Plumbers are great people to know because at some time or another their services will be required. They can help with all sorts of problems, from blocked kitchen sinks to stoppages in sewer lines. Unfortunately often these issues such as broken water heaters do not wait around for a convenient time and pipes may burst out of normal hours and this is how an emergency plumber can become your best friend for a short while!
Plumbers are professional tradesmen who have to either get vocational training or go through an apprenticeship program, which can take up to five years where they are taught basic plumbing skills and then go on to more ‘difficult’ areas. They have to spend at least 144 hours in a classroom each year of their apprenticeship, as well as learning ‘on the job’. Then in order to get their plumbers’ license, they need to have anywhere from two to five years’ experience as a plumber and have to pass a test. Becoming a plumber means dedication and learning a very particular skill set.
When on the job a plumber must take many things into consideration before even entering your premises. He has to have the correct tools with him and also have his plumbing credentials to hand as well as some form of identification, so you know to trust him when he knocks on your door. The plumber must then listen attentively to your description of the problem and thoroughly inspect the damage and the cause of it. After he diagnoses the problem (for example a blocked drain) he has to find the right solution. This is where his training comes in. While we might think one blocked drain is the same as another, this is often not the case. He can then use his tools to successfully clear the drain and remove the matter causing the blockage. Then he will check to see if everything is running smoothly and if there are any other immediate problems being caused by it.
Afterwards he will inform you of what he has done and possibly give you advice about how to prevent such an incident happening again. He will usually write a bill on the spot, if he is working for himself and ask for payment. Otherwise, if he is working for a plumbing service, he will usually ask you to sign a form to detailing what he did and how long it took and the company will then send a bill to you.
Being a plumber can be a very satisfying job. They help people often in quite dire situations (like overflowing toilets for example). They are experts in their field and each day brings new challenges. They have to think quickly in emergency situations and they should be able to listen attentively to how you describe a problem, asking questions when necessary. They also take care that your home or business suffers the least damage possible.
Plumbers deal with all sorts of emergencies and often have to think really fast. A plumber is a professional tradesman.