Introduction

Being a plumber involves installing, maintaining and repairing water, drainage and heating systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Plumbers are skilled tradesmen that work with pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment. 

The main duties and responsibilities of plumbers include:

• Installing and repairing pipes that supply water, gas or dispose waste 
• Installing plumbing fixtures like bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets and water heaters
• Locating and marking pipe systems using blueprints 
• Inspecting plumbing systems for problems 
• Clearing blockages, leaks and repairing broken pipes and fixtures
• Providing maintenance services on plumbing systems 
• Following building plans and code requirements during installations

Plumbers play a critical role in maintaining safe and functional plumbing systems in homes and buildings. Their expertise helps ensure access to clean water and proper sanitation.

Education Needed

Becoming a plumber requires both formal education and on-the-job training. Most plumbers start by getting a high school diploma or equivalent. They then complete a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program, which combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction in things like systems design and repair. Apprenticeships are regulated and sponsored by trade unions and local plumbing contractor associations. 

After completing an apprenticeship program, plumbers are considered journey workers and must pass a licensing exam to work independently. Requirements vary by state, but generally cover things like plumbing codes and best practices. Passing this exam and paying a license fee results in a Journeyman Plumber license. Some states also require continuing education to maintain the license. Additional training and certification can allow plumbers to work on specialized systems like gas lines, septic tanks, or backflow preventers. Overall, becoming a licensed plumber involves a significant commitment of time and effort, but opens up good job opportunities.

Salary and Job Outlook

Plumbers can earn a good living, with the average salary for plumbers being around $55,000 per year. However, salaries can range from around $30,000 for apprentices just starting out to over $90,000 for master plumbers with many years of experience. The highest paid plumbers typically work in large metropolitan areas.  

In addition to a competitive salary, the job outlook for plumbers is very strong. The plumbing field is expected to grow over 15% over the next decade, which is much faster than average job growth. There is a continued need for skilled tradespeople like plumbers, especially since much of the current workforce is aging and getting close to retirement. With new construction and infrastructure projects ongoing, and with people always needing plumbing services for existing homes and businesses, there is expected to be steady demand for plumbers in the future job market. Overall the salary and job prospects make plumbing a very promising career path.

Day in the Life

A day in the life of a plumber varies greatly depending on the type of plumbing work being done. Here are some of the typical daily activities and tasks plumbers handle:

• Meet with customers to evaluate their plumbing issues and provide repair estimates. This may involve inspecting leakages, assessing pipe damage, unclogging drains, etc.
• Review blueprints and building plans to determine the layout of plumbing and waste disposal systems.
• Install and repair water supply lines, drainage systems, pipes, toilet fixtures, sinks, tubs, water heaters, dish washers, and more. 
• Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, etc.
• Cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.
• Measure, cut, bend, and thread pipes using hand and power tools like pipe cutters, bending equipment, and threading and threading machines.
• Join pipe sections, tubing, and fittings using techniques like soldering, brazing, cementing, crimping, and pressure sealing.
• Test installed systems and pipes for proper functioning, leaks, flow pressure, etc.
• Unclog and clear blockages in drains and sewer lines using plungers, snakes, high-pressure water jets, etc.
• Maintain and repair plumbing fixtures like faucets, valves, toilets, etc. by taking them apart, repairing or replacing worn parts, and reassembling.
• Respond to emergency calls for burst pipes, major leaks, flooding, etc.
• Educate customers on plumbing system care and optimize water efficiency.
• Complete paperwork regarding repairs, inspections, billing, etc.

So in summary, plumbers tackle a wide variety of plumbing installation, maintenance and repair tasks on any given day. It's a hands-on job that requires technical skills, problem-solving abilities, customer service skills and physical strength.

Pros of Being a Plumber

Being a plumber has many excellent advantages that make it an attractive career option for people who enjoy hands-on work and solving problems. Here are some of the top benefits of working as a plumber:

• High earning potential - Plumbers can earn an excellent income, often higher than many other tradespeople and professionals. The average salary for plumbers in the United States is over $53,000 per year, and the top 10% earn more than $89,000 annually. Many experienced plumbers who own their own business earn six figures.
• Job security - There is always a need for skilled plumbers. Faulty plumbing and leaks occur in homes and businesses every day, so plumbers provide an essential service. The plumbing industry is projected to grow over 15% in the next decade, faster than most occupations. Qualified plumbers are always in demand.
• Independence - Many plumbers have the option to set their own schedules and be their own boss by starting an independent plumbing company. This allows them control over the type of jobs they do and when they work.
• Variety - Plumbers enjoy a lot of variety in their work duties. No two days on the job are the same. One day may involve installing pipes in a new home, while another could require diagnosing and repairing a clogged drain or broken water heater at a commercial site. Plumbers like the mix of tasks and challenges.

Cons of Being a Plumber

Being a plumber can be a physically demanding job with challenging working conditions. Here are some of the downsides to consider:

• Physical demands - Plumbers often have to stand, crouch, or kneel for long periods of time. They frequently lift heavy equipment and crawl into tight spaces. This daily physical labor can be hard on the body over time.
• Harsh working conditions - Plumbers risk cuts, burns, and bruises working with sharp or hot tools and materials. They often have to work in cramped, dirty areas like crawl spaces or underground pipes. Exposure to germs is also a hazard when working in sewage systems.
• On call emergencies - Plumbers may be called out to urgent repairs at any hour of the day or night, requiring an unpredictable schedule. Getting woken up in the middle of the night repeatedly can be exhausting. Having to drop everything to rush to an emergency can disrupt family and personal time.

Overall, plumbing can involve some uncomfortable or even hazardous working conditions. The job is not for the faint of heart. Plumbers have to be willing to handle physical discomfort and emergencies at odd hours. Anyone considering the trade should go in with eyes wide open about the demands involved.