As long as people live, there will be a need for plumbers. It’s a field that will never be outdated by technology because it requires manual skills that robots and computers cannot do.
A career as a plumber in Canberra offers many different opportunities for advancement. Moreover, you are not stuck in an office all day; you get to visit clients and interact with them on a daily basis.
Installation
The installation part of a plumber’s job involves connecting pipes for water, gas and waste removal systems to homes and businesses. They work with a variety of materials, including copper, steel and plastic. Plumbers must be skilled at reading blueprints to correctly size pipes and make sure all connections are air-tight.
Plumbing jobs also often involve working with other construction workers and contractors. They must be able to communicate effectively with supervisors, assistants and material suppliers. They must also be able to identify and solve problems as they install plumbing fixtures like bathtubs, toilets, sinks and dishwashers.
Plumbers often have to deal with human waste, which can contain dangerous microbes such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. This means that plumbers should wear protective clothing and gloves when they repair sewage systems. Residential plumbers typically work on plumbing systems in private houses. They may unclog drains and perform other maintenance tasks, such as adjusting pipe pressure.
Repair
A plumber’s job duties often include repairing plumbing fixtures and appliances. This is where their problem-solving skills come into play, as they need to assess the issue, find the right tools and parts, and make the necessary repairs. They may also be required to clean up after themselves, which can be challenging as it can involve dealing with sewage and human waste.
Some plumbers specialize in residential plumbing, while others choose to work on commercial or industrial pipes. They are likely to be involved in larger projects that require them to read blueprints and adhere to strict building codes. Their responsibilities can include laying pipe systems for water, gas, and drainage as well as installing appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
A plumber’s career can be very rewarding, but it is also a dangerous one. They may be exposed to many harmful microbes when working on sewage systems, for example. This could lead to infections such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.
Maintenance
Plumbers also maintain plumbing systems by repairing leaks and clogged drains. They often work on fixtures such as bathtubs and toilets, but may also repair or
replace appliances like dishwashers and heating systems. Some plumbers specialize in residential plumbing services, while others focus on commercial or industrial plumbing.
Many plumbers find employment with small or medium-sized plumbing businesses, though some large corporations and government agencies employ their services as well. Other plumbers may choose to be self-employed and operate their own plumbing service business.
To become a plumber, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and technical training through an apprenticeship program that includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job experience. Most states require plumbers to be licensed, which involves passing an exam about plumbing codes and regulations. Other qualifications include strong analytical problem-solving skills and physical strength. Plumbers must be comfortable working in tight spaces and around dangerous chemicals, such as sewage and toxic waste.
Sales
Many plumbers also work with clients to help them choose plumbing fixtures for their homes. This part of the job requires interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to read blueprints and understand construction and building codes.
Other responsibilities include inspecting existing pipes and systems, and ensuring that all parts meet health and safety standards. This may require the use of tools such as a pipe cutter, saw, and drill. Plumbers must also be able to identify and solve problems quickly.
If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, consider completing a trade school or apprenticeship program. These programs usually last 4-5 years and include classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training.