With the rise of new constructions and the need to maintain and repair plumbing systems in existing residences and other buildings, demand for plumbers continues to rise. Employment is expected to increase as states continue to adopt changes to building codes that require the use of fire suppression systems. Plumbing school in Massachusetts offers programs where you can train to become a plumber.
Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They install plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs and toilets, and appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. They clean the drains, remove obstructions, and repair or replace broken pipes and fixtures. They also help maintain septic systems and large, underground holding tanks that collect waste from houses that are not connected to a sewer system.
The duty of plumbers includes installing and repairing piping fixtures and systems. In addition, they also do the following:
- Prepare the costing estimates for clients.
- Reading the blueprints and following state and local building codes.
- Determining the materials and equipment needed for a job.
- Installing pipes and fixtures.
- Inspecting and testing installed pipe systems and pipelines.
- Troubleshooting the malfunctioned systems.
Plumbers also use different materials and construction techniques, depending on the project. One example is the residential water systems that use copper, steel, and plastic pipe that one or two plumbers install. Moreover, industrial plant water systems are made of large steel pipes that usually take a crew of pipefitters to install.
Work Environment
Most plumbers work full time, including nights and weekends, and they are often on call to handle emergencies. Self-employed plumbers on the other hand may be able to set their own schedules.
They work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems. Plumbers and fitters lift heavy materials, climb ladders and work in tight spaces. Some plumbers even travel to worksites every day.
When it comes to injuries and illnesses, they sometimes get injured on the job. Common injuries include cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes and soldering equipment, and falls from ladders.
The median annual wage for plumbers was around $59,000. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Apprentices earn less than fully trained plumbers, however their pay increases as they learn to do more.
How to Become A Plumber
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a plumber. You can check the plumbing school in Massachusetts for more information. Vocational-technical schools offer courses in pipe system design, safety, and tool use. They also offer welding courses that are required by some pipefitter and steamfitter apprenticeship training programs. Most plumbers learn their trade through a 4 to 5 – year apprenticeship and apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction each year.
Apprentices in plumbing school Massachusetts also study mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry, and the programs are sponsored by unions, trade associations, and businesses. Most apprentices enter a program directly, but some start out as helpers or complete pre-apprenticeship training programs in plumbing and other trades. Plumbing school Massachusetts offers this program and you can check it out.
