The Top Skills Every Plumber Needs to Master

A plumbing career can be extremely rewarding. It’s a trade that is always in demand and provides a good income. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to work with your hands and be creative. 

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most critical skills that every plumber needs to master.

What does a plumber do?

A plumber’s main job involves setting up and fixing pipe systems, heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems, and drainage systems.

A plumber’s day-to-day job could include the following tasks: 

• Install, maintain and repair plumbing systems, and water supply systems
• Set up hot and cold water systems
• Install and maintain metal roofing
• Build fire safety systems like fire hydrants, hose reels, and sprinkler systems
• Assemble appliance machines like washing machines and air conditioners

What skills do good plumbers need?

A qualified plumber is skilled in a wide range of areas. They need to know all the skills in plumbing, from plumbing installation and repair to maintenance and troubleshooting.

Soldering

Soldering is a critical skill for any plumber. It’s used to join two pieces of metal together and create a water-tight seal. 

There are two types of soldering that are commonly used in plumbing: lead and copper. Lead soldering is typically used for copper pipes, while copper soldering is used for brass or stainless steel pipes. 

Pipefitting

Pipefitting is the process of connecting pipes and fittings together using various techniques. 

There are many different types of pipe fittings, so it is crucial that plumbers know how to identify them and select the appropriate fitting for the job at hand. 

Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is one of the most common services that plumbers provide. Clogged drains are a major annoyance for homeowners, so it’s important that plumbers know how to clear them quickly and efficiently. 

There are a few different methods for drain cleaning:

• Drain snakes or augers – these can be hand-powered or motor-driven. It can handle almost any obstruction that chemical cleaners cannot dissolve
• Hydro-jetting – this is the most common drain cleaning method. It uses high-pressure water to blast through clogs and clean the drain thoroughly. 
• Video pipe inspection – video camera technology became an effective diagnostic tool for pipe inspections. It allows a skilled professional plumber to access buried and hidden pipes to identify the causes of recurring blockages and take the necessary steps to resolve them.

Qualities of a good plumber

Able to install piping correctly

Installing piping correctly involves measuring and cutting pipes to the correct length, as well as joining them together using various methods such as soldering, welding, and clamping. 

A good plumber will also have a strong understanding of how different materials react with one another, so that they can choose the best type of pipe for each job.

Able to troubleshoot problems

Troubleshooting problems effectively means being able to identify the root cause of an issue and then finding the best way to fix it. This often requires thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions. 

For example, if a pipe is leaking, a plumber might need to use a special sealing compound or clamp to stop the leak. Sometimes, troubleshooting can be more difficult than actually fixing the problem!

Strong customer service skills

Strong customer service skills are crucial, because after all, plumbing is often an emergency service. This means that customers will be calling with urgent issues that need to be fixed as quickly as possible. 

A good plumber will be able to calm down stressed-out customers and provide them with clear instructions on what needs to be done. They will also be able to upsell additional services when appropriate.

Administrative skills

In addition to hands-on work, plumbers may also need to write reports, track expenses and inventory, order supplies, provide cost estimates, or plan project calendars. They should also have a knowledge of basic math, and proper vocabulary, spelling and grammar.

A good plumber will have the ability to use basic computer programs, as well as any company-specific software for project management and budgeting.

Physical fitness

Plumbing can be a physically demanding job that will require flexibility, physical strength and fine motor skills. They must be able to perform tasks in confined spaces, carry large and heavy pipes, and use a range of hand and power tools while following safety procedures.

How to master plumbing skills

If you’re thinking about becoming a plumber, then you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary skills for the job. From installation and repair work to troubleshooting and customer service, there’s a lot that goes into being a successful plumber. But if you’re up for the challenge, then plumbing can be a rewarding career!

Interested in plumbing courses?

If you want to become a good plumber, you need to take the necessary qualifications or certifications.

The CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing will kick-start your career in general plumbing. In this course, you will learn how to install systems, gas appliances and services.

You can then take the CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services which will equip you with the skills necessary to get your VBA plumbing registration and become a licensed plumber.

It takes hard work and dedication to succeed in this trade. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying career that you can be proud of.