How To Become A Plumber. Every home needs a plumber, and despite how humiliating it may appear, plumbing is a rewarding profession. I’ve heard a lot of people criticize this industry, but I can assure you that working as a plumber would bring in a lot of money every day. You’ll learn the simplest tips for fast becoming a plumber in this article. As is already mentioned, plumbing is a very profitable profession and a terrific talent to learn that may help you reach whatever level you want.
Let me also surprise you; just as individuals learn to become physicians, so do people study to become excellent plumbers. Plumbing is a professional occupation. As there is less competition, some of the highest-paying positions are in uncommon specializations. According to survey results, licensed professionals frequently work in the same field for the whole of their employment. Many even continue working part-time much past the typical retirement age in order to support the next generation by offering learning opportunities and apprenticeships.
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WHO IS A PLUMBER?
Let us begin by defining the term “plumbing”. Any system that transports fluids for a variety of purposes within and outside of a structure is considered plumbing. To move fluids, plumbing employs pipes, valves, fittings, tanks, and other equipment. Who is a plumber now that the term “plumbing” has been defined? A plumber is any individual qualified to build and maintain pipes in our homes and business.
It can also refer to a person who works inside and outside of buildings to install and maintain plumbing, fixtures, and other appliances related to water supply, drainage systems, etc. Plumbers do a variety of duties. They frequently perform practical tasks. They can occasionally be seen creating plans and improving the effectiveness of the installation procedure. Without a doubt, the field of plumbing offers a wide variety of professional options.
WHAT DOES A PLUMBER DO?
Knowing that working as a home plumber is only a tiny percentage of the career options accessible to an experienced professional plumber is essential for anybody interested in becoming a plumber. Plumbers frequently collaborate with architects because they may provide important insight into the optimal places for wall passages and fixture placements, saving the architect considerable time and preventing costly errors.
A plumbing specialist often is aware of particular construction codes and safety requirements and strives to ensure that these standards are followed. As the regulations governing this sector differ depending on where you reside and can be challenging for the average individual to understand, legal skills may also be a requirement in the plumbing industry. Some of the more complex components of plumbing include the capacity to design new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring, and threading pipes as well as the ability to test pipes for leaks using air pressure and other gauges.
IS PLUMBING A PROFESSION?
I’ll respond to this question, but first, tell me what comes to mind for you when you hear the word “profession.” A profession is any occupation, activity, or vocation that requires formal education and/or hands-on training to acquire a complicated set of knowledge and abilities.
Okay! Reverting to the original question, “Is plumbing a profession?” Plumbing is a profession because it calls for a specific degree of training, education, and adherence to moral and ethical principles. Let’s take a short look at some of the plumbing specialties.
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SPECIALIZATIONS IN PLUMBING
A plumber’s career options are as varied as those of other professions with different areas of specialty. The following list includes some of the recognized plumbing specializations:
- Pipelaying
- Pipefitting
- Steamfitting
1. PIPELAYING
Pipelayers are this type of plumber’s specialists. The plumbing system’s pipes are installed here. They mostly fix water mains or storm drains. As this specialty also involves excavating for pipes and grading the trenches where the pipes will be installed, the labor is quite physically demanding. The pipelayers tightly cement, weld, or glue the pipes into place to keep them in place.
2. PIPEFITTING
Pipefitters are plumbers that specialize in this field. Large-scale industrial plumbing projects are within their purview. In manufacturing, industrial, and commercial contexts, they also build and repair heating and cooling pipe systems.
3. STEAMFITTING
In this area, plumbers are referred to as steamfitters. In any environment where heat and power are produced, they create pipe systems that transfer steam under intense pressure.
WHERE DO PLUMBERS WORK?
A typical day for a plumber can involve answering late-night calls from consumers who have damaged pipes. A plumber’s place of business might be anyplace. He could be employed by an architectural firm or on a building site. While some plumbers work for small firms with less than 10 employees, many of them are independent contractors. Some may be found working for the government or larger organizations. Also, a lot of huge structures, school systems, lodging establishments, colleges, airports, churches, and municipal structures have their own plumbing staffs.
Even motor vehicles have installed plumbing systems and will inevitably require maintenance and repairs from time to time. Examples include commuter buses, leisure vehicles, huge aircraft, yachts, and cruise ships. It’s interesting to note that job security in this field is often strong due to the constant demand for plumbing services. In other words, a plumber may find employment anyplace there is a water system. Truth be told, he’ll undoubtedly become involved when the necessity comes.
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HOW MUCH DO PLUMBERS MAKE?
In 2012, the typical yearly salary for a plumber, pipelayer, pipefitter, and steamfitter in the United States was $49,140. That year, the worst ten percent earned less than $29,020, while the richest ten percent earned more than $84,440. This means that the average hourly wage for a plumber is $21.94 per hour.
Wages are mostly determined by one’s level of expertise and the plumbing speciality. Plumbers hired by their local government earn around $20 per hour, whereas plumbers engaged in natural gas distribution earn approximately $26.27 per hour. According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the median wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in May 2019 was $55,160.
WHAT IS THE JOB PROJECTION FOR PLUMBERS?
According to a BLS research, employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is expected to expand 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, with annual salaries ranging from $55,160 to $68,200. This demonstrates that plumbing is a financially rewarding job to pursue.
SKILLS, LICENSING, AND CERTIFICATION
SKILLS
Plumbing skills refer to the numerous qualifications obtained over the course of training to become a plumber. There are three primary areas of qualification in plumbing, which are as follows:
- Apprentices
- Journeyman
- Master plumbers
1. Apprentice
As a plumber apprentice, you will learn from a journeyman, master plumber, or both. The majority of apprenticeship programs last 2,000 hours on-the-job. Throughout this period, you’ll also have 246 classroom hours. Apprenticeships last between 2 and 6 years. A plumbers union is the most popular way to start an apprenticeship. Another option is to apprentice under a qualified plumber.
2. Journeyman
A journeyman plumber has finished the appropriate apprenticeship program and is now self-employed. To become a journeyman plumber, you must first pass a license exam. The licensure exam assesses your knowledge and abilities gained during the apprenticeship program. There are ongoing education obligations as well as licensure exam renewals. Some states want this to be renewed annually, while others may only require it every three to five years.
3. Master Plumbers
To become a master plumber, you must first work as a journeyman for two years. You must also take and pass an exam that includes both written and practical portions. After passing the exam and becoming a master plumber, you can take on supervisory responsibilities. In addition to your prior expertise, you are qualified to plan and construct full plumbing systems.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION
The federal government does not control plumber license. They are administered on a state-by-state basis. Plumbers are required to be licensed in the majority of states.
LICENSING: when it comes to plumber licensure, there is no standard. Every state has its own set of rules and regulations. Before taking the plumbing license exam, most states demand 2-5 years of experience.
CERTIFICATION: Certificates are not required, but they do assist plumbers develop in their careers. After completing the apprenticeship and successfully obtaining their license, the plumber will be entitled to sit for the certification tests.
CAN I BECOME A PLUMBER IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR?
Really! Is it less than a year? “NO,” you cannot become a plumber under a year! In general, attending a Community College to become qualified as a plumber will take up to two years, in addition to an apprenticeship training that will take more than two years. “How long does it take to get certified in plumbing?” you may be wondering.
Plumbing certification typically takes 3-4 years to accomplish, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BECOME A PLUMBER?
The cost of becoming a plumber is determined on the sort of program in which one wishes to join. An apprenticeship is the most common program for prospective plumbers. Yet, many may pick either a certificate or associate’s degree program to begin their plumbing training. All programs lead to an apprenticeship, and we will keep an eye out for the various sorts of plumbing programs, educational costs, and course length in the coming lines.
The table below summarizes the main types of programs, educational costs, and course length.
Type of Program | Cost of Education | Course Length |
Certificate Program | $1250 – $3000 | 1 year + apprenticeship |
Associate’s degree | $3000 – $23000 | 2 years + apprenticeship |
Apprenticeship | $0 – $1000 | 4-5 years |
Extra expenses: Further expenses such as books, tools, and uniforms should be anticipated.
WAYS OF BECOMING A PLUMBER: FULL GUIDE
If you’ve been following me on this path, you should now know all you need to know to become a plumber. I’ve answered enough questions to help you on your way to becoming a plumber. A overview of how to become a plumber is provided below. You are welcome to peruse it.
To become a plumber, follow these steps:
- You must be a minimum age of 18
- You must have either a High School Diploma or GED
- You will have to pass a basic math test
- You will have to have a clean drug test
- Receive training at either a trade school or community college program
- Complete an apprenticeship, journeyman, or master plumbing program. This takes about 4-5 years to complete and will give you on-the-job experience and expose you to more plumbing coursework.
- Take the plumbing Licensing Exam and get the Plumbing license in whichever capacity your state requires.
- Certificates are not mandatory, but you can get them to help you advance career-wise.
WHICH ARE THE BEST PLUMBING LICENSE SCHOOLS?
Searching for the top licensing schools to start your education? This is a list of some of the best plumbing schools available.
- Northern Maine Community College
- Arizona Western College (AZ)
- Montana State University (MI)
- Elizabethtown Community and Technical College(KY)
- Saint Paul College (MN)
1. Northern Maine Community College
The Northern Maine Community College is an institution that boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, small class sizes, inexpensive tuition. It also features a wide curriculum that teaches how to become a plumber as well as heating and refrigeration. This makes it a strong educational alternative for motivated pupils. As a program student, you can also apply for the school’s journeyman-in-training license.
2. Arizona Western College
This college has a greater overall student population than many other institutions. Despite the large range of educational choices available in the construction and technology program, tuition remains inexpensive. Plumbing students have access to a wide range of skills, including cross-training programs in electrical, design, and welding. Students can get Occupational Certifications or Associate Degrees in Applied Science.
3. Montana State University
The student-to-faculty ratio at the university is 14:1. This implies that plumbing educators can also act as mentors on an individual basis. After completing the academic courses and hands-on training required to enter the modern plumbing business, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
4. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
The apprenticeship program at the College provides you with a one-of-a-kind apprenticeship and educational experience. There are several skilled trades accessible. In addition, some basic education courses must be completed. This College also provides Continuing Education Courses to Journeyman and Master Plumbers in certain areas, making it a significant resource after getting the state Journeyman’s license.
5. Saint Paul College
The school has a cutting-edge laboratory for hands-on learning in a secure and monitored atmosphere. The school’s program focuses teaching methodologies relevant to industrial, commercial, and residential areas, equipping students for many options in the sector. After about two years, students graduate with a Plumbing Diploma and are prepared for the five-year apprenticeship necessary to sit for the Minnesota Journeyman Plumber’s test.
Conclusion on How to Become A Plumber
An expert evaluated and approved the actions outlined here. These are the most certain approach to learn how to become a plumber. As a newcomer to the industry, your initial position will almost certainly be as an assistant to an experienced master. You can continue working for the plumber with whom you finished your apprenticeship, or you can look for permanent or contract work using resources such as job boards and local classified advertising.
FAQs on How To Become A Plumber
What is the first step in becoming an efficient plumber?
You'll start out as a plumbing apprentice, working under experienced plumbers to learn about the industry. Once you stay in your apprenticeship for long enough (typically about four years), you can become a licensed plumber, or a journeyman.
What’s the most a plumber can make a year?
The salary of a plumber varies with experience, and typically ranges from $36,700 to $59,880.
Is plumbing a hard course?
Becoming a plumber isn't as difficult as you think! There are numerous pathways and options for study; however, the best way to start your career as a qualified plumber is to complete your plumbing apprenticeship often offered by trade schools. You can also undertake a carpentry apprenticeship at trade school too.
What makes you a qualified plumber?
Most plumbers who do domestic work should be qualified to NVQ level 2 standard, which is roughly equivalent to an A level. Many go further and take the level 3 exams also.
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