This article was updated on March 2020
Plumber Job Description
If you’re good with your hands and are looking for a challenge in an industry that’s crying out for qualified candidates, a career as a plumber could be a realistic and lucrative option. It is the epitome of a ‘recession proof’ role as plumbers are always in demand.
It’s a job that involves direct interaction with customers and you have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives by repairing their heating systems and hot & cold water supply among other things. If you enjoy solving problems and excel at following technical plans, are you still interested in a Plumber job role? read on for a detailed Plumber job description to determine if this career is suitable for you.
Let’s dive in:
Responsibilities of a Plumber
Life As A Plumber
Skills
Career
Salary
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Typical Responsibilities Of A Plumber
In this role you will be asked to perform a variety of tasks for customers of all ages. Obviously, you must travel to their properties to view the problem and find a solution. Typical duties include:
- Installation and/or maintenance of heating systems, drainage and water supplies.
- Fitting domestic appliances such as washing machines, cookers and showers.
- Service boilers and radiators.
- Locate faults in the systems & equipment of customers and repair the issue.
- Attach weatherproof materials to walls, roofs and chimneys.
- Answer emergency customer calls to repair leaks and other problems.
Your work will include the use of a variety of tools. Experienced plumbers sometimes specialise in sheet metal work for commercial and industrial buildings. Yes, being a plumber can require you to be a jack of all trades and hopefully, a master of them too!
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What Is Life As A Plumber?
If you work for a company, it’s probable that you’ll work a typical 37 hour week with overtime a possibility. Self-employed plumbers can pick and choose their working hours and often make themselves available when plumbers from organisations are either not available or are charging an overtime rate.
You may also be asked to be ready for emergency callouts which means travelling to the homes of customers in the evening, at weekends and very occasionally during the night. Although much of the work takes place indoors, there will be times when you must fix an outdoor problem such as the repair of guttering.
What Are The Good Points?
It is a fantastic role if you enjoy working with your hands and take satisfaction from solving problems. It is also a good career move if you are a ‘people person’ and take genuine pleasure from helping others. There is something extremely satisfying about being called out for an emergency to fix the heating system of an elderly client in winter for example.
If you are self-employed, you get to choose your own hours and those who are experienced and qualified with a good reputation in the community will not find work hard to come by. Your earning potential is also excellent in this role.
What Are The Bad Points?
The work itself can be quite unpleasant. For example, indoor work often involves working in cramped and uncomfortable conditions and there are occasions when you must deal with raw sewage, chemicals and other nasty substances. In terms of outdoor work, you need a head for heights as cleaning out gutters on a windy day is not easy. You could also be asked to perform outdoor tasks in inclement weather.
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What Kind Of Skills Do I Need To Succeed?
In order to have a successful career as a plumber, you would ideally possess the following qualities:
- The capacity to understand technical drawings and plans.
- Excellent practical and problem solving skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills as you’ll be dealing with customers during every single job.
- The ability to work alone and also as part of a team.
- A decent physical fitness level.
- A meticulous approach to work.
- Good timekeeping skills!
- Knowledge of industry safety and legal guidelines.
A Plumber Career’s Progression
There are a number of courses you must complete in order to become a fully qualified plumber in Ireland. The typical route is to become an apprentice as this enables you to earn some money while also learning your trade.
The primary certifications required to become a plumber in Ireland include the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Maintaining and Installing Domestic Heating Systems and an NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Domestic Heating and Plumbing. Candidates with several years of experience could get by with a Level 2 qualification but a Level 3 qualification is a must if you’re relatively new in the field.
Once you become a qualified plumber you can join a reputable body such as the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland (APHCI). This association is the trade representative body and for qualified plumbers and heating contractors in Ireland.
Plumber Salary
According to PayScale, the median hourly wage of a plumber in Ireland for 2020 is €17.48 an hour.
If you’re starting on this job, you an expect a yearly wage starting on €40,100, and if have +5 years of experience you can earn up to €135,000 per annum.
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