What Does a Plumber Do?

Plumbers install and repair pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Reading blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing systems, water supply networks and waste and drainage systems
  • Installing repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial or 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 trades and contractors
  • Planning and performing complex calculations for specialized projects
  • Costing and estimating the work to be performed

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

You should complete high school with a secondary school graduation diploma, with credits in Math, English and technical courses such as blueprint reading, welding, electrical systems or plumbing etc. (The minimum entry requirement under the TQA is Grade 10).You may enter an apprenticeship program of 9000 hours, and must successfully pass a written examination to obtain your Certificate of Qualification as a plumber.

What’s Your Future as a Plumber?

While you might assume that a Plumber just visits homes to install new sinks or tubs, a Plumber’s workplace might also be a construction site for a new office tower, a factory floor, or a residential apartment building. Technological advances in plumbing are creating a need for plumbers with computer literacy as they begin to use computers in drawing, estimating and cost reporting. New technologies are also affecting gas and water piping and the expanding use of integrated plumbing systems in home construction. Employers who hire plumbers include:

  • Plumbing , Heating and Air Conditioning Construction firms
  • A good percentage of plumbers are self-employed

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

  • An Apprentice earns less than a Journeyperson, but as your skills and expertise improve, your wage increases
  • Wages for fully qualified plumbers vary from $25.00-$40.00 per hour

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Plumber For You?

Do you enjoy operating a variety of hand and power tools?

Yes      No

Can you lift, crawl, bend or lie flat while working over your head?

Yes      No

Do you have the physical stamina to work 8 to 10 hours per day, 40 to 45 hours per week?

Yes      No

Will you work 2 to 3 weekends per month or on call when required?

Yes      No

Can you communicate effectively with co-workers, customers and other trades people?

Yes      No

Do you like to diagnose problems and find solutions?

Yes      No

Can you read and interpret blueprints and diagrams?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Plumber may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Bricklayer
  • Carpenter
  • Boilermaker