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Plumbers

THE JOB

PLUMBERS assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of
water, gas, and waste disposal systems, according to specifications and
plumbing codes.  They work with piping systems that transport liquid, gas,
or semisolid material.  Their work includes the installation of sinks, tubs,
and other fixtures and their connection to water and sewage systems.
Plumbers also maintain existing plumbing systems. Journey-level Plumbers
may give written estimates of the cost of their work.

In new construction work, Plumbers must follow blueprints so that the
plumbing lines go in the right place.  They plan the job, determine the size
and type of pipe to be used, and select the proper fixtures.  They lay out
the exact route the piping will take.  The pipe is cut to correct lengths
and fitted with valves and other types of connections.  Pipes and
connections may be copper, glass, lead, plastic, ceramic, cast iron, or
steel.

Plumbers cut and join these materials into complete systems.  They braze,
glue, cement, solder, chemically bond, or thread joints.  Plumbers must cut
holes in beams, ceilings, floors, roofs, and walls through which the pipes
are passed.  Once the pipes are connected to a water supply and sewage
system, they check the system to insure that the plumbing works properly.

After the system is inspected by the building inspector, Plumbers install
the necessary plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc.  This
means that Plumbers must come back to the job site after the floors and
walls are up and finished.  They then install and hook up plumbing fixtures
such as tubs, toilets, and sinks.  These are also tested to make sure there
are no leaks, and the system works properly.

Plumbers, doing maintenance and alteration work on existing buildings, trace
troubles in the plumbing systems, open clogged drains and pipes, thaw frozen
pipes, replace worn parts of leaking valves or complete valves, repair and
replace pipes, fittings, and fixtures, and extend piping systems to connect
new fixtures to water and drainage systems.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Although Plumbers often work outdoors, most of their work is performed
indoors, or at least in the semi-shelter of unfinished buildings.  The work
is active and sometimes strenuous.  Frequently, Plumbers are on their feet
for long periods of time, and they may work in cramped, damp, or dirty
areas.  On renovation and repair jobs, they may have to crawl and work under
buildings.  Some danger of infection exists during work on sewage and
drainage systems.  Plumbers also risk the dangers of cuts from tools; burns
from steam, hot pipes, or welding equipment; and falls from ladders.
However, the low accident rate in this trade shows that safety precautions
can reduce most hazards.

Plumbers must have good manual dexterity to use the required tools and
equipment.  Knowledge of drafting, blueprint reading, building regulations
and basic mathematics is required for journey-level work.

Plumbers supply their own work clothing and small hand tools.  Power tools
and safety helmets are usually provided by the employer.

Many Plumbers belong to the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices
of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993            25,360
Estimated number of workers in 2005            32,880
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        30%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   6,440

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

The number of Plumbers is expected to increase at about the same rate as the
average of all occupations.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Wages vary widely, depending upon geographic location, the company size, and
whether the employer is unionized.  Non-union inexperienced Plumbers usually
earn from the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour.  Non-union apprentices usually
earn start at the minimum wage  to $35.00 an hour.  Experienced non-union
Plumbers earn from $7.00 to $36.00 per hour.  Wages paid union Plumbers vary
among union locals and are usually stated in terms of basic wage rates, plus
employer contributions to retirement funds and other employee benefits.
Journey-level pay ranges from $28.00 to $37.00 per hour.   Union apprentices
usually start at 35 to 50 percent of the basic hourly level wage, plus
fringe benefits.

The work week for union Plumbers varies with the union local.  Most Plumbers
work a 35- to 40-hour week.  Overtime is usually paid at double the regular
basic rate. 


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Although some Plumbers learn their skills informally on the job, most
complete an apprenticeship program.  Apprenticeship programs vary but
generally last four to five years.  The program consists of full-time
supervised on-the-job training and concurrent classroom instruction.
The required courses include drafting, blueprint reading, mathematics and
studying local plumbing codes and regulations.  Upon completion of the
program, apprentices must pass a union-administered trade test and a city
licensing test regulated by the California State Division of Apprenticeship
Standards.  Candidates for the apprenticeship program must possess a high
school diploma or its equivalent, and must pass aptitude tests.  Some
programs require candidates to have some related experience, mechanical
interests, and a stable school record and work history.

Usually, unions accept applications for apprenticeship programs each spring.
When program enrollment is sufficient to fill job openings, unions may not
accept applications until occupational demand is up.

Further information on apprenticeship programs can be obtained from local
unions and the closest office of the California Department of Industrial
Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

Most communities require Plumbers to be licensed, but licensing requirements
vary from area to area.  Most localities require Plumbers to pass an exam
testing their knowledge of the trade and of local plumbing codes.


ADVANCEMENT

Upon completion of apprenticeship programs, apprentice Plumbers advance to
journey-level pay scales and responsibilities.  In large firms, a journey-
level Plumber may advance to supervisor or superintendent.  Self-employment
as a plumbing contractor is also a possibility.  Persons with considerable
experience in plumbing may become Plumbing Inspectors.


FINDING THE JOB

Job announcements usually appear in newspapers, and are sent to vocational
schools and other places where candidates are to be found.  Experienced
Plumbers involved in construction work are dispatched to jobs by their union
local on a first-in, first-out basis.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling
Contractors
P.O. Box 6808
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 237-8100
www.naphcc.org

United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of  
the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada
P.O. Box 37800
Washington, DC 20013
(202) 628-5823

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Heating, Air-Conditioning and 
Refrigeration Mechanics                     No.  32
Welders and Cutters                         No.  84
Maintenance Mechanics                       No. 136
Stationary Engineers                        No. 234
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Plant Operators                             No. 443

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Plumber (const.)                        862.381-030
Plumber Apprentice (const.)             862.381-034
Plumber (mfd. bldgs.)                   862.681-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Plumbers, Pipe fitters, and Steam fitters    875020


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.