How to Be Plumbing Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 12, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A plumbing technician is a tradesman who installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus for water distribution and waste-water disposal in residential and commercial buildings. The primary cause of plumbing issues is poor installation or maintenance, which can lead to system malfunctions. Poorly installed pipes can lead to water leaks, clogged drains, and broken fixtures, while lack of regular maintenance can cause buildup of rust, dirt, and other debris in the pipes.

This can result in decreased water pressure, reduced water-flow, and potential health hazards. To ensure efficient and safe plumbing systems, it is important to hire a qualified plumbing technician to install and maintain the system.

Steps How to Become

Get a High School Diploma or GED. In order to become a plumbing technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or a GED. This is the first step in the process of becoming a plumbing technician.
Complete Post-Secondary Training. You will need to complete some post-secondary training in order to become a plumbing technician. This can be done either through technical schools or through an apprenticeship program.
Obtain Your Plumbing Technician Certification. Once you have completed your post-secondary training, you will need to obtain your plumbing technician certification. This is usually done through your local licensing board or department. In some cases, you may need to obtain additional certifications in order to specialize in certain areas of plumbing.
Find Employment. After you have your certification, you will need to find employment as a plumbing technician. This can be done through local plumbing contractors, home improvement stores, and other businesses that require the services of a plumbing technician.
Maintain Your Certification. It is important that you stay up to date on your certification as a plumbing technician. You will need to renew your certification every few years in order to remain eligible for employment as a plumbing technician.

The key to finding a reliable and qualified plumbing technician is to thoroughly research your options. Start by gathering referrals from friends, family, and neighbors who have had a positive experience with a qualified plumber. make sure to read online reviews and check the plumber's credentials, such as any licensing or certifications they have received.

Once you have narrowed down your list, contact the plumbers to ask specific questions about their experience and the services they can provide. This will help you get an accurate understanding of the quality of their work, and will ensure that you find a plumber who is experienced and qualified to meet your specific needs.

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Job Description

Install, inspect, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems.
Locate and mark positions of pipe connections and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors.
Cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings.
Measure and mark pipes for cutting and threading.
Assemble and install valves, pipe fittings, and pipes composed of metals, such as iron and copper, and nonmetals, such as cement and plastic.
Install supports for pipes, equipment, and fixtures, such as brackets, clamps, and hangers.
Hang steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Repair and maintain plumbing by replacing washers in leaky faucets, mending burst pipes, and opening clogged drains.
Repair and maintain plumbed fixtures, such as sinks and toilets.
Maintain access panels in order to gain access to plumbing systems.
Connect pipes to heaters, radiators, and other equipment as necessary.
Test plumbing systems for leaks and other problems.
Read blueprints to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials needed.
Install waste disposal units in kitchens.
Install water treatment equipment such as water softeners and filtration systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the principles and practices of plumbing
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings
Knowledge of installation techniques for pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment
Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to plumbing
Ability to diagnose and repair plumbing systems
Ability to use and maintain plumbing tools and equipment
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations related to plumbing
Ability to work with copper, PVC, and other piping materials
Knowledge of water conservation measures
Ability to install, maintain, and repair water heaters
Ability to identify and replace worn or faulty parts
Ability to work on ladders and in confined spaces
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

A Plumbing Technician's most important skill is the ability to effectively diagnose and repair any plumbing issues. This requires knowledge of the various components and systems of a plumbing system, and the ability to identify and troubleshoot problems. To be successful in this field, one must be able to think critically and problem solve effectively in order to make necessary repairs.

They must also be able to communicate with customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions. Furthermore, a Plumbing Technician must possess an understanding of local codes and regulations, as well as the ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment. Without these skills, technicians could find themselves unable to accurately diagnose or repair plumbing issues, leading to costly repairs, customer dissatisfaction, and potential legal implications.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the plumbing field?
How do you troubleshoot plumbing problems?
What safety procedures do you follow when working on plumbing systems?
Are you familiar with the relevant codes and regulations for plumbing?
Have you ever worked with different types of pipes and fixtures?
How would you handle a situation where the customer is unhappy with your work?
What techniques do you use to ensure quality results?
Describe a difficult plumbing project that you have completed.
What methods do you use to keep up with the latest plumbing technology and trends?
How do you handle challenging or difficult customers?

Common Tools in Industry

Pipe Wrench. Used to tighten and loosen pipes. (eg: tightening a leaking pipe joint)
Pipe Cutter. Used to cut metal pipes. (eg: cutting a pipe for a new installation)
Pipe Threader. Used to create threads on metal pipe. (eg: threading a pipe for a new connection)
Pipe Bender. Used to bend metal pipes. (eg: bending a pipe to fit in a tight space)
Drain Auger. Used to clear clogged drains. (eg: clearing a drain line clogged with food particles)
Plunger. Used to unclog toilets. (eg: removing a clog in the toilet bowl)
Soldering Iron. Used to join metal pipes by melting solder. (eg: sealing a joint between two metal pipes)
Pressure Gauge. Used to measure water pressure in a pipe line. (eg: checking the water pressure of a newly installed pipe)
Pipe Insulation Tape. Used to insulate pipes from extreme temperatures. (eg: wrapping a pipe exposed to extreme heat or cold)
Pipe Joint Compound. Used to seal and lubricate pipe joints. (eg: lubricating and sealing a joint between two metal pipes)

Professional Organizations to Know

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC)
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling International Association (PHCCIA)
The American Supply Association (ASA)
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association (MPMCA)
The American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
The Water Quality Association (WQA)
The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI)

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Common Important Terms

Drain Cleaning. The process of clearing out clogs and blockages from plumbing pipes and fixtures.
Drain Line Repair. The process of fixing broken, blocked, or clogged drain lines.
Faucet Repair. The process of fixing a leaky or malfunctioning faucet.
Pipe Repair. The process of repairing leaks in pipes.
Toilet Repair. The process of repairing a toilet, including flushing mechanisms, seals, and valves.
Water Heater Repair. The process of fixing a malfunctioning water heater.
Gas Line Installation. The process of installing gas lines in homes and businesses.
Sewer Line Installation. The process of installing sewer lines in homes and businesses.
Plumbing Codes. Regulations that govern plumbing installations and repairs.
Plumbing Glossary. A list of terms related to plumbing and their definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Plumbing Technician?

To become a Plumbing Technician, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a valid drivers license, and have completed an apprenticeship program or other type of technical training related to plumbing systems.

What types of duties does a Plumbing Technician perform?

The duties of a Plumbing Technician typically include installing and repairing plumbing systems, diagnosing and troubleshooting plumbing issues, performing maintenance on existing systems, and assisting in the installation of new systems.

How much do Plumbing Technicians typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Plumbing Technicians in the United States is $47,780 as of 2019.

What is the job outlook for Plumbing Technicians?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of Plumbing Technicians will grow 7% between 2019 and 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.