Plumbers are respectable workers and one that more people are starting to consider. If you’re deciding whether or not you should get into the field of plumbing and heating, you should know that there are many options available for your career. There are different paths in the field that you could take, and the training is usually different for each one of them. Before taking up plumbing, it is important to decide on the specialization or specific career path you are interested in and pick a training course for your chosen work.
Technicians
Plumbing technicians are in charge of servicing, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing not only the plumbing in residences but also the air conditioning and sanitation lines. Technicians also identify the issues and fix them, as well as guide the customers to make informed purchases regarding upgrades or replacements in their plumbing systems. Plumbing technicians have a huge responsibility and are experts in many different aspects or areas of plumbing
Managers
Plumbing managers are tasked with managing small businesses and usually report to a higher authority. They may also manage a group of workers in a company. To become a manager, you may be required to take special courses and training to learn the necessary management skills. Managers also supervise and oversee the daily work of their employees. They must guarantee that the workers are properly trained and are doing their assigned tasks properly with good results. Plumbing managers have a greater responsibility than other employees in the plumbing business, and their salaries are correspondingly greater as well.
Pipefitters
Pipefitters are workers tasked with services involving low-pressure and high-pressure pipes for various purposes, usually commercial use. These commercial purposes may involve pipe fitting in factories, hydro-electric power plants, or air conditioning systems in a facility. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing all of these. Additionally, pipefitters are responsible for adding in automated controls. Automatic or automated controls are growing in popularity lately and are commonly used to ensure that systems are working flawlessly.
Steamfitters
Steamfitters have the same training as pipefitters but have extra courses and training to become steamfitters. They are in charge of services involving pipes that carry gases and other high-pressure materials that only steamfitters are qualified to work on.
Pipelayers
Pipelayers are specialized pipefitters in charge of preparing trenches for pipes and then laying them out in the trenches. These pipes could be for any of multiple purposes such as carrying sewage, water, drainage, or gas. These pipes are also made of cement, plastic, clay, or iron.
Gas Service Technician
Gas service technicians are tasked with the installation of systems that deliver gas throughout a facility or site. Gas service technicians also repair or replace outdated or malfunctioning equipment. They may also be tasked with testing for gas leaks and using special tools for this. Testing out control mechanisms, ordering new plumbing parts, and keeping records of completed work are also included in the tasks done by gas service technicians. They specialize in services and systems involving gas mechanisms – as implied by their name.
Business Owner
Owning a plumbing business is the biggest responsibility out of the paths, but it can be very rewarding despite the time and effort it requires. As a business owner, you need further training in every area of the plumbing field to have sufficient knowledge in all the services, tasks, and practices. Business management courses are also very useful to ensure a successful endeavor and a smooth operation of your business. You will be frequently overseeing every task and supervising all the employees of your company to ensure that your customers are satisfied and your operation is going well.