what is a plumber?
A plumber is responsible for maintaining and installing pipes in homes and businesses. These pipes are used for drainage, irrigation, sewage and drinking water. As a plumber, you should know building regulations, safety standards, and guidelines. Some plumbing professionals work alongside architects, contributing valuable knowledge. You can work on-site installing plumbing features or in a design capacity.
Plumbers who design or draft blueprints focus on improving the efficiency of the installation process. Plumbing is a profession that has several possible career paths. While most plumbers start doing manual installations, they branch out to various specialities. If you want a higher salary, you can specialise in specific aspects of plumbing. The more unique your speciality, the less competition you will experience.
Being a plumber can be rewarding; most plumbers stay in the field for their entire careers. Plumbers who reach retirement age typically continue to work at least part-time. Others choose to help prepare the next generation of plumbers by instructing apprentices and providing education to help them reach their maximum potential.
Would working as a plumber suit your interest in fixing things? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a plumber role.
plumber jobsaverage plumber salary
According to National Careers, the average salary of a plumber ranges from £15,000 to £40,000 per year based on experience level and qualifications. New plumbers with minimal experience have a lower salary than experienced plumbers who have worked for a few years. Apart from the basic salary, employers pay overtime for working additional hours and bonuses.
what factors influence the salary of a plumber?
As a plumber, your earnings depend on experience. You can negotiate a higher salary when you have extensive experience in plumbing techniques. For instance, plumbers who do design and installation work have a better chance of earning a higher salary. Your education also influences your compensation package. Post-secondary education isn't compulsory, but having some qualifications boosts your salary prospects. Any vocational training improves your skills and technical knowledge, increasing your earning potential.
Your location also affects your earnings as a plumber. The demand for plumbers and the cost of living drive up the compensation package of plumbers. If you work in large cities, you will probably provide plumbing services to large companies, increasing your salary. In smaller towns, you primarily work in residential buildings, attracting lower rates.
types of plumbers
Some types of plumbers include:
- commercial plumbers: commercial plumbers work in commercial settings, such as colleges, schools and manufacturing plants. Your responsibilities include repairing and maintaining tanks and pipes in a commercial setting. If you work for an agricultural company, the job involves installing drainage and irrigation systems.
- service and repair plumber: these plumbers work in commercial and residential settings. You do maintenance and repair on plumbing systems. You might also fix leaks, eliminate clogs and clean plumbing systems and fixtures.
- residential plumber: residential plumbers maintain and repair plumbing fixtures and pipes in a residential setting. You do small-scale plumbing jobs and work with water systems, pipes and toilets. You focus on resolving plumbing issues in homes.
- sanitary plumber: your work in this area centres on sanitary systems. Most sanitary plumbers work in residential settings unblocking and clearing jams in domestic sanitary systems.
- water supply plumber: these professionals work on water tanks, bathrooms, overhead storage tanks and pipes. You install water supply systems and perform basic residential plumbing duties.
working as a plumber
Working as a plumber involves installing and maintaining pipes in various businesses. Let's explore the work environments and daily activities of a plumber.
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plumber job description
Some of the duties of plumbers include:
- repairing water pipes: as a plumber, you fix any problems arising from plumbing systems. Your job is to assess the problems and recommend the best solutions to ensure the plumbing systems are working. You travel to residential homes or commercial properties to fix plumbing issues.
- installing new water pipes: as a plumber, your job involves installing new water pipes and plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. You read the blueprints and plan new installations. You may install the plumbing system during construction or remodelling.
- installing fixtures: aside from setting up the plumbing system underneath a building, you also install fixtures that assist with plumbing. For instance, you install taps, toilets, sinks and bathroom showers. While a construction crew can complete the installation, you ensure that the fixtures are correctly installed to avoid future problems.
- using diagnostic equipment: as a plumber, it is crucial to diagnose problems in the plumbing system before recommending solutions. You should be familiar with testing equipment and utilise it in pinpointing the issues and providing accurate assessments of the problems.
- ensuring the plumbing work is compliant with the relevant codes: as a plumber, you ensure the plumbing and drainage systems in a building comply with building regulations. You also make sure the work quality is of a high standard.
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work environment
Plumbers work in factories, offices, homes and other places with pipes and water systems. You lift heavy materials, work in small spaces, and climb ladders to work overhead. While much of your work is indoors, the job may require outdoor work. As a plumber, you also work on new construction of homes, renovations, and existing buildings that may need minor or major repairs. Since most of the work is hands-on, you are required to be present in person. Therefore, you cannot work from home or find remote working opportunities for plumbers.
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who are your colleagues?
You can work in various industries as a plumber, from construction to maintenance companies. Some of your colleagues may include electricians, janitors, handymen, caretakers and construction workers. You might also work alongside heating and ventilation engineers and kitchen fitters, as well as other specialists like domestic appliance engineers, gas service technicians and bathroom fitters.
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work schedule
A standard workweek for plumbers is five eight-hour days. However, as with most construction careers, sometimes you have to work overtime, and there may be periods when work is scarce. Additional hours vary based on the sector and region where you work and the requirements of individual projects.
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emergency work
Plumbing emergencies happen without notice. Because of their potentially dangerous nature and the amount of damage they can cause, plumbing emergencies should be dealt with immediately. Most plumbers are on standby 24/7 and charge additional fees for working outside of normal working hours.
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job outlook
Plumbers have promising career prospects since they are part of both construction crews and responsible for the maintenance of buildings. After gaining plumbing experience, you can take up supervisory roles in maintenance companies. Alternatively, you can pursue other specialisations related to plumbing or providing building maintenance services and boost your career prospects. For instance, plumbers have opportunities to become domestic gas heating installers or specialise in kitchen and bathroom fittings.
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advantages of finding a plumber job through randstad
Finding your plumber job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a plumber is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While you don't need post-secondary education to become a plumber, academic qualifications boost your employability. Some of the educational qualifications include:
- college course: to become a plumber, you can complete a college course like Level 2 or 3 Diploma in plumbing and domestic heating. You will learn about plumbing systems, installation and maintenance processes for domestic and commercial settings. You can also pursue a T Level in building services engineering to specialise in plumbing for new buildings.
- apprenticeship: advanced apprenticeship opportunities are available for plumbers. The advanced apprenticeship in plumbing and domestic heating takes up to four years and requires 5 GCSEs. The apprenticeship programme involves on-the-job training and coursework.
- work experience: it is important to have work experience to land a job in plumbing. You can go for internships or work placement programmes to gain work experience.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills and competencies of plumbers include:
- physical skills: plumbing requires physical strength, agility and coordination. Working with tools, fixtures and plumbing systems requires good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Plumbers often lift heavy items, climb ladders and stairs, and work in inclement temperatures. Therefore, it is crucial to be physically fit to perform the tasks quickly and efficiently.
- communication skills: listening to your customers, understanding the problem, and responding in an easy-to-understand and relaxed way are crucial. Being able to offer recommendations or suggestions clearly minimises misunderstandings.
- problem-solving skills: as a plumber, it is important to evaluate a situation, assess the options quickly, and determine the proper course of action. Organising your working time efficiently also helps to maximise your earning potential.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a plumber
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what does being a plumber mean?
A plumber is a professional trained to fix and repair pipes, fixtures and apparatus used for drainage systems. They usually work in residential or commercial settings to assist people with plumbing issues and problems in their drainage systems. Want to learn more about working as a plumber? Then check out this article.
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how much should a plumber earn?
While the salary of a plumber depends on the employer, most pay between £15,000 and £40,000 per year. The compensation package usually depends on experience and qualifications. Specialised skills also attract a higher salary. Want to learn more about working as a plumber? Then check out this article.
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what is the work of a plumber?
Plumbers are responsible for repairing, installing and maintaining commercial, industrial and residential plumbing systems. You fix and maintain pipes, fixtures and other equipment used for water distribution or waste disposal. Want to learn more about working as a plumber? Then check out this article.
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what are the skills of a plumber?
A plumber needs good communication skills since they interact with many people. Problem-solving skills are important for evaluating issues and finding solutions. Want to learn more about working as a plumber? Then check out this article.
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does a plumber need educational qualifications?
You don't need educational qualifications, but having some training improves your employment prospects. You can pursue diploma courses or apprenticeships. Want to learn more about working as a plumber? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a plumber vacancy?
Applying for a plumber job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our plumber job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
