Plumbers

Nature of work

Plumbers plan, install and repair piping and other equipment used to move, store or dispose of water, gas and sewage. They work for maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar businesses, for plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Plumbers:

• Read blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems.
• Install, repair, and maintain domestic, commercial, or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems.
• Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors.
• Cut holes in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.
• Select the type and size of pipe required.
• Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines.
• Assemble and install valves and fittings.
• Join pipe sections and secure them in position.
• Test pipe systems for leaks.
• Complete finishing work like installing sinks, tubs and toilets.
• May prepare cost estimates.

Sample job titles

• apprentice plumber
• maintenance and repair plumber
• plumber
• plumber - pipefitting
• plumber apprentice
• plumbing installer
• plumbing mechanic
• residential construction plumber

Skills

• Strength, stamina, coordination and agility.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Math and planning skills.
• Patience and the ability to follow instructions.
• Be safety aware and show attention to detail.
• The ability to work alone or with others.
• The ability to work in cramped and awkward conditions.
• The ability to work with little supervision.

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent.
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
• Certification for plumbers is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for plumbers.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Setting: Varies by job. Little protection from weather when roughing in, but more protection when finishing. Sometimes at heights or in confined spaces.
• May stand all day or work in cramped, awkward positions. May need to lift heavy items. Plumbers can work on their own or in a team.
• There is risk of injury when working with rough metals, power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
• Materials: Plumbers work with copper, steel, plastic, glass, cast iron, cement, fibreglass, and specialty materials.
• Equipment: Plumbers use welding, soldering, and hoisting and lifting equipment.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Experienced plumbers may advance to positions like foreman or estimator, transfer their skills to other pipe trades, or start their own contracting business.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts