The importance and career opportunity of plumbers

Plumbers are extremely important people in society. It's a fact of life that wherever people settle, they will always need plumbers. Good plumbing is not only vital to public health (plumbers deal with clean drinking water, sanitation, heating systems etc), but is also an integral part of modern day life - how many of us could do without the luxury of a hot bath or central heating? Without the competent plumber disease would be rife, sanitation non-existent, clean, fresh drinking water from a tap only a dream and central heating would consist of a coal or log fire!

It takes years of training to become qualified and a career in plumbing calls for a dedication to lifelong learning, as the rate of technological advancement is rapid. An understanding of maths and science is vital, and those on the tools need a head for heights, the ability to work in cramped conditions and the stamina to complete physically hard work day after day. The plumbing industry holds opportunity in diverse career paths, good wages and the opportunity for individuals to run their own business. Many plumbers progress to design, consultancy, teaching and management, making the plumbing and heating industry a career with a future.

The job

The Institute of Plumbing's definition of plumbing is:
Work associated with the provision of water supply pipework including that used for fire fighting; all forms of space heating, gas installation, sanitary appliances, discharge pipework and drainage; the weathering of structures and buildings.

As you can see, a plumbing career embraces a large area of work. Some plumbers work as 'wet only plumbers', a career dealing with piped systems for water such as fitting bathrooms, radiators and sprinkler systems etc. Others choose to careers in the gas industry so they can install gas central heating systems along with other wet plumbing systems. These plumbers have to by law become registered with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI), after passing their Approved Certification Scheme (ACS). Some plumbers deal with drainage and small domestic jobs such as leaky taps and blocked sinks. However, whatever area of the industry plumbers choose to work in, they all should be suitably qualified and need extensive knowledge of the Water Regulations (Water Bylaws in Scotland) and the Building Regulations to have a career as a plumber.

Qualities you need to be a plumber

Plumbers need the intelligence to work out complex equations, the expertise and flexibility to install different systems, the knowledge to understand how and why different systems work, the ability and initiative to problem solve, a thirst for knowledge of new technology, a creative mind, sound judgement and most importantly professionalism and honesty. Most colleges will prefer you to have a GCSE grade A-C level in Maths and Science or equivalent, to prove you have the mental ability for the job.

Being a plumber is a physical job; you will have to be prepared to get your hands dirty (some plumbers on a regular basis, some every now and again), learn to use many tools and equipment in a safe and proper fashion, you will need a head for heights, be willing to fit into small, cramped spaces (under sinks etc) and you will need to be a quick learner (plumbers who take you on for work experience will expect you to make the odd mistake, but not to make it twice!).

You will also have to be a 'people person' by having good communication skills and take pride in your work. You have to respect people's properties and uphold high standards in plumbing to protect the public health. The result of all this can lead to immense job satisfaction.

Working as a plumber on the tools needs physical skill and mental ability. There is no use knowing the theory if you can't do the practice and vice-versa.

What can plumbers earn during their career?

Some stories suggest of opportunities to earn £70,000 - £120,000 a year, the average self-employed plumber earns approximately between £30,000 - £50,000 a year, which is still a good wage. The average plumber employed by a company will earn in the region of £30,000 after a couple of years experience.

If you are self employed a lot of what you earn depends on how much time and effort you put in. If you are working 12 hour shifts six or seven days a week of course you will earn a lot more. On the other hand, plumbing is a very good trade to learn if you have commitments such as children - if you are a mother doing the school run, or have to be home at a certain time as your partner is still out working, you can fit jobs in around your lifestyle.