How to Be Commercial Plumber - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 15, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The effects of not hiring a professional commercial plumber can be far-reaching and damaging. Poorly maintained plumbing can lead to water damage, decreased efficiency of heating and cooling systems, health hazards, and costly repairs. A professional commercial plumber has the expertise to assess the problem, identify potential solutions, and repair plumbing systems with minimal disruption to a businesss operations.

Furthermore, a commercial plumber is familiar with local codes and regulations, and can ensure that all work is done according to the proper safety guidelines. In addition, hiring a professional commercial plumber can save businesses money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and renovations that would be necessary if plumbing issues were not addressed in timely manner.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED).
Complete Plumbing Training. Completion of an apprenticeship program or a two- to four-year technical school program in plumbing is required.
Get Licensed. Most states require a licensed commercial plumber to do work for commercial buildings.
Get Certified. Some states may require you to become certified in order to work as a commercial plumber.
Obtain Work Experience. Many employers will require you to have at least one year of experience working as a plumber prior to applying for a commercial plumbing job.
Join a Professional Organization. Joining a professional organization such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) can help you network with other commercial plumbers and stay informed about the latest industry trends.

In order to stay updated and efficient as a commercial plumber, it is important to invest in continuing education, attend seminars, and keep abreast of industry trends. This will help to ensure that you are knowledgeable of the latest plumbing technologies and standards, and can apply them to your work. Additionally, it is important to consistently update your tools and equipment, as well as investing in protective gear, in order to guarantee the quality of your services and the safety of yourself and your clients. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and outlook on the job is also essential, as it will help foster a productive working environment and promote professional relationships.

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Job Description

Install and maintain a variety of plumbing systems in commercial and residential properties.
Diagnose and repair plumbing problems in pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment.
Perform maintenance on plumbing systems to ensure proper functioning.
Inspect plumbing systems for compliance with local building codes.
Install and repair gas lines, water heaters, pumps, and other plumbing components.
Install and maintain piping systems for water supply, heating, sewage, and drainage.
Repair and replace faucets, toilets, and other fixtures.
Install fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets.
Test and adjust pressure regulators, backflow preventers, and other safety devices.
Clean drains and sewers using various tools and techniques.
Read blueprints and schematics to determine the layout of plumbing systems.
Troubleshoot plumbing problems with the help of specialized testing instruments.
Train apprentices in the basics of plumbing maintenance and installation.
Maintain records of all maintenance and repair activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of plumbing codes, regulations, and industry standards
Ability to read blueprints and schematic drawings
Ability to install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems
Knowledge of materials, tools, and techniques used in commercial plumbing
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot plumbing problems
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to lift heavy objects and work in cramped spaces
Ability to work efficiently under pressure
Excellent customer service skills

Good communication skills are essential for any commercial plumber. Being able to effectively communicate with customers, colleagues, and other professionals is key to providing quality service. Good communication can ensure that a job is completed correctly, on time, and to the customer's satisfaction.

being able to effectively troubleshoot plumbing issues requires a strong understanding of the various components and how they work together. Knowledge of local regulations, codes, and safety standards can help to ensure that projects are completed safely and in compliance with the law. Finally, having strong problem-solving skills allows a plumber to quickly identify and address issues, reducing the amount of time spent on each job.

All of these skills are essential for any successful commercial plumber.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in commercial plumbing?
How do you stay informed of the latest industry developments and regulations?
Describe a challenging commercial plumbing job that you have completed.
What safety procedures do you follow when working on a commercial plumbing project?
How do you troubleshoot plumbing problems?
What techniques do you use to ensure that your work is completed efficiently?
What steps do you take to ensure that your customers plumbing needs are met?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple commercial plumbing projects?
What strategies do you use to maintain customer satisfaction?
How do you handle difficult situations or customer complaints?

Common Tools in Industry

Pipe Wrenches. Used to tighten and loosen pipes. (eg: Adjusting a pipe connection in a bathroom sink)
Pipe Cutters. Used to cut metal pipes into desired sizes. (eg: Cutting a pipe to the correct size for a water heater installation)
Plunger. Used to unclog drains. (eg: Clearing a backed up kitchen sink)
Soldering Iron. Used to join copper pipes. (eg: Joining two copper pipes together in a commercial building)
Pressure Test Gauge. Used to measure the pressure of water lines. (eg: Testing a water line for leaks in a commercial building)
Hydrojet. Used to clear clogged drains. (eg: Clearing a blocked sewer pipe in a commercial building)
Leak Detector. Used to detect leaks in pipes and water lines. (eg: Checking for leaks in a water line in a commercial building)
Drain Snakes. Used to unclog drains and remove debris from pipes. (eg: Removing a clog from a drain in a commercial building)
Test Pumps. Used to test the pressure of water lines and pipes. (eg: Testing the pressure of a pipe before installation in a commercial building)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
Master Plumbers Council (MPC)
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)
National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (AIPHE)
National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB)
American Welding Society (AWS)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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Common Important Terms

Drain Cleaning. Process of removing debris from pipes and drains to restore proper functioning.
Sewer Line Repair. Process of repairing and replacing broken sewer lines to restore the drainage system.
Pipe Fitting. Process of connecting pipes to valves, fixtures, and other components of a plumbing system.
Leak Detection. Process of locating and repairing water leaks in a plumbing system.
Water Heater Installation. Process of installing a new water heater to provide hot water to a home or business.
Fixture Installation. Process of installing sinks, toilets, showers, and other fixtures to a plumbing system.
Water Supply System. System of pipes and fixtures that provide fresh water to a home or business.
Backflow Prevention. Process of installing a device to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into a drinking water supply.
Hydro Jetting. Process of using high-pressure water jets to remove debris from pipes and drains.
Septic Tank Maintenance. Process of inspecting and maintaining septic tanks to ensure proper functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What services does a commercial plumber provide? A1: Commercial plumbers provide services such as installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and systems for businesses, as well as inspecting and maintaining plumbing systems to ensure proper functioning and compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Q2: How much experience do commercial plumbers need? A2: Most commercial plumbers have several years of experience in the field, although some states may require certification or a license. Q3: What types of businesses use commercial plumbers? A3: Commercial plumbers may work with a variety of businesses including restaurants, hospitals, hotels, retail stores, and office buildings. Q4: What safety measures do commercial plumbers take? A4: Commercial plumbers take safety measures such as using personal protective equipment, following safety protocols, and using proper tools and techniques to ensure the job is completed safely. Q5: What types of equipment do commercial plumbers use? A5: Commercial plumbers typically use a variety of tools and equipment such as wrenches, pipe cutters, soldering torches, pressure gauges, and drain snakes.