Whether you’re curious about a plumber’s profession from a career perspective or want to be sure you’re hiring the right tradesperson, you’ve likely asked the question: ‘What do plumbers do?’
Plumbers are masters of their craft and skilled in many different areas.
There is very little a plumber doesn’t do in the field of plumbing and water systems. They are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining commercial and domestic plumbing systems.
We need plumbers to fix our gas and water pipes, take care of our sanitation units, and install our sinks, showers, and toilets. If we have any issues with any of our plumbing-related fixtures and systems, we call plumbers to take care of them.
What Does a Plumber Do On a Daily Basis?
Variety is the spice of life. That’s good news for plumbers since every day looks slightly different from the last. They might be called out to an emergency plumbing job for an overflowing tank one day and a tap repair the next.
Some plumbers can also spend weeks and months installing new pipes and fixtures for new bathrooms and kitchens while their peers handle the maintenance and repairs sides of their businesses.
This diversity in work ensures that plumbers are not only adept at addressing immediate repair needs but also skilled in contributing to long-term building projects. Their work is essential in maintaining the functionality and safety of plumbing systems in small scale residential homes or large scale commercial buildings.
What Are the Responsibilities of Plumbers?
It’s not always just water leak detections and toilet repairs on a plumber’s to-do list. They have a broad range of responsibilities that keep them busy:
- Answering customer inquiries
- Preparing cost estimates
- Reading blueprints
- Installing pipes and tubes
- Troubleshooting problems
- Making emergency repairs
- Repairing appliances
- Welding pipes
- Repairing and replacing broken components
- Performing inspections
- Repairing and installing gutters and downpipes
It’s important to note that plumbers are pivotal in conducting regular inspections and maintenance tasks, which help in identifying potential problems before they escalate into costly emergencies. This proactive approach to plumbing care not only extends the lifespan of the systems but also ensures that they operate efficiently.
What Skills Do Plumbers Need?
The best plumbers need to have a broad range of skills to help them perform their jobs to a high standard. Without the skills listed below, they may struggle to diagnose problems, provide good customer service, work with their coworkers, and provide high-quality workmanship.
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Technical skills
- Fine motor skills
- Fitness and physical skills
- Flexibility
How to Become a Plumber
If you like the idea of variety in your work every day, providing sewer services one day and water line repairs the next, now might be the right time to explore your career options. A career in plumbing might be right for you. Becoming a plumber in Australia typically involves:
- Doing an apprenticeship with supervision from a registered professional
- Getting your certification through a trade school or technical college
- Becoming registered
- Getting a certificate in plumbing and services to become a licenced plumber
If you’re unsure how to get started on your journey to becoming a qualified and licenced plumber in Australia, contact your local career advisor for help. Even your local plumbing company might be happy to offer advice on the best steps to take to become a plumber.
Every day is different for plumbers. From installing water pipes in a home to maintaining gas pipes in a commercial space, they can do it all! Plumbers can be your go-to experts for everything related to water, sewerage, gas, ventilation, and drainage.