Plumbers install, service and repair hot and cold water supplies, heating systems and drainage networks. They can work on domestic, industrial or commercial premises.

Their work plays an essential role in modern life, providing everything from clean drinking water to central heating.

Plumbers' key duties include:
fitting and repairing hot and cold water systems, tanks, pipework, taps and valves fitting and servicing gas- and oil-fired central heating systems, boilers and radiators installing and repairing domestic appliances, such as showers, washing machines and waste disposal units installing and servicing air-conditioning and ventilation units preparing and fitting weather-proof sheeting, joints and flashings on roofs, chimneys and walls fixing and clearing drainage and guttering

Some plumbers specialise in sheet metal work on industrial, commercial and historical buildings. This type of work involves cutting, shaping and fitting sheeting materials made from aluminium, copper, lead and zinc.

Plumbers must make sure that their work complies with relevant Building Regulations and legal requirements.

Hours and Environment
Plumbers work 40 hours a week but overtime is common. Some plumbers offer a 24-hour call-out service.

As a plumber, you work both indoors, often in confined spaces, and outdoors in all weathers. Work on the outside of buildings is usually at heights.

Skills and Interests to be a plumber you need:
the ability to follow technical drawings and plans good practical and problem-solving skills a careful and methodical approach to work normal colour vision (for some work) a reasonable level of fitness an awareness of safety issues and legal regulations the ability to work as part of a team and alone good customer care skills

Opportunities

Opportunities for qualified plumbers exist throughout the country, with plumbing and mechanical engineering services companies, building contractors and public sector bodies.

You can work in a number of ares, including:
heating ventilation refrigeration gas fitting air-conditioning kitchen and bathroom fitting

Promotion options depend on the size of your company but can include moves into estimating, CAD design and contract management. Many plumbers opt for self-employment.

Further information

Energy Saving Trust
Energy Efficiency Helpline
Tel: 08080 100222
http://www.est.org.uk

Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE)
(incl Women in Plumbing Group)
64 Station Lane
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 6NB
Tel: 01708 472791
http://www.iphe.org.uk

ConstructionSkills (NI)
17 Dundrod Road
Nutts Corner
Crumlin
Co Antrim
BT29 4SR
Tel: 0800 587 2288
http://www.citbni.org.uk

British Plumbing Employers Council Services Ltd (BPEC Services Ltd)
2 Walker Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7LB
http://www.bpec.org.uk/services

Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF)
2 Walker Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7LB
Tel: 0131 225 2255
http://www.snipef.org

British Standards Institution (BSI)
Tel: 01442 278607
www.bsi-global.com

National Association of Inspectors & Testers
Tel: 0870 444 1392
www.napit.org.uk

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