Plumber

Introduction

Plumbers install, repair and maintain the water supply, drainage and central heating in houses and other locations. They use a variety of tools to carry out their work.

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Work Activities

Plumbers install, maintain and repair hot and cold water systems, sanitary services (baths, showers and toilets, for example), heating systems, and pipework and controls for gas supply.

Plumbers work in a variety of locations including people's homes, and all kinds of industrial and commercial buildings.

They use a variety of hand and power tools including wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters and welding gear. They cut, bend, join and fix materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic, zinc and iron.

Installation work includes central heating systems and their controls and pipework, sanitary systems, drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems, and large refrigeration systems for industry. When the equipment has been installed, the plumber tests it to make sure that it is working efficiently and safely.

Maintenance and repair work includes routine servicing and emergency repairs. Repair work involves finding faults, replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and making sure that the system works properly. Plumbers may be called out at short notice to do emergency repairs, especially in winter if pipes freeze.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a plumber you will need good practical skills and you must work carefully, following specifications and often interpreting plans and drawings.

As you will be meeting customers, usually in their own homes or business premises, you must be polite.

You need to be physically fit. The work involves a lot of bending, kneeling and working in cramped and awkward spaces. Plumbers use sharp and powered cutting tools and, sometimes, work at height, so you must not suffer from any medical condition, such as blackouts or dizziness, that could be a danger to yourself or others.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Plumbers earn in the range of £270 - £380 a week, rising to £460 - £530. Top earners can make around £660 a week.

Plumbers work a 37.5-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

You may work for plumbing contractors and with firms specialising in heating or drainage throughout the UK. Some plumbers are self-employed and work independently.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained in, for example, engineering or metal forming, are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available.

• 41% of plumbers and heating and ventilating engineers are self-employed.
• 2% work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.