Plumbing technicians conduct chores like clearing clogged sinks and repairing pipes that prevent water from flowing smoothly.
They may also install new pipes and carry out routine maintenance in addition to making repairs.
If you want to be a plumbing technician, you may have to complete an apprenticeship including an academic study in a classroom setting, and receive practical instruction from seasoned plumbers.
Don’t worry, this article provides all available information on a plumbing technician including a career overview.
Plumbing Technician Career Overview
Plumbing technicians install, repair, and maintain pipes that transport water, sewage, gas, and other liquids to residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.
They also install and fix appliances like dishwashers and garbage disposals in addition to sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures.
To prepare for the trade, most plumbing technician and plumbers complete apprenticeship programs through local unions or professional associations and may also obtain state certification.
To perform their duties efficiently, they must be proficient in using specialized tools and equipment, reading blueprints and schematics, and comprehending how diverse plumbing systems interact with one another.
A plumbing technician may work for other contractors or on their own and may obtain employment with private, public, or industrial employers.
A plumbing technician can choose their career objectives by beginning with a position like maintenance technician, advancing to a title like technician, and then ultimately landing with the title project manager.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada is a union of most plumbing technicians.
Plumbing Technician Job Duties
A plumbing technician has various job duties including:
- Installing, maintaining, and repairing pipes for plumbing systems, including gas lines, waste disposal lines, and water supply lines
- Checking plumbing arrangement plans and drawings for viability and compliance with requirements
- Installing fresh plumbing components, including faucets, toilets, showerheads, and bidets
- Examining blueprints, sketches, and other plans to diagnose plumbing issues and find solutions
- Installation and upkeep of ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems in residential, business, or industrial structures
- Carrying out simple maintenance procedures such as filter cleaning, line flushing, leak repair, washer replacement, and faucet repair
- Collaborating with architects, engineers, builders, and other building experts to make sure that design plans adhere to code requirements
- Ductwork installation and other materials required for the ventilation apparatus
- Using manual tools like wrenches and soldering equipment to install gas lines and fittings
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Plumbing Technician Job Requirements
Typically, a plumbing technician must have these job requirements:
1.Education
A plumbing technology certificate or associate’s degree may be required for some jobs.
These courses, which are normally taken for two years, cover topics including plumbing, building design, algebra, reading blueprints, and business law.
Although some technicians learn their trade by working with seasoned plumbers, most plumbing technicians start by completing an apprenticeship.
New apprentices are required to be at least 18 years old, in good physical condition, and possess a high school diploma.
In addition to extensive hands-on training, apprenticeships often take 4-5 years and include several hundred hours of classroom teaching.
After completing an apprenticeship, pupils are raised to the status of journeymen, where they are eligible for full pay and the opportunity to join a union.
2. Training & Experience
Most plumbing technicians acquire the unique abilities and information necessary for their position on the job.
And to prepare for this job, candidates often spend a few weeks to a month working as a seasoned plumber’s apprentice.
They will get knowledge of specific jobs including installing and repairing pipes, unclogging drains, and removing obstructions throughout this time.
After completing an apprenticeship, plumbing technicians become journeymen who work under the supervision of a master plumber.
Journeymen can advance to master plumber status by completing a state-approved training program and passing a state-administered examination.
3. Certifications & Licenses
You’ll need to obtain a license from the Department of Labor to operate as a plumbing technician.
You can also obtain a regular license but you’ll need to pass an additional exam and show proof of schooling or an apprenticeship.
Plumbing Technician Skills
To succeed in the field, a plumbing technician need the following skills:
1.Technical skills
A plumbing technician uses their technical knowledge to read and comprehend schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
With the use of these abilities, they can decide how to perform a task most effectively and spot any potential problems before they happen.
To identify and order the appropriate parts for work, they also need technical skills.
2. Communication skills
To finish a job, plumbing technicians collaborate with other tradespeople, like electricians.
You can collaborate with these experts and finish the assignment quickly with the help of effective communication skills.
Communication skills can also be used to explain difficult plumbing problems to clients.
3. Problem-solving skills
A plumbing technician uses their problem-solving abilities to locate and address plumbing system flaws.
They locate the issue’s root cause and choose the most appropriate fix using their expertise in plumbing systems.
A plumbing technician might utilize their problem-solving abilities to identify the cause of a leak and fix the line if a pipe bursts.
4. Mechanical skills
A plumbing technician installs and fixes plumbing fixtures and water systems using their mechanical skills.
These skills let them recognize and rectify issues with plumbing fixtures and systems. To operate tools and equipment, they also have mechanical skills.
5. Organizational skills
Plumbing technicians should be able to prioritize jobs and keep track of their work because they frequently work on several projects at once.
This organizational skill can enable them to do their assignment quickly and on schedule.
Plumbing Technician Trends
To keep their knowledge current and maintain a competitive edge at work, plumbing technicians will need to be informed of these trends:
1.The Need For More Technical Skills
Plumbing technicians are now expected to do more than just install pipes as the industry is evolving quickly.
They are now required to offer greater technical support, such as troubleshooting complex systems and diagnosing issues.
As a result of this tendency, plumbing technicians will need to be knowledgeable in a wide range of disciplines, including plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling.
2. More Focus On Energy Efficiency
To take advantage of this trend, plumbing technicians should become experts in energy-efficient plumbing solutions.
This entails putting in place energy-saving fixtures like faucets and water heaters as well as creating more effective plumbing systems.
Plumbing technicians can also instruct clients on how to reduce their energy use at home.
3. Greater Demand For Green Solutions
Homeowners who want to lessen their impact on the environment are adopting green solutions in greater numbers.
Plumber technicians that can offer eco-friendly solutions are now in high demand since they can give homeowners the services they want.
Plumbing Technician Work Environment
Plumbing technicians occasionally work in well-ventilated areas and small, risky settings.
They must take safety procedures to prevent injuries when using a variety of tools, such as wrenches, saws, and welding torches.
Most plumbing technicians work a full-time schedule, while some may put in extra hours, especially in an emergency.
They might also work nights and weekends and be available on call around the clock.
Plumbing Technician Salary & Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 490,200 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters employed in the country in May 2019.
The level of education and experience, company size, and location all affect how much a plumber technician makes.
The typical annual income for plumbing technicians on average is $62,500 and $30.05 every hour while top earners get $122,000 each year and $58.65 every hour.
The BLS predicts that between 2019 and 2029, there will be a 4% increase in the number of jobs for steamfitters, pipefitters, and plumbers.
It is anticipated that additional jobs would be created by construction and development as well as by the upcoming retirement of several tradespeople.
Plumbing Technician Related Careers
Some careers that are similar in duties to that of a plumbing technician include:
- Commercial Plumber
- Drain Cleaner
- Drain Technician
- Gas Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Maintenance Plumber
- Master Plumber
- Plumber
- Plumber Assistant
- Plumber Helper
- Plumber Supervisor
- Pipefitter
- Plumbing Installer
- Plumbing Mechanic
FAQ
What is the job description of a technician?
Technicians are knowledgeable workers who are found in practically every field. Different systems and pieces of equipment are repaired, installed, replaced, and serviced. Technicians should be able to comprehend instructions and speak well because they frequently collaborate with other skilled individuals.
How do I write a plumbing CV?
Review the job description.
Provide your contact information.
Write a personal statement.
List your related skills.
Include your work experience.
Detail your license and relevant certifications.
Add your educational background.
Edit your CV.
What skills are needed to be a technician?
The most crucial hard skills a technician can have are those related to problem-solving, preventative maintenance, using hand tools, and adhering to safety regulations. When it comes to soft skills, technicians should excel at communication and customer service.
What are some examples of technician?
Theatrical technician.
School laboratory technician.
Engineering technician.
Laboratory technician.
Electronics technician.
How do I get technician experience?
Start freelancing.
Build your website.
Get experience in tech by doing coursework.
Dive into passion projects.
Contribute to open source projects.
Participate in a hackathon.
Create spec work.
Do recreated or mock work.
Is being a technician hard?
It takes patience, tolerance, effective communication, and a sense of humor to be a technician. Being a technician can be rewarding if you are prepared to put in the effort, are open to learning new things, and get along with a variety of individuals.
What is a plumbing engineer called?
To make the plumbing system easier to understand for building managers and construction workers, plumbing engineers may also create design drawings using CAD software. Plumbing design engineers are another name for plumbing engineers.
Is plumbing harder than electrician?
A minimum of 246 hours of technical education is required for plumbers. 1,700 training hours. This instruction included apprenticeship and the practical application of theory. A technical education of 144 hours and 2,000 hours of training is required to become an electrician.
What trade makes the most money?
Construction Managers.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers.
Radiation Therapists.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Dental Hygienists.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians.
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians.
Boilermakers.
Did Albert Einstein want to be a plumber?
If he were a young man again, Albert Einstein said in a letter to a magazine in November 1954, “I would rather prefer to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope of finding that little degree of independence still accessible under contemporary circumstances”.
Conclusion
To become a plumbing technician, you typically need 2-4 years of experience and certification.
Ensure the certification program you choose fits your needs and aims because there are many different certification programs accessible.
Plumbing technicians usually make more money if they have an EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) certification.
You will be able to obtain a contractor’s license and operate independently as a master plumber as well as hire and manage journeymen and apprentices.
