Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and appliances that are used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. This trade involves work with water, chemicals and gas, so safety is always a concern. Plumbers may be employed by plumbing companies, construction firms or as self-employed contractors. They can also choose to be part of a union and receive excellent benefits, such as health insurance, a 401(k), life and disability coverage and more.
Most people think of plumbers as a dirty trade that deals with clogged toilets and bathtubs, but there is actually a lot more to this highly skilled profession than that. In fact, plumbers plumber Saint John New Brunswick keep our society running and save lives by keeping sewage systems, water supply and pipes in good working order. Without them, we would face dangerous diseases that could kill us, and the costs of repairing or replacing pipes and systems would be sky high.
There are many things to love about being a plumber: 1. Great Job Variety: No two days are the same when you’re a plumber! You get out of the office every day, traveling to different homes and businesses to help resolve problems. You also constantly learn new skills, as every situation is a puzzle that requires you to analyze it and figure out the best way to solve it. This job never gets boring!
2. Fewer Student Loan Debt: Plumbers usually learn their trade through vocational school or as apprentices assisting licensed plumbers. The cost of a vocational school education is far less than the price of college tuition, and you earn while you learn! Plus, a plumber’s hourly rate generally increases with each step up the career ladder to journeyman and master plumber.
3. Making a Difference: It’s rewarding to know that your work directly helps people. When you’re able to restore water service to a family or clear out a backed-up sewer line, the satisfaction is immeasurable. And when you install low-flow toilets, water flow restrictors and energy-saving tankless water heaters, you’re helping to save families money while reducing environmental impact.
4. Rewarding Work: It’s a satisfying career that pays well and offers good job security, especially in times of economic distress when more and more people turn to plumbers for help with their leaky faucets and clogged toilets. And as long as there are people living in houses and offices with plumbing systems, there will be work for plumbers to do.
5. No Long Hours: It’s physically demanding work, but it doesn’t have to be long and drawn out. Plumbers spend the majority of their time on their feet or bent over, and there is often a great deal of repetitive motion, which can cause back and neck pain. To avoid injury, it’s important to wear proper shoes and take breaks to stretch and move around.
If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, start with an accredited online vocational school like Penn Foster. They can give you the hands-on training, professional instruction and industry credentials you need to launch your career.