Plumber

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage, drainage, venting, heating and air-conditioning, or industrial process plant piping. <ref>The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering</ref> In most jurisdictions the piping for HVAC, fire protection, and industrial systems are installed by 'steam-fitters', 'pipe-fitters', or 'gas-fitters' tradespeople. Many in these trades are members of organized labor groups, while many are nonunion. Years of training and experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; most jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed. A Master Plumber is one who has demonstrated mastery of the trade of plumbing, has worked in the field for many years, is certified in different areas of plumbing, typically trains new plumbers in the trade, and oversees large plumbing projects.

Plumbing codes are strict, and need for quality plumbing work is high because of the historical health and safety problems associated with poor water supply and sewage removal.<ref>Plumbing: the Arteries of Civilization, Modern Marvels video series, The History Channel, AAE-42223, A&E Television, 1996</ref>

Plumbers install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, waste water disposal, and venting in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Plumbing is a traditional field that typically pays well, has good job security, and currently has need of qualified individuals in many locations worldwide. Many plumbers begin their careers in plumbing as helpers to established plumbers, while other enter formal training institutes.

1 Some needed skills, interests, and values
2 Plumbers in popular culture
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Some needed skills, interests, and values

Reading blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines
Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
Communicating with co-workers, other tradespeople and subcontractors, and management
Planning and performing complex calculations for specialized projects
Providing time and cost estimates of the work to be performed (both labor and materials)