About Plumbing Jobs and Services
Plumbing jobs and services are in high demand, and job opportunities and salaries for highly skilled and licensed plumbers are on the rise. Plumbers are needed in both commercial and residential construction. Some plumbers work for plumbing contractors, others are self-employed and some have chosen to move into construction management or building inspection.
Job Duties
Plumbing services include the installation and repair of water, waste disposal, and drainage in residences and commercial buildings. Plumbers also install plumbing fixtures and appliances. In order to do their job efficiently, they must be able to read new home blueprints to check the location of pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances. They must also have knowledge of building codes, and know how to use power tools, with which they cut holes in walls or floors to install piping around buildings.
Training and Licensing Requirements
Plumbers obtain their training in apprenticeships, or in technical schools and two-year colleges. Most states require plumbers to be licensed, to have two to five years of experience and to pass an examination.
Working Conditions and Wages
Plumbers must be physically strong and have the stamina to frequently lift heavy pipes, work in uncomfortable positions, and stand for long periods of time. The job may also require outdoor work in very cold or hot weather. Plumbing is a high-paying construction trade. As of May 2008, the median hourly wage of a plumber was $21.94.
Future of Plumbing
The United States Department of Labor has projected faster than average job growth for plumbers. According to Department expectations, employment of plumbers will grow 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. To improve their chances of landing high-paying jobs, it is recommended that plumbers be able to communicate in English and Spanish. Since there are many Spanish-speaking workers in the construction industry, knowledge of Spanish will help the plumber to relay instructions to these workers. Also, energy and water conservation initiatives have opened up opportunities for plumbers who are trained in green technologies.