by Plumbers undergo years of training to ensure they know how to install and maintain plumbing systems. They obtain their training through classes and on-the-job experience. Over the years, they develop various skills helpful in this occupation. What skills should a person look for when they need a plumber?
Basic Requirements for All Plumbers
When contacting a plumber, a person first wants to know whether they meet the job’s physical, mental, and legal requirements. They will let this individual into their home or business and need to know if doing so will be safe. Once they feel confident allowing the individual into their home or business, they want to know they have valuable plumbing skills to do the job quickly and correctly. What skills should they look for when contacting a plumber?
Mechanical Skills
Every plumber must thoroughly understand residential and commercial plumbing systems and how to troubleshoot and repair them. To do so, they will use different tools and machinery, and knowing which to use when is vital. Each job is unique, so the plumber must know which skills and tools to use. These may include saws, a tubing cutter, tube and pipe benders, thread sealing tape, or a plumber’s torch. Physical science and math principles must be applied when using these skills and tools.
In addition, the plumber must know all safety hazards they may encounter while on the job and how to minimize any accompanying risks. Wearing personal protective equipment is one way they can reduce exposure to these hazards. Other safety measures depend on the job.
Physical Skills
Plumbers must be able to carry out physically demanding jobs. They need flexibility to get into tight spaces, excellent vision for low-light conditions, and the strength to carry tools and equipment on job sites. Fine motor skills are needed to handle the small tools and parts they work with regularly. Furthermore, plumbers often work in extreme temperatures and may be in a small, dark place. They must be prepared for this setting and remain focused to complete the job quickly and correctly.
Problem-Solving Abilities
A plumber needs to be able to evaluate a problem and find the appropriate solution quickly, as they often deal with running water or raw sewage. They must use logical reasoning and creative thinking to get the job done quickly.
Communication Skills
Plumbers must interact with many people throughout the day as they complete their work duties. Dispatchers direct them to their next call, supervisors may check in to see how the task is progressing, company owners might need to be consulted to determine the best solution to a problem, and clients may want to know what work is being done and why. Every plumber must have outstanding communication skills to interact with these individuals professionally and share the required information.
Complicated ideas and plumbing processes must be explained in ways the average person can understand, along with recommended solutions and the accompanying costs. The plumber must remain patient when communicating with clients, as they are dealing with a frustrating situation they don’t understand. It falls on the plumber to help them understand the problem, how to best fix it, and why that is the optimal solution.
Plumbers perform many tasks throughout the day. Men and women who love variety and solving problems find this is the perfect profession for them. Consider this when choosing a plumber and find one with the skills outlined above for a successful project from start to finish.
