What Do Plumbers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Plumbers assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes. They also assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

Other tasks include:

• Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
• Keep records of work assignments.
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
• Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
• Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

We asked Plumbers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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62% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Plumbers keep records of work assignments. They direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

A typical day for a Plumber will also include:

• Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
• Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
• Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
• Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
• Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

We asked some Plumbers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	57% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	5% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	67% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	13% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	11% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	46% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Plumbers also cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools. They may also install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Plumbers Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices. They might also Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

In addition, they Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

To some Plumbers, it is also their responsibility to Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Plumber, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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