Plumbing

What Is Plumbing?

Plumbing is the field that uses pipes, tanks, and other devices to move water and other fluids to locations throughout indoor and outdoor spaces for various purposes like providing water to drink, water in the bathroom, irrigating of fields, or moving chemicals to where they’re needed in a factory.  So, Plumbers are the tradespeople who install and maintain these plumbing systems.

Some people choose to go into the field by way of an apprenticeship program alone, but others will complete a certificate program or an Associate’s degree in Plumbing before working as an apprentice. Some degree programs cover skills in related trades like pipefitting, which will prepare you for more specialized work.  So, it may be worth taking that extra step by getting the Associate’s degree.  Many geographical areas will require licensure requiring work experience in the field and possibly a degree or certificate.  It’s possible that to get your license it may take several years to accomplish all the steps in the process; plus, the field is competitive, especially getting the required work experience or apprenticeship.

So, it’s important to check your area to find out exactly what’s required.  Once you have a license, you’ll be able to work on your own, start your own plumbing business, or work for a plumbing or heating company as a contractor.  So, if you like the idea of having a skill that will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future, working conditions that are fairly predictable, and opportunities to come up with creative solutions for difficult applications, plumbing is worth considering.  Job titles are pretty much limited to Plumber, Service Plumber, Plumbing and Heating, Plumber-Apprentice, Plumber-Journeyman, and Plumbing Sales.