best advice for new plumber?

[Ivel]

Hi,

I am starting a job, working for a plumber. I really dont know what I am doing. I know that I will learn on the job. But what is your advice for someone who is just starting out in the profession?

what do you think is the most important thing I should know? What are some things to know that are hard to pick up on by watching it be done?

I know this post sounds pretty general, but any reply would be nice.

thanks,

Ivel

[jimbo]

Well, you wouldn't be the first guy to learn the trade toally by the seat of your pants. But, honestly, it has gotten more complicated. It 50 years ago, you had cast iron drains, copper or galvanized water pipes. That was about it. Today, there is PCV, CPVC, PE,PB,PEX, APS. Then for gas there is epoxy coat, CSST, and the new plastic GasTites. There are tankless WH, condensing furnaces, radiant heat, and on and on. Codes have become even more detailed.


SO, I would suggest that there is an unavoidable need for some "book larnin'". Try to find a trade school or union apprentice program that you can get in. Possilby your employer will support this, possbilby you will have to do it nights and weekends.

I just finished reading the June issue of the IAPMO magazine OFFICIAL.
It is very clear that "green" is the wave of the future in the plumbing arena. There will be a flood of new products, technologies, and codes. The need for well educated and well skilled tradesman will continue to grow. This should be a lucrative career with unlimited opportunities for someone young like yourself. Be hungry for knowledge!

[Redwood]

One thing I would suggest is not necessarily learning how to do something but instead know why its done that way. Once you understand why you'll know how! It's a much more valuable lesson and it stays with you much longer then a mechanical technique.

You will definitely need to get into a tech school as Jimbo said. Most states have night classes so you work in the day and at night its off to school. What state are you in we may be able to point you in the right direction?

There are a lot of different directions to go in this trade. It is a good idea to get a well rounded education. I believe that there are a lot of plumbers that have done almost nothing but new residential work their whole career that in the next few years are going to have a hard time as they try to transition into commercial and service work. They will be a fish out of water in many cases. Try to get a well rounded education and even in tough times you will find an area where you can make a good living. Nobody does it all! But, the more that you can hold your head above water in the better off you will be.

There are some good forums out on the web. This is one of the best! Read the postings and understand the answers. There is a good inexpensive education to be had right there. You will learn code differences across the country, and see how many different ways there are to handle a given problem. Some will be right and some will be wrong and you'll see the debate!

Always remember, It's not how... It's why!
Welcome to the trade! Work hard and learn, It's worth it!

[jimbo]

Good point, redwood. It seems the "contractors" which the HD has hired are mostly construction types out of work. They are really like a fish out of water trying to help John Q Homeowner find parts for his tub/shower valve.

[Dunbar Plumbing]

Enjoy the easy jobs but understand the tough ones; the tough ones will earn your stripes in this biz.


It's a struggle in the beginning, learning all there is to know in plumbing depending on what side you go to....but I promise it is in your best interest to learn both sides to be multi-talented to your next employer.

[Redwood]

It's funny because you can't be a good service plumber without knowing how it was built. That means you just look and know how it was probably built before you even open a wall or ceiling to look.

And a good service plumber will know the things that construction plumbers do that create problems down the line, and avoid doing those things when doing new construction.

So it pays to know both sides.
Being well rounded will keep you from being a smockman!