The range of a plumber’s duties is varied. As a result, there is no typical day for a plumber.
Common plumber duties include assembling, installing, or repairing pipes, fittings, or fixtures for heating, water, or drainage systems. Other duties involve assembling pipe sections, tubing, or fittings using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulk, soldering, brazing, or welding. All work must be done according to specifications and plumbing codes.
Plumbers enjoy practical, hands-on activities and problem-solving. This includes working with data, details, tools, and machinery. It also involves following procedures and routines.
Most plumbers work 8-10 hours a day—many work nights and weekends.
If you are looking to start or change your career, consider becoming a plumber. The diversity of the job duties means you should not be performing the same activities each day.
Discover what a day as a plumber may look like and whether a career in plumbing might be right for you.
Typical Plumber Duties
Plumbers often spend their time on the following activities:
- Reviewing blueprints, building codes, and specifications for work details and procedures
- Estimating the time, material, and labor costs required for project plans
- Using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials to weld pipes
- Installing dishwashers, water heaters, sinks, or toilets
- Replacing defective washers, replacing or fixing broken pipes, or opening clogged drains
- Filling pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air to observe pressure gauges and find leaks
- Using rulers or levels to locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures
- Keeping records of work assignments
Other Plumber Responsibilities
Plumbers also have the following responsibilities:
- Using hand or power tools to cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings
- Anchoring steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place
- Installing faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, tankless water heaters, or other green plumbing equipment
- Guiding plumber’s helpers in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components
- Gathering information on governmental incentive programs involving the installation of energy- or water-saving plumbing systems or devices
Ready to Find Your First Job as a Plumber?
If you are ready to begin working as a plumber, partner with CCS Construction Staffing. Visit our job board today.