PLUMBERS Number 173 Interest Area 5-B 1998
THE JOB
PLUMBERS assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of water, gas, and waste disposal systems, according to specifications and plumbing codes. They work with piping systems that transport liquid, gas, or semisolid material. Their work includes the installation of sinks, tubs, and other fixtures and their connection to water and sewage systems. Plumbers also maintain existing plumbing systems. Journey-level Plumbers may give written estimates of the cost of their work.
In new construction work, Plumbers must follow blueprints so that the plumbing lines go in the right place. They plan the job, determine the size and type of pipe to be used, and select the proper fixtures. They lay out the exact route the piping will take. The pipe is cut to correct lengths and fitted with valves and other types of connections. Pipes and connections may be copper, glass, lead, plastic, ceramic, cast iron, or steel.
Plumbers cut and join these materials into complete systems. They braze, glue, cement, solder, chemically bond, or thread joints. Plumbers must cut holes in beams, ceilings, floors, roofs, and walls through which the pipes are passed. Once the pipes are connected to a water supply and sewage system, they check the system to insure that the plumbing works properly.
After the system is inspected by the building inspector, Plumbers install the necessary plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc. This means that Plumbers must come back to the job site after the floors and walls are up and finished. They then install and hook up plumbing fixtures such as tubs, toilets, and sinks. These are also tested to make sure there are no leaks, and the system works properly.
Plumbers, doing maintenance and alteration work on existing buildings, trace troubles in the plumbing systems, open clogged drains and pipes, thaw frozen pipes, replace worn parts of leaking valves or complete valves, repair and replace pipes, fittings, and fixtures, and extend piping systems to connect new fixtures to water and drainage systems.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Although Plumbers often work outdoors, most of their work is performed indoors, or at least in the semi-shelter of unfinished buildings. The work is active and sometimes strenuous. Frequently, Plumbers are on their feet for long periods of time, and they may work in cramped, damp, or dirty areas. On renovation and repair jobs, they may have to crawl and work under buildings. Some danger of infection exists during work on sewage and drainage systems. Plumbers also risk the dangers of cuts from tools; burns from steam, hot pipes, or welding equipment; and falls from ladders. However, the low accident rate in this trade shows that safety precautions can reduce most hazards.
Plumbers must have good manual dexterity to use the required tools and equipment. Knowledge of drafting, blueprint reading, building regulations and basic mathematics is required for journey-level work.
Plumbers supply their own work clothing and small hand tools. Power tools and safety helmets are usually provided by the employer.
Many Plumbers belong to the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 25,360 Estimated number of workers in 2005 32,880 Projected Growth 1993-2005 30% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,440
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The number of Plumbers is expected to increase at about the same rate as the average of all occupations.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages vary widely, depending upon geographic location, the company size, and whether the employer is unionized. Non-union inexperienced Plumbers usually earn from the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour. Non-union apprentices usually earn start at the minimum wage to $35.00 an hour. Experienced non-union Plumbers earn from $7.00 to $36.00 per hour. Wages paid union Plumbers vary among union locals and are usually stated in terms of basic wage rates, plus employer contributions to retirement funds and other employee benefits. Journey-level pay ranges from $28.00 to $37.00 per hour. Union apprentices usually start at 35 to 50 percent of the basic hourly level wage, plus fringe benefits.
The work week for union Plumbers varies with the union local. Most Plumbers work a 35- to 40-hour week. Overtime is usually paid at double the regular basic rate.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Although some Plumbers learn their skills informally on the job, most complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs vary but generally last four to five years. The program consists of full-time supervised on-the-job training and concurrent classroom instruction. The required courses include drafting, blueprint reading, mathematics and studying local plumbing codes and regulations. Upon completion of the program, apprentices must pass a union-administered trade test and a city licensing test regulated by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Candidates for the apprenticeship program must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, and must pass aptitude tests. Some programs require candidates to have some related experience, mechanical interests, and a stable school record and work history.
Usually, unions accept applications for apprenticeship programs each spring. When program enrollment is sufficient to fill job openings, unions may not accept applications until occupational demand is up.
Further information on apprenticeship programs can be obtained from local unions and the closest office of the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Most communities require Plumbers to be licensed, but licensing requirements vary from area to area. Most localities require Plumbers to pass an exam testing their knowledge of the trade and of local plumbing codes.
ADVANCEMENT
Upon completion of apprenticeship programs, apprentice Plumbers advance to journey-level pay scales and responsibilities. In large firms, a journey-level Plumber may advance to supervisor or superintendent. Self-employment as a plumbing contractor is also a possibility. Persons with considerable experience in plumbing may become Plumbing Inspectors.
FINDING THE JOB
Job announcements usually appear in newspapers, and are sent to vocational schools and other places where candidates are to be found. Experienced Plumbers involved in construction work are dispatched to jobs by their union local on a first-in, first-out basis.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors P.O. Box 6808 Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 237-8100 www.naphcc.org
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada P.O. Box 37800 Washington, DC 20013 (202) 628-5823
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics No. 32 Welders and Cutters No. 84 Maintenance Mechanics No. 136 Stationary Engineers No. 234 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators No. 443
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Plumber (const.) 862.381-030 Plumber Apprentice (const.) 862.381-034 Plumber (mfd. bldgs.) 862.681-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Plumbers, Pipe fitters, and Steam fitters 875020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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