What does a plumber do?
A plumber specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems.
Plumbing systems consist of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that facilitate the distribution of
water, gas, and waste disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Plumbers are
responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and efficiency of these systems, allowing for
clean water supply, effective drainage, and the overall health and safety of occupants.
Plumbers perform a wide range of tasks, including installing and connecting pipes, fixtures, and
appliances such as sinks, toilets, showers, water heaters, and irrigation systems. They interpret
blueprints and building codes to plan and execute plumbing installations. Plumbers also
diagnose and troubleshoot issues such as leaks, clogs, or malfunctioning components, using
specialized tools and techniques to identify and repair problems. Additionally, they may
collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and construction teams, to ensure
plumbing systems are integrated seamlessly into building projects and meet the required
standards and regulations.
Details and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of plumbers may vary depending on the job, but some common
tasks include:
• Installation of Plumbing Systems: Plumbers install new plumbing systems, including
piping, fixtures, and appliances such as sinks, toilets, and water heaters. They follow
building codes and blueprints to ensure proper placement and connection of
components. Plumbers may also install irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Maintenance and Repair of Plumbing Systems: Plumbers maintain and repair existing
plumbing systems, including diagnosing issues such as leaks, clogs, and damaged
components. They use specialized tools such as augers, snakes, and hydro jets to unclog
drains and pipes. They also replace and repair damaged pipes and fixtures, and
troubleshoot issues such as low water pressure or temperature fluctuations.
• Installation and Maintenance of Gas Lines: Plumbers install and maintain gas lines in
residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure proper installation and
connection of gas lines and appliances such as stoves, ovens, and water heaters. They
also perform gas leak detection and repair.
• Interpretation of Building Codes and Regulations: Plumbers must be knowledgeable
about building codes and regulations related to plumbing systems. They interpret
blueprints and plans to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes and
regulations. They also obtain necessary permits and inspections for plumbing projects.
• Customer Service: Plumbers communicate with clients to understand their plumbing
needs and concerns. They provide advice and recommendations on plumbing solutions,
and may provide cost estimates for plumbing projects. They also ensure that customers
are satisfied with their work and address any issues that arise.
• Collaboration with Other Professionals: Plumbers often collaborate with other
professionals, such as construction teams, architects, and engineers. They ensure that
plumbing systems are integrated seamlessly into building projects and that all necessary
regulations and standards are met.
• Emergency Services: Plumbers may provide emergency plumbing services 24/7. This may
involve responding to urgent calls to fix burst pipes, clogged drains, or other plumbing
emergencies that require immediate attention.
Types of Plumbers
There are several types of plumbers, each specializing in different areas of plumbing. Here are
some common types of plumbers and a brief overview of what they do:
• Residential Plumbers: Residential plumbers focus on plumbing systems in homes,
apartments, and other residential properties. They handle a wide range of tasks,
including installing and repairing plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, showers, and
water heaters. Residential plumbers also work on water supply lines, drainage systems,
and sewage lines within residential buildings.
• Commercial Plumbers: Commercial plumbers specialize in plumbing systems for
commercial buildings, such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, and schools. They handle
larger-scale projects that require extensive knowledge of commercial plumbing codes
and regulations. Commercial plumbers may work on installing and maintaining complex
plumbing systems, including water supply and drainage systems, fire sprinkler systems,
and large-scale water heaters.
• Industrial Plumbers: Industrial plumbers work in industrial settings, such as factories,
manufacturing plants, and power plants. They handle specialized plumbing systems and
equipment unique to industrial environments. Industrial plumbers may be involved in
installing and maintaining large-scale piping systems, boilers, cooling systems, and other
industrial plumbing equipment.
• Service and Repair Plumbers: Service and repair plumbers focus on diagnosing and fixing
plumbing issues. They respond to service calls from residential, commercial, or industrial
clients to address plumbing emergencies, such as leaks, clogs, or broken fixtures. Service
and repair plumbers utilize their problem-solving skills and knowledge to troubleshoot
issues and perform necessary repairs to restore proper plumbing functionality.
• Construction Plumbers: Construction plumbers work on new construction projects. They
collaborate with architects, builders, and other construction professionals to install
plumbing systems in new buildings. Construction plumbers read blueprints, lay out
piping systems, and install fixtures and appliances according to specifications and
building codes. They ensure that plumbing systems are integrated into the overall
construction process seamlessly.
• Green Plumbers: Green plumbers specialize in environmentally friendly plumbing
practices. They focus on water conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable plumbing
solutions. Green plumbers may recommend and install fixtures such as low-flow toilets,
water-saving faucets, and rainwater harvesting systems. They also provide guidance on
eco-friendly practices to clients.
1. Read the common plumber terms on the first page. Choose ten words, copy
them into your notebook and translate into Croatian language.
2. Read the text about plumbers and answer the following:
a) How can you define a job of a plumber?
b) Name the most common responsibilities plumbers have while performing
their job?
c) Name types of plumbers?
3. Which of the above mentioned have you been doing during your school practice?
4. What type of a plumber would you like to be in the future?
