Plumbing Technician

Job Summary

A skilled tradesperson in charge of installing, inspecting and repairing pipes and plumbing systems to make sure all of a building’s fixtures operate correctly. Their duties include finding the source of leaks and blockages, fixing or replacing broken parts and testing the plumbing system. Help plumbers, pipe fitters, steamfitters, or pipe layers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment. A plumber should be able not only to perform a variety of plumbing tasks but also to communicate with both commercial and residential clients. The plumber is sometimes the only person a client interacts with, so customer service can be a big part of the job. The ability to keep accurate and complete records is also important.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Post-Secondary Certificate - Awarded for training completed after or during high school. This could be any program that teaches the trade.

Knowledge

A plumber needs a diverse knowledge base including understanding plumbing systems, reading blueprints, using hand and power tools, knowledge of building codes, problem-solving abilities, and customer service skills.

Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Basic Skills

Active Learning- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Mathematics- Using mathematics to solve problems.

Monitoring- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Science- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Speaking- Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Technical Skills

Equipment Maintenance- Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Equipment Selection- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Installation- Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Operation and Control- Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operations Analysis- Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Operations Monitoring- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Repairing- Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Technology Design- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Troubleshooting- Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Primary Job Duties

A plumber's primary duties involve installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems, including water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and related fixtures, ensuring proper operation and adhering to building codes

Installation:

Installing new plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

Installing plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and faucets.

Installing appliances like dishwashers and water heaters.

Installing new pipes, gutters, and fixtures.

Reading blueprints and understanding building codes to accurately install fixtures and piping.

Repair & Maintenance:

Diagnosing and repairing leaks, blockages, and corrosion in plumbing systems.

Repairing or replacing broken pipes, fixtures, and appliances.

Performing routine maintenance on plumbing systems to prevent problems.

Cleaning drains and removing obstructions.

Repairing and maintaining water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and related appliances and fixtures.

Working with various plumbing materials, including PVC, PEX, and copper pipes.

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting and diagnosing plumbing problems to determine the cause and solution. Identifying the cause of leaks and repairing them.

Customer Service:

Answering client queries.Assisting clients with plumbing concerns and providing solutions.

Other Tasks:

Following the Plumbers' orders and instructions.

Assisting higher-level plumbers in the field.

Cleaning job sites and organizing tools.

Working independently and as part of a team.

Ensuring customer satisfaction and timely completion of projects.

Tools and Technology

Essential Hand Tools:

Pipe Cutters: Used for cutting pipes to precise lengths.

Pipe Wrenches (Plumber's Wrench): For gripping and turning pipes and fittings.

Basin Wrench: Specialized wrench for working on faucets and other hard-to-reach areas.

Hacksaw: For cutting various materials, including pipes.

Plungers: For clearing clogs in drains and pipes.

Drain Snake/Auger: Flexible tool used to clear blockages in pipes, especially those with bends.

Pipe Bender: For bending pipes without cutting.

Screwdrivers: For tightening and loosening screws and fasteners.

Thread Sealing Tape (Plumber's Tape): PTFE tape used to seal threaded connections and prevent leaks.

Tube and Pipe Cutters: Compact, precise tools for cutting through copper tubes.

Hole Saw: A beneficial addition for cutting holes in pipes or other materials.

Pliers: General-purpose tools for gripping, holding, and bending various materials.

Plumber's Putty: Used to seal joints and connections

Safety Gear: Plumbers will use safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection to prevent injury or exposure to hazardous materials.

Tools requiring power:

Drill Snake: A powered version of a drain auger, using an electric drill to clear blockages.

Welding equipment: For welding pipes and fittings.

Technological Tools:

Sewer Camera: For inspecting pipes and identifying problems visually.

Pipe Locator: Used to find buried pipes and service connections.

Vacuum Plunger: A plunger that uses vacuum pressure for clearing blockages.

Plumbing Software: Software to manage jobs, track inventory, and communicate with clients.

Mobile Devices: For accessing information, taking notes, and communicating with clients and

colleagues.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental Pay:

• Overtime pay

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $29