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Carter
Student
Morristown, Vermont
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What is Plumbing like
what is plumbing like exactly, i've done plumbing before but i want to know more.
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Justin Bacon
11
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Justin’s Answer
The type of plumbing you do largely depends on your work environment. You could be involved in new construction, either residential or commercial, service work, or even hospitals.
When I began my plumbing career, I was involved in residential new construction without any prior training. This work mainly involves repetitive tasks unless you're working on custom homes. You'll get to learn how to install various items like faucets, water heaters, toilets, gas lines, garbage disposals, and sewers using different materials like pex, copper, and plastic.
After a few years, I transitioned to residential service work, which was a whole new experience. This job requires you to utilize your skills and knowledge to perform repairs, replacements, or install new plumbing. Service work can be messy, and not just because of dirt or mud. This is where you'll be dealing with unclogging drains.
However, plumbing in a hospital is the least labor-intensive. It involves all the usual plumbing tasks but is less physically demanding.
Plumbing is a vast field with constant advancements in technology that aid the work, making it challenging to encapsulate in a brief paragraph.
As a master plumber, I'm required to attend one of the three plumbing schools in my area. Most employers cover the cost of your education, so you don't need to rush into a community college or tech school to become a plumber. It's better to start as an apprentice and then determine what's required.
When I began my plumbing career, I was involved in residential new construction without any prior training. This work mainly involves repetitive tasks unless you're working on custom homes. You'll get to learn how to install various items like faucets, water heaters, toilets, gas lines, garbage disposals, and sewers using different materials like pex, copper, and plastic.
After a few years, I transitioned to residential service work, which was a whole new experience. This job requires you to utilize your skills and knowledge to perform repairs, replacements, or install new plumbing. Service work can be messy, and not just because of dirt or mud. This is where you'll be dealing with unclogging drains.
However, plumbing in a hospital is the least labor-intensive. It involves all the usual plumbing tasks but is less physically demanding.
Plumbing is a vast field with constant advancements in technology that aid the work, making it challenging to encapsulate in a brief paragraph.
As a master plumber, I'm required to attend one of the three plumbing schools in my area. Most employers cover the cost of your education, so you don't need to rush into a community college or tech school to become a plumber. It's better to start as an apprentice and then determine what's required.
Gabriel Hennsssey
Financial Aid Administrator
69
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Chicago, Illinois
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Gabriel’s Answer
Hey, Carter. Full disclosure...I work in financial aid. But my best friend in junior high was the son of a plumber. He eventually practiced with his dad and took over the family business.
I hate to say it, but find out about the union, if there is a local for you. My limited knowledge taught me there was an apprenticeship system. Ask your folks if they have a plumber they call when...stuff hits the fan. (Well, not the fan...that bleeds to electrical...) Pretty sure they'll be willing to talk to you or possibly bring you into the fold. I mean no disrespect to the men and women who are plumbers...but I majored in accounting - yet I have managed to self-repair two sinks and drains in the last year. The beauty of it though - most people don't want to get their hands that dirty. (And while there is not a pool of water on the floor, I question my craftsmanship.) Money isn't everything, but my friend from school makes twice what I do. It is hard work, but you get to help people and do problem-solving.
Your profile says you live in Vermont...if nothing else, write or send a tweet to Mr. Tom Bodett...and I don't say that as a joke. Have never met him in person, but as a former theatre-person...and a fan of his...I would be shocked if he did not reply in some form or give you some advice. He kind of is "America's Dad." (I have no association with him...but I have driven through Vermont.) It can't hurt to ask...
If you do get to talk to a professional plumber...you said you've done it before...be specific about what jobs you did. I earned points from my family's handyman for owning a basin/cabinet wrench...
The sooner the better for you to ask questions...you got this!
I hate to say it, but find out about the union, if there is a local for you. My limited knowledge taught me there was an apprenticeship system. Ask your folks if they have a plumber they call when...stuff hits the fan. (Well, not the fan...that bleeds to electrical...) Pretty sure they'll be willing to talk to you or possibly bring you into the fold. I mean no disrespect to the men and women who are plumbers...but I majored in accounting - yet I have managed to self-repair two sinks and drains in the last year. The beauty of it though - most people don't want to get their hands that dirty. (And while there is not a pool of water on the floor, I question my craftsmanship.) Money isn't everything, but my friend from school makes twice what I do. It is hard work, but you get to help people and do problem-solving.
Your profile says you live in Vermont...if nothing else, write or send a tweet to Mr. Tom Bodett...and I don't say that as a joke. Have never met him in person, but as a former theatre-person...and a fan of his...I would be shocked if he did not reply in some form or give you some advice. He kind of is "America's Dad." (I have no association with him...but I have driven through Vermont.) It can't hurt to ask...
If you do get to talk to a professional plumber...you said you've done it before...be specific about what jobs you did. I earned points from my family's handyman for owning a basin/cabinet wrench...
The sooner the better for you to ask questions...you got this!