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Plumber

Plumbers lay out, install, test and maintain pipes, fixtures, metal roofing, fittings, gas meters and regulators.

TASKS

Plumbers may perform the following tasks:

prepare and/or study plans and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials needed
find and mark positions for connections, measure pipes and mark cutting or bending lines, then cut holes through walls and floors to accommodate pipes
cut, thread and bend pipes, assemble and install piping, valves and fittings, and join pipe sections and secure pipes
test lines as required by local plumbing regulations
install equipment such as boilers, chillers, pumps, heating and cooling systems, gas appliances, water tanks, water heaters and solar water heating systems, and fixtures such as toilets, wash basins and industrial processing units
weld and braise pipework (steel, copper, plastic and stainless steel)
system testing and commissioning
maintain and repair plumbing systems

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
good hand-eye coordination
able to work independently
able to work at heights and in various weather conditions
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good interpersonal skills
good mobility

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Drainer - installs, maintains and repairs pipes in storm water or sewerage systems and drains. They also install septic tanks, holding wells, sullage pits and absorption tracks.

Gasfitter - installs, maintains, tests and repairs gas lines, meters, regulators, hot water systems and appliances.

Mechanical Services Plumber - installs and services plant and equipment used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in industrial and commercial buildings.

Irrigation Installer - plans, designs and installs large watering systems for environments such as golf courses and parks.

Roofing Plumber - installs and fixes metal roofs, flashings, gutters, downpipes, rainwater products and other accessories on residential, industrial and commercial buildings. The work conducted by roofing plumbers includes working outdoors, in a team environment and safely at heights.

Sprinkler Fitter - installs and maintains fire protection systems.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a plumber you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Plumbing or Roof Plumbing.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Plumbers must hold a licence issued by NSW Fair Trading, or ACT Planning Authority.

Post-trade qualifications from the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package may be required to fulfil registration requirements for more specialised areas of work, such as gasfitting, draining, hydraulics and fire protection.

Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The industry is dominated by small firms and self-employed tradespeople. Plumbers may also work for federal or state and territory government departments concerned with public works. Plumbers are involved in everything from domestic maintenance to high-rise construction.

Competition is strong for available apprenticeship positions. With further training and experience, plumbers can become technical and sales representatives, building supervisors, building and construction managers, plumbing inspectors, hydraulics consultants, technical teachers, estimators, building contract administrators or purchasing officers, or start their own business.

Demand is linked with activity in the construction industry. However, unlike in other building trades, downturns in building activity have less effect on plumbers because of the work available in renovation and maintenance. Demand is also more stable because, by law, certain jobs must be performed by plumbers.