We will all eventually face that day when we need to call the 24 hour plumber. When you need an emergency plumber for leak repair, burst pipes, or emergency water heater repair, you’ll be pretty grateful when someone at a 24 hour plumber service picks up the line. Who does these plumbing jobs, how do they get trained, and what’s it like to be a plumber?
How Do You Become a Plumber?
Specific requirements will vary just a bit depending on what state or municipality you live in or want to work in. Different places will have different types of apprenticeship programs available, but the basic process begins with getting a high school diploma or GED. This is a requirement for taking the vocational courses you’ll need to become a plumber, and anyone who wants to pursue a career in plumbing would do well to take extra courses in physics, computers, algebra, and geometry while still in high school. The best apprenticeships will be available to those with the highest scores on the ACT.
How Do You Get Trained?
Before you can think about going to work as a 24 hour plumber, you need training. To become a licensed and professional plumber, you’ll need to complete both classroom work and on-the-job training. The number of hours you’re required to take will vary by state, and you can often take the classroom hours at an accredited trade school or at a college. Before you can get an apprenticeship, you will have to satisfy a certain number of classroom hours. The timeframe for studying is six months to a year if you want a certificate, and about two years for an Associates degree. You can expect to take classes on piping equipment, OSHA requirements, how to read blueprints, mathematics, codes and regulations for plumbing, piping equipment, drafting, applied physics, drainage systems, and how water supplies work.
How Do You Practice?
Once your coursework is finished and you have your certificate or degree, you’ll spend about four to five years in a plumbing apprenticeship. These programs sometimes offer classroom training at the same time as you apprentice, and some will require you to come with your classroom work already done. Most apprenticeships offer wages, and the better the apprenticeship you are able to get, the more you can expect to make later. As an apprentice, you will be trained in sewage disposal, basic household maintenance, installation and repairs, safety procedures, piping methods, proper use of tools, and local codes and regulations. Some places will also require you to pass a drug test, to have a valid drivers license, and to have a clean driving record.
How Do You Get Licensed?
When someone calls for a 24 hour plumber, they really want to know that person is capable and a lot of misery can result when plumbing jobs are completed haphazardly or improperly. Thus most states require plumbers to get licensed. The licensing procedures will vary by state, but all will require that you work a minimum number of hours and pass an exam. The exam can be taken at any time after you have met your quota for on-the-job hours and taken all the classes, and after passing the exam you will be a plumber journeyman.
How Do You Get Ahead as a Plumber?
It takes between one and five years to become of master plumber, and you’ll need to take another exam. Once you become a master plumber even more opportunities will open up. Other than that, the best way to advance in this career is the same way that anyone advances: by hard work. If you’re willing to work after hours as a 24 hour plumber, you’ll not only get experience quickly, but you also make extra money. Pretty soon you’ll be able to do more intricate work and work the hours that are most convenient to you.
Becoming a plumber can be a rewarding career choice. It might just be you on the other end of the phone next time someone calls for 24 hour plumber, and you can believe they’ll be very grateful when you pick up.
