Plumber
Plumbers plan, install, and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases, or hot liquids.
Plumbing is one of the pipe trades. Pipe trades deal with the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems. Although there are common tasks in each of the pipe trades, there are differences in where the work is performed, the types of piping involved and the qualifications required. Other pipe trades (Including Gasfitter, Steamfitter-Pipefitter, refrigeration mechanic, instrument mechanic and sprinkler systems installer) are described in other profiles.
On a typical construction job, Plumbers do the roughing in after the frame and roof of a new building are in place. In other words, they:
- study the building plans and specifications to determine the layout for the plumbing and other materials
- locate and mark the positions for connections and fixtures
- cut holes through walls and floors to accommodate pipes
- select the type and size of pipe required and measure, cut, thread, bend, clamp, solvent cement or solder pipe
- assemble and install valves and fittings
- join pipe sections and secure them in position
- test pipe systems for leaks
- install underground storm sanitary and water piping systems.
Plumbers return to the construction site after the plasterers or drywallers, tilesetters and floor covering installers have completed their work to do the "finishing" work such as installing sinks, tubs and toilets.
Plumbers may specialize in the types of work they do:
- installing water conditioners
- installing plumbing in houses under construction
- installing plumbing in commercial, institutional, industrial, or public buildings
- renovating, maintaining and repairing existing plumbing
- installing hydronic heating and chilled water systems
In smaller communities, Plumbers generally do a wider variety of plumbing and plumbing-related jobs such as installing private sewage disposal systems and potable water distribution systems. All of their work must comply with the provincial codes and municipal bylaws that regulate plumbing.
The working conditions for Plumbers vary from one job to another. There is little protection from the weather when a Plumber is roughing-in, more protection for finishing, and often comfortable conditions for maintenance and repair work. There is some risk of injury involved in working with rough metals, power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
Qualifications
To be successful in the trade, Plumbers need:
- mechanical ability
- the physical stamina required to lift heavy pipes in excess of 25 kilograms, be on their feet for long periods and sometimes work in cramped positions
- the ability to work alone or with others
In Alberta, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act requires that anyone working in the trade be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyman or hold a recognized trade certificate. To enter the Plumber apprenticeship program, the applicant must have an Alberta high school transcript with a passing mark in Math 10 or 13, Applied Math 10 or Pure Math 10 or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates or may select apprentices from among their current employees. To register, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office located at most Alberta Career Development Centres and Canada Alberta Service Centres. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year. An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Plumber trade or holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.
The classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is offered at Red Deer College. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Human Resources Development Canada may provide income support for apprentices attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Canada Employment Centre. After successfully completing the required examinations and hours of employment, apprentices are awarded a Journeyman Certificate.
Graduate apprentices who pass an approved Interprovincial exam qualify for the Interprovincial Red Seal which means their trade qualifications are recognized throughout most of Canada.
Employment and Advancement
Plumbers are employed by construction contractors, plumbing repair shops and large organizations. Some are self-employed. Their employment prospects vary considerably with seasonal and economic climates.
Experienced plumbers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman or estimator, or start their own contracting businesses.
For more information about the Plumber Apprenticeship program, please contact Trades and Manufacturing at Red Deer College 403.342.3100 or Apprenticeship and Industry Training 403.340.5151.
You can also find more information at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.