman status; the typical range is two to four years of supervised field experience.
A plumbing school student must be in good standing academically from the previous level of education. They must demonstrate good character and the ability to comply with school or program rules and procedures. High school students should have a strong background in mathematics and science. All potential trainees should have a basic familiarity with computers and the ability to use standard computer software for communications, records, and online study.
Is an Exam Needed for Certification?
There is no national exam for plumbing industry professionals. States control the licensing procedure for professionals that hold themselves out to the public as plumbers. Many states use journeyman-level exams to qualify experienced apprentices or applicants that graduated from plumbing vocational schools or community college plumbing programs.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a diploma or certification online?
The plumbing learning phase can run up to two years, either at a plumbing vocational school, a union apprenticeship program, or a community college. Formal education and training is the first step. Before gaining plumbing credentials, each candidate must get supervised experience. Certifications and licenses require students to demonstrate two or more years of apprenticeship-type experience.
How much does an online program cost?
The price of plumbing trade schools varies by the institution, and the range is very wide. An online associate degree in plumbing technology from a community college can range from about $3,000 to more than $20,000. Trade schools differ from community colleges in that they do not offer as much general training and focus more on hands-on training for a business or trade.
The average tuition for public community colleges is about $3,500; many locations have low or no-cost tuition options for residents of a state, city, or county.
How many students graduate on time?
The graduation rate for a student at a two-year degree or certificate programs is 30% according to the National Center For Education Statistics. Overall, the trend in learning a trade career is moving towards longer completion times. In the case of trade and vocational schools for plumbing, many students will not attend full-time, and that can extend the average time for completion without reflecting on the student’s effort.
Why consider accreditation?
The US Department of Education recognizes the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as the accreditor for post-secondary degree and non-degree institutions. The ACCSC specializes in schools that mainly educate students for occupational, trade, and technical careers. The organization also accredits institutions that offer career programs through distance and online learning.
Employers and educational institutions widely accept ACCSC accreditation. Potential candidates should make sure that the schools or vocational programs they select have accreditation from an agency approved and recognized by the US Department of Education.
Choosing an accredited online school
University Headquarters strongly recommends the selection of an accredited school or program. Apprenticeship programs operated through trade associations or unions will provide technical training that will meet or exceed state licensing requirements. When selecting a two-year or four-year school or college, the school must be regionally accredited or accredited by a Department of Education-approved organization. By receiving a diploma or certificate from an accredited program will increase your changes to obtain a post graduate job.
Online vs. Classroom
Many students prefer to attend school in a classroom or online. Some prefer to attend online and use on-campus locations as they can. Today, a student can complete a degree completely online with local internships and onsite practice sessions. Online college can work for students that have responsibilities they cannot leave to attend school and wish to attend full or part-time from home.
Does the online school provide job placement assistance?
A potential student should examine the resources and activities that each potential school offers for job placement and career assistance. Schools and apprenticeship diploma programs are in the ideal position to help with getting a job as a plumber, internships, and career development. In the plumbing field, experience is a vital step for going forward to journeyman and master plumber status. When working in non-union environments, employer or employer associations can provide training and valuable assistance in career guidance and job placement.
Consider the rankings of the online school
The school that students select can boost their career and help with early job placement if it is well-known for its quality education. The school rankings involve factors that reflect the quality of the diploma program that each school provides. Rankings include the school's retention rate, graduation rate, and acceptance rates. They also look at the starting salaries of recent graduates. Highly ranked schools reflect things that interest employers and they produce graduates that have the knowledge and skills that employers need for job placement.
What skills are needed?
Plumbing students should be able to work with basic computer software applications for writing and rendering. They must be able to communicate effectively about drawings, blueprints specifications, agreements, and other types of industry code.
In addition to reading blueprints, drawings, and schematics, plumbers must learn building, fire, and safety codes and regulations. They must be able to access reference materials associated with rules and regulations including official permits.