If you’re someone who likes working with their hands, you’ve probably considered a career in plumbing.
However, you might also have questions about what’s expected in the role and what skills will help you along the way.
Here are the top six plumbing skills you need to get started on a plumbing career path.
1. Dexterity
One of the most important skills of a plumber is dexterity. More often than not, repairing or replacing pipes requires plumbers to work in tight spaces and have good control of their hands.
Threading fittings, for example, means you need to have a good handle on small items so you don’t drop them. This is especially true if you have a limited supply of adhesive or sealants to make the project work. Steady hands and the ability to handle a bit of physical maneuvering, can certainly be helpful in a career as a plumber.
2. Mechanical Knowledge
While plumbing is a relatively easy career to get into, it still requires mechanical and mathematical skills. This means a basic understanding of math, hydronics, installation, repairs, tools, and interpreting blueprints.
Even if you think you have this knowledge, many states require plumbers to prove through licensing. For example, the state of Colorado requires licenses for residential, journeyman, and master plumbers. However, in Illinois, even apprentice plumbers need a license to work.
In either of these states, the board is charged with making sure that applicants have the skills needed to be a plumber.
3. Problem Solving
Pipe problems, at their most severe, can be very detrimental to home or business owners. One burst or blocked pipe can cause significant issues to the whole system in the building. In these situations, one of the most useful plumbing skills is problem solving.
In other words, a plumber needs to be able to identify the source of the problem, find an appropriate solution, and provide an accurate estimate for that solution. This form of troubleshooting is especially important when working alone on a project, which is relatively common for household plumbers.
4. Customer Service
According to ZipRecruiter, one of the most common skills mentioned in plumbing job descriptions is customer service. This should come as no surprise, because many plumbing roles are customer-facing positions.
Generally, plumbers are the only contact that customers have when they are having their system installed or repaired. However, this plumber skill is more than just being able to communicate the problem with customers.
It’s also important to know how to reassure them and demonstrate your reliability. Being able to understand a customer’s concerns and address them promptly helps earn repeat and referral business.
5. Teamwork
Although many plumbing jobs require only one person, there are a few scenarios where plumbers have to work together to solve a larger issue. For example, if a customer has a broken pipe causing significant water damage, it may take a few plumbers to get it under control. In this case, knowing how to work as a part of a team is crucial.
This skill may also come in handy when working on new construction projects, which require collaboration with construction workers, electricians and more. Ultimately, being able to work with other people from multiple backgrounds is an essential skill.
6. Flexibility
Since plumbing problems can arise at any time, plumbers are usually on call to handle serious, last-minute issues for customers.
If you don’t have the flexibility to potentially work on weekends, evenings, or holidays, this may not be the career for you. Flexibility, of all plumbing skills, is one of the most important in home plumbing businesses. It also helps you make a good impression when starting out.
Learn Fundamental Plumbing Skills with Stratford’s Course Today
Whether you want to complete projects around the house or want to learn the basics of plumbing to start a new career, consider enrolling in Stratford Career Institute’s plumbing course.
Our comprehensive program covers all primary aspects of the job, including:
- Trade tools,
- Mathematics,
- Soldering,
- Welding,
- Systems,
- Pipe fitting,
- Repairs,
- Installations, and
- Remodeling.
If you’re interested and would like more information about the course, contact us today or enroll now!
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Stratford Career Institute offers an affordable online course that covers the key skills required to start a plumbing career.