Should You Become a Plumber? A Quick Guide to Plumbing Jobs
Looking to learn a trade that can get you a job anywhere? Plumbing might be a great career choice.
Our homes have all kinds of plumbing, from the kitchen sink to the bathroom shower to the laundry room. Most of us don’t think about it when everything’s working fine, but when the plumbing breaks, it can make a huge difference to our quality of life.
There are many plumbing jobs that should only be done by a professional, and others that some homeowners may not be confident enough to tackle on their own. If you become a plumber, here are some of the jobs you can expect to get.
WHAT KINDS OF PLUMBING JOBS DO PLUMBERS DO?
LEAKS
Homeowners often have a hard time handling leaks on their own. Some leaks may require a plumber to replace a length of pipe. The process can be difficult or even dangerous for someone without training and experience, so homeowners usually call a plumbing professional.
The plumber may need to work with a torch to loosen the joints before they can remove the damaged pipe. When they replace the pipe, they’ll need to make a complete seal, which takes skill.
DRAIN CLEANING
Sometimes homeowners can clean drains on their own. If the clog is small, homeowners can often fix it with a chemical drain cleaning agent. But if there’s a big clog or complete blockage, homeowners often end up calling a plumber.
The plumber can use drain cleaning tools that the homeowner cannot access, like augers and snakes. They can also replace sections of drain pipe if the blockage is drastic.
SINK REPLACEMENT
Porcelain sinks can be heavy and awkward to work with. People who try to install a sink without training, experience, and the right muscles often end up getting it chipped or cracked in the process. The sink ends up leaky and worthless.
Many homeowners ask a professional plumber to help install their new sink. The plumber makes sure it gets installed properly the first time without damage.
TOILET REPLACEMENT
Replacing a toilet can be a challenging and messy job, especially for homeowners with no experience. All of the old wax ring must be removed, and the new one must be perfectly in place with the toilet lined up properly. If the job isn’t done right, the new wax ring ends up ruined, and the homeowner has to make another trip to a hardware store.
Plumbers are trained to install toilets properly the first time. They make sure everything is lined up, secure the bolts evenly, and caulk the toilet to the floor.
HOW MUCH DO PLUMBING JOBS PAY?
According to U.S. News & World Report, plumbers in the United States made a median annual income of $56,330 in 2020. The best-paid 25% made upwards of $75,370. Rates may have risen since then.
If you’re interested in getting a job as a plumber, LG Resources may be able to help. We are a national staffing agency with all kinds of jobs, including plumbing jobs. Apply for a job with us today.
You can also check out our blog for more career-related articles, including our recent post on great jobs you can get at different education levels.
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