Many people think that all businesses are licensed, bonded, and insured. This is not always the case. You are responsible for any additional costs if you hire a plumber who is not insured. Also, you could be held responsible for bodily injuries if he damages your property or your equipment. Here are some tips to choose a plumber with confidence. Read on to learn more. We also have a list of common mistakes you should avoid.
Job description
A plumber has a variety of job duties. He or she may direct other workers to perform pipe cutting, preassembly, and installation. Plumbers are responsible for maintaining a home’s water and drainage system and liaise with construction workers and contractors. Some plumbers also install medical gas and oxygen in hospitals. A plumber is often required to use specialized tools and materials. There are several aspects of a plumber’s job that must be clearly defined and explained in a job description.
A plumber’s job description should include the main responsibilities and duties associated with the position. This job requires extensive knowledge of plumbing systems, including water, gas, and sewage systems. In addition, plumbers must be familiar with building codes and study blueprints to determine what materials are necessary for a particular project. They also perform troubleshooting when pipes are not working properly or when a system has broken down. Lastly, a plumber must have a high school diploma or equivalent education. Many plumbers learn their trade through apprenticeships, while others attend a technical school. Plumbing jobs require knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as mechanical and electrical skills.
Physical requirements
The physical requirements of a plumber vary depending on the position. Plumbers are required to lift heavy materials, work in cramped places, and tolerate a variety of conditions. They must have good vision, have the ability to handle small, specialized tools, and be able to tolerate extended periods of sitting. Some plumbers even work in extreme temperatures. These physical requirements make this job one of the most physically demanding. Plumbers also have to be patient, have good attention to detail, and have strong manual dexterity.
A plumber’s physical requirements also differ for each specialization. In addition to working in residential construction, plumbers may work in a variety of industrial settings, such as buildings and office complexes. This means that plumbers spend a lot of time crawling into cramped spaces to install and repair pipes. They may also need to lift heavy tools and equipment, and hunch over to work in places that aren’t well-ventilated. As a plumber, you’ll be exposed to extreme heat and cold, and need to be able to work in all types of weather.
Certifications
Regardless of your level of experience, there are many different types of plumbing certifications. Plumbing apprentices receive specialized training to improve their skills and advance their career. These programs are designed to train future plumbers by teaching the fundamentals of plumbing. Upon completion of the training, apprentices are eligible to apply for plumbing licensing. Certifications for plumbers vary by state. Some states require plumbers to have specific experience or education, while others do not.
In New York City, the licensing agencies are strict and require all licensed plumbers to pass specific exams. The City Department of Buildings licenses plumbers in the city, but there are other government agencies that do not require as rigorous a standard exam and experience requirements. Regardless of the state, plumbing certifications are important to have as they guarantee a competitive advantage and job security. Eventually, you can work for yourself, and earn a comfortable living as an independent contractor.
Salary
The average salary for plumbers is fairly high. While this may not seem like a huge sum of money, it reflects the changing attitudes of employers toward these trades. According to Eddie McFarlane, vice president of learning and development at Haller Enterprises, there was a labor shortage just 20 years ago. In fact, the number of plumbers in the U.S. is expected to increase by 15.6% between 2016 and 2026.
The salaries of plumbers vary widely by region and other factors, although the 50th percentile of entry-level plumbers in the state of Arkansas earns $48,800 compared to $53,800 for the 90th percentile. In nine other states, the 50th percentile salary for plumbers is higher than the national average. In terms of the salary of intermediate and senior plumbers, Alaska and Massachusetts are the highest-paying states in the U.S.
