What Does a Plumber Do?
A plumber is a person who installs drainage, sewage, and potable water systems. The job requires specialized skills. A plumber can be self-employed or work for a company that specializes in these areas. In addition, a plumber is also responsible for maintaining and repairing existing water systems. A plumber has the knowledge and expertise to handle any plumbing emergency that may arise.
Job description
In addition to being responsible for water supply and drainage, plumbers work on a variety of household appliances. They cut and weld pipes, install fittings, and test plumbing systems to ensure their safety and functionality. They also answer telephone calls and respond to emergencies. To become a plumber, applicants need to have at least two years of experience, have a good working knowledge of water supply systems, and have good critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
Plumbers travel between different work sites to perform plumbing services. They can perform plumbing jobs in homes, office buildings, factories, and other structures. This requires the ability to work in tight spaces and in adverse weather. A plumber’s schedule may include evenings and weekends, and overtime is common. They are typically on call around the clock, so they must be available when needed.
Skills required
Plumbing is an extremely important profession, and there are a number of skills needed to become a successful plumber. These include understanding basic mechanical principles, water pressure, and materials safety. Plumbing professionals also need to understand blueprints, which they can use to locate and install pipes and fixtures. Basic math skills are also essential for plumbers.
A plumber must be physically fit and have good manual dexterity. They must be able to grasp small objects and have good eyesight, because they often need to work in dimly-lit spaces. They must also be able to use measuring tools and accurately line up fittings. They also need to be able to work in cramped spaces, and their hands must be coordinated.
Average salary
The average plumber salary varies across the country. Some plumbers earn as little as $35,000 a year, while others can make up to $95,000 a year. The average plumber salary varies, however, by state. The state of Guam, for example, has an average annual salary of $34,000, while plumbers in Hawaii earn around $79,000. Plumbers in Nassau and Suffolk County, NY, make over $96,000 a year on average.
Average plumber salaries can vary from state to state, but the median salary in the northeast is higher than in the south and midwest. The average plumber salary in Texas and California is $50,917, while plumbers in Florida earn about $48,317 on average. Regardless of location, a high salary can help retain top performers.
Career outlook
The job outlook for plumbers is generally good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of plumber vacancies has decreased by 1.63 percent over the last decade, or 0.1 percent per year. However, this decline will be reversed in coming years as the infrastructure and construction industries are expected to grow steadily. Plumber in Redlands Additionally, new water efficiency standards are making plumbers’ skills even more in demand.
In the United States, there are approximately 480,600 plumbers. The job market for plumbers is projected to grow 15.6% between 2016 and 2026. According to CareerExplorer, plumbers have a B employability rating, indicating good employment prospects for the foreseeable future. This projection is based on the retirement of 6,700 existing plumbers and the addition of 75,200 new plumbers.