A plumber is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems. Plumbing systems consist of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that facilitate the distribution of potable (drinking) water, and for sewage and drainage in plumbing systems. 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.
- Interpreting blueprints and building codes to plan and execute plumbing installations.
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting issues such as leaks, clogs, or malfunctioning components, using specialized tools and techniques to identify and repair problems.
- Inspecting existing pipe work, testing pressure levels, locating blockages or leaks, fitting replacement parts such as valves or taps, installing new pipes or appliances such as toilets or showers, connecting waste disposal units to drainage systems, carrying out repairs on drain lines, sewers, gas lines, and other forms of piping materials.
Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber. Plumbers play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing plumbing systems, ensuring clean water supply, proper drainage, and efficient plumbing fixtures.
