A plumber is a professional who installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems. Plumbing jobs require a high school diploma or GED, and plumbers must be licensed to work in most states. A plumbing apprenticeship can last four to five years and includes 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma in order to be eligible for the program. The training includes local codes, blueprint reading, and safety procedures.
Plumbing jobs require the use of specialized tools and equipment. They often work with pipes to supply water and gas to homes or businesses, and also deal with waste fixtures. They can also be called on to install steel supports for ceilings or walls. They must measure and cut pipes to fit, and may need to solder copper pipes to connect them to a system.
While most plumbers charge by the hour, it is a good idea to shop around for the best price. It is also helpful to collect as much information as possible about the plumber before hiring them. For example, before hiring a plumber, request a site assessment from them. This allows them to inspect the pipes and determine the difficulty of the work.
A plumber can charge up to $300 for a simple leaky faucet repair, so it is important to plan ahead. Even if the problem is small, it can quickly add up. In addition, a plumbing inspection can help prevent expensive problems before they arise. You can also avoid plumbing emergencies by keeping your home clean and sanitary.
