Plumbers
Architecture & Construction > ConstructionProjected Growth: Much faster than average
Projected Job Openings
Medium Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
Common job titles of Plumbers include:
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Experience and Education
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
60.7% said they needed a Post-Secondary Certificate.
31.31% said they needed a High School Diploma.
Tasks
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Keep records of work assignments.
Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines, such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters.
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
Perform domestic plumbing audits to identify ways in which customers might reduce consumption of water or energy.
Install, test, or commission solar thermal or solar photovoltaic hot water heating systems.
Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems.
Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements.
Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices.
Calculate costs or savings for water- or energy-efficient appliances or systems.
Tools
Wide roll pipe cutters
Welding hoods
Welders
Water stoppers
Water pump pliers
Water pressure gauges
Water meter keys
All ToolsWater jetters
Water heater element removal wrenches
Vise grip pliers
Video diagnostic tools
Vibration analyzers
Vacuum gauges
Utility pumps
Utility knives
Universal nut wrenches
Ultrasonic leak detectors
Two way radios
Tubing cutters
Tube crimping tools
Tube bending springs
Tub drain removers
Trutest smoke detectors
Tristand chain vises
Tripod vises
Trenchers
Transmitters
Torpedo levels
Toilet augers
Tin snips
Three-way pipe threaders
Threading machine die heads
Thread repair files
Telescoping basin wrenches
Telescopic inspection mirrors
Tapping tools
Tablet computers
Swaging tools
Sump pumps
Strap wrenches
Strainer wrenches
Straight-fluted pipe reamers
Straight pipe wrenches
Stillson wrenches
Staple guns
Spud wrenches
Spiral ratchet pipe reamers
Soldering equipment
Soil pipe cutters
Slip joint pliers
Six-step faucet seat wrenches
Shut-off keys
Shower valve socket wrenches
Shielded arc welding tools
Shears
Sewer tapes
Sewage pumps
Sectional drain cleaning machines
Seat wrenches
Seat dressers
Rubber strap wrenches
Rotary hammers
Root ranger jetter nozzles
Roll groovers
Rodders
Right-angle drills
Reciprocating saws
Receding threaders
Rebar locators
Ratcheting polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters
Ratcheting box wrenches
Rapwrenches
Propane torches
Pressurized water pigs
Power spinners
Power sink machine drain cleaners
Power pipe threading machines
Power pipe cutters
Pop-up plug wrenches
Polyvinyl chloride PVC saws
Polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters
Plungers
Plumb bobs
Plastic pipe/conduit die heads
Plastic nut basin wrenches
Pipe wrenches
Pipe welding vises
Pipe taps
Pipe freezing kits
Pipe extractors
Pipe cutters
Phillips head screwdrivers
Personal digital assistants PDA
Personal computers
Pedestal sink wrenches
One stop wrenches
Oilers
Offset pipe wrenches
Notebook computers
Non-contact infrared thermometers
No hub torque wrenches
Moisture meters
Mini tubing cutters
Mini hacksaws
Measuring tapes
Maximum reading water pressure gauges
Manual ratchet threader sets
Magnetic locators
Locking pliers
Line locators
Light pickup trucks
Levels
Lathes
Laser printers
Laser alignment tools
Internal wrenches
Inner/outer reamers
Inductive clamps
Impact hammers
Hollow core socket wrenches
Hole cutting tools
Hex wrenches
Heavy duty water pressure gauges
Heavy duty drain cleaning machines
Heat guns
Hand spinners
Hacksaws
Generators
Gasket cutters
Gas leak detection devices
Four-in-one keys
Forklifts
Flat blade screwdrivers
Flaring tools
Faucet stem and cartridge pullers
Faucet handle pullers
Explosimeters
End pipe wrenches
Dump trucks
Drain cleaning cables
Direct tap machines
Diagonal cutting pliers
Desktop computers
Deburring tools
Crowbars
Crescent wrenches
Copper cutting machines
Compression sleeve pullers
Comprehensive water gauges
Compound leverage wrenches
Cleanout plug wrenches
Claw hammers
Channel lock pliers
Chain wrenches
Chain tongs
Caulking guns
Calipers
Cable saws
Butane torches
Brazing equipment
Bolt cutters
Bibb seat tools
Bench yoke vises
Bench chain vises
Basket strainer wrenches
Basin wrenches
Bandsaws
Ball peen hammers
Backhoes
Augers
Allen wrenches
Air pressure gauges
Air compressors
Adjustable wrenches
Adjustable slip lock nut wrenches
Acetylene torches
Technologies
Autodesk Building Systems
Drawing and drafting software
Elite Software Plumbing CAD
Elite Software Sprinkler CAD
Horizon Engineering Sigma Plumbing Calculator
Intuit QuickBooks
Atlas Construction Business Forms
All TechnologiesBookkeeping software
Contractor City Contractor Forms Pack
Elite Software DPIPE
Elite Software FIRE
Elite Software HSYM
Elite Software Spipe
Email software
Estimating software
FastEST FastPipe
FastEST software
Heat loss calculation software
Insight Direct ServiceCEO
Intuit Quicken
Job costing software
Klear Estimator
KRS Enterprises Service First!
Maintenance management software
PricePoint
Quote Software QuoteExpress
Spreadsheet software
Vision InfoSoft Plumbing Bid Manager
Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
Wintac Pro
Skills
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Abilities
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Flexibility, Balance, and Coordination › Physical Abilities › Extent Flexibility