Plumber - Career Advice - Houses and Buildings

Houses & Buildings

Airconditioning & Mechanical Services Plumber
Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer
Plumber's Assistant
Roof Plumber

Plumbers lay out, test and maintain pipes, fixtures, metal roofing, fittings, gas meters and regulators. Future Growth Strong Plumbers assemble, install and repair water supply, gas, drainage, sewerage, ventilation and heating systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They lay pipes and install sanitary services such as showers, sinks, baths and toilets, as well as the fixtures that enable their use. They also undertake maintenance work as part of routine servicing and emergency repairs. They may also install water-based fire protections systems like fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler systems. Plumbers can work anywhere around Australia, from our cities and regional centres, to country towns and isolated communities.

Plumber looking down drain
(Source: Your Career)

ANZSCO description: 334111: Installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Plumber and Gasfitter

Specialisations: Fire Services Plumber, Sanitary Plumber, Water Plumber

Gasfitter - described on another page: A gasfitter installs, maintains, tests and repairs gas lines, meters, regulators, hot water systems and appliances.
Heating and Ventilation Plumber: installs and services heating and cooling systems.
Irrigation Installer: plans, designs and installs large watering systems for such environments as golf courses and parks.
Sprinkler Fitter: installs and maintains fire protection systems.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A plumber needs:

enjoy practical work
to be good with their hands
good hand-eye coordination
the ability to work in cramped spaces
organisational skills
problem solving skills
the ability to work on detailed and intricate projects
to be able to work at heights and in various weather conditions
able to work independently
physically fit and good mobility
good interpersonal skills

Plumber under sink
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Plumbers may perform the following tasks:

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

Working conditions

Plumbers may work either indoors or outdoors, on projects that range from household repairs to large-scale industrial installations. Their work may be dirty and unsanitary, and they may get dirty themselves. They usually work regular business hours, although some plumbers may be on call 24 hours a day to attend to emergencies.

Tools and technologies

Plumbers use a number of tools in their daily work, such as wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters and drills. They cut, bend, join and fix materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic, zinc and iron. They use welding equipment for joining pipes and drainage machinery to clear drains, and may also use electrical equipment such as pipe-threading machines. They are often required to wear safety equipment such as steel-capped boots, earmuffs, safety glasses and overalls.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a plumber you usually need to complete an apprenticeship. The plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.
You may improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship by completing a pre-apprenticeship course.

To work as a plumber in Australia, you will need to obtain the appropriate Plumbing contractor’s or Tradesperson’s licence from the Plumbers Licensing Board.

Houses & Buildings

Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers perform routine tasks in maintaining drainage, sewerage and stormwater systems. Future Growth Strong

Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers installs, maintains and repairs pipes in storm water or sewerage systems and drains, and installs septic tanks, holding wells, sullage pits and absorption tracks.

ANZSCO ID: 821112

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Employers look for Labourers who are reliable, have a strong work ethic and are physically fit.
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
Mechanical: Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
Public safety and security: Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and personal service: Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.

Drainage
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Cleans and carries out minor repairs on stormwater drains and canals, and checks for cracks and leaks in sewerage systems.
Install and repair pipes, valves and water systems including toilets, sinks, showers, etc.
Digs holes and shovels excavated material onto conveyors, wheelbarrows and trucks for removal.

Sewerage
(Source: Brisbane Times)

Working conditions

physically demanding
requires driving
working outdoors

Tools and technologies

The most innovative blocked drain inspection tool is the CCTV Drain Camera, when our Plumbers go out to a blocked drains the first thing we recommend to do is investigate what is causing the blockage to do this we feed a CCTV drain camera down the pipe.

CCTV stands for closed circuit television, and is one of Service Today’s modern and efficient methods to inspect your drains and identify any issues.

The camera head sends a live feed to a screen beside the plumber who is feeding the drain camera down the pipe. The greatest advantage with this type of inspection is you can see the condition of the pipe from the inside, whether the line is broken, collapsed or there are tree roots entering the pipe. This inspection method takes all the guess work out of diagnosing cause of a blocked drain.

A CCTV drain camera can travel 60 metres down a pipe which will cover all of residential and some commerical dwellings. The footage may even be stored on a DVD for future reference, or if the customer is not at home. Storing the footage is great for home owners and real estate agents to have evidence.

At the head of the camera, there is a sonar on the tip of the camera this tells the plumber the exact location of the camera using our locating machine tool. The plumber waves the locating machine over the ground and can mark exactly where the head of the camera is located and which way it is travelling. This is a big time saver on labour when we can pin point the problem and create a solution.

A Generator: The portable nature of generators makes them perfect for powering compressors, grinders, welders, power tools and even the smoko fridge.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Training is also available through VET (Vocational Education and Training). A certificate I or II in drainage or water stability might be helpful.

Houses & Buildings

Plumber's Assistants perform routine tasks in fabricating, laying, installing and maintaining pipes, fixtures, water meters and regulators. Future Growth Strong Plumber helpers aid Plumbers with the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems in homes and offices. Under the direction of a licensed plumber, plumber helpers install pipes, replace faucets, unclog toilets, install garbage disposals, and adjust water pressure.

ANZSCO ID: 821114

Alternative names: Plumber Helpers,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To ensure success as a plumber helper, you should have excellent physical fitness, a strong desire to learn, and detailed knowledge of plumbing techniques. Ultimately, a top-class plumber helper reduces time to finish a job by handling smaller tasks and assisting with major repairs.

Detailed knowledge of plumbing equipment and techniques.
Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints.
Advanced mechanical skills.
Good physical fitness and dexterity.
Critical thinker with good problem-solving abilities.
Good listening and communication skills.
Ability to work after-hours and on weekends.
High-level mathematical skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to handle high-stress situations.

Plumbers Assistant
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Loading and unloading plumbing fixtures and materials, tools and equipment and transporting them around sites.

Packing and sorting plumbing equipment for each job.

Locating pipe leaks and preparing the work area.

Fetching tools and buying additional stock and equipment.

Cutting open walls and structures to expose pipes.

Installing garbage disposals.

Adjusting water pressure valves.

Assisting the Master Plumber with plumbing installations and repairs.

Replacing faucet washers and toilet wax rings.

Measuring, cutting, and threading pipes.

Installing gutters, drainpipes, and runoff systems.

Assisting with assembling and installing piping, valves and fittings.

Assisting with installing fixtures such as toilets, wash basins and sprinkler systems.

Working conditions

physically demanding
requires driving
working outdoors

Tools and technologies

Plumbers use a number of tools in their daily work, such as wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters and drills. They cut, bend, join and fix materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic, zinc and iron. They use welding equipment for joining pipes and drainage machinery to clear drains, and may also use electrical equipment such as pipe-threading machines. They are often required to wear safety equipment such as steel-capped boots, earmuffs, safety glasses and overalls.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Plumber's Assistant without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Training is also available through VET (Vocational Education and Training).

Did You Know?

1. The world’s most famous plumbers are probably video game superstars Mario and Luigi, of Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers series.

Nintendo Super Mario Brothers

2. Archaeologists have found evidence of indoor plumbing in palaces dating back to 2500 B.C.E.

3. Albert Einstein was named an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union after saying publicly that he would become a plumber if he had to do it all over again.

Houses & Buildings

A roofing plumber installs and fixes metal roofs, flashings, gutters, downpipes, rainwater tanks, 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. Future Growth Strong

Roof Plumbers install, maintain and repair flashings, metallic roof and wall claddings and rainwater products such as gutters and downpipes.

Roof plumbers install downpipes, drains, water tanks, and flashing on residential and commercial roofs. Not only do roof plumbers work with material designs made from metals, glass, polycarbonate, and fiberglass, but they also install divider cladding and rooftop sheeting.

On roof
(Source: The Roof Doctor)

ANZSCO ID: 334115

Specialisations: Industrial Roof Plumber.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Technical expertise and knowledge- Roof plumbers are knowledgeable in how roofing materials and structures function. With this aid, they may choose, handle, and cut materials, including metal, glass, fiberglass, and polycarbonate. Additionally, they know how rainfall behaves under specific circumstances, including varying temperatures and meteorological conditions. They interpret technical plans and drawings using their technical knowledge as well.
Problem-solving- Roof plumbers can better address the needs of their customers by using their problem-solving abilities. For instance, they might aid in bettering drainage, finding and fixing leaks, or gathering as much rainfall as feasible. Additionally, they guarantee that their clients will benefit from efficient and affordable solutions.
Mathematics- Roof plumbers employ mathematical calculations to determine the necessary materials for the job. Additionally, to effectively capture or drain the most storm water, this skill is used to determine the appropriate number or placement of drainpipes, the ideal pitch for each roof, and the size of each top. They may create the most fantastic drainage solutions with accurate calculations, minimizing costs for their clients. Roof plumbers can also produce accurate cost estimates with the support of solid math skills.
Ability to communicate – Roof plumbers can better comprehend each client’s wants using communication abilities. They actively listen and ask questions to gather the required data to finish each job. To ensure the safety of everyone involved in a project, team members and contractors must communicate effectively. Roof plumbers who are good communicators can also help train new apprentices.
Managing time- There are times when people often get confident enough to deal with plumbing issues on their own by applying DIY formulas. However, if the issue is complicated, then you might not be able to handle them on your own; instead, you might end up damaging the affected area more, thus, worsening the situation. Moreover, it would also eat up a lot of time of yours unnecessarily. Besides taking up more time, it would also higher your expenses. Thus, consulting with a professional roof plumber can help you resolve the plumbing issue at once without much wastage of time due to their standard expertise in the work field.
Safety and health at work - Roof plumbers are knowledgeable about the necessary occupational health and safety procedures. They may securely handle equipment and operate on roofs; thanks to these procedures. They are competent with pipe benders, tin snips, copper tube cutters, and hacksaws. Team members can also comprehend and adhere to safety rules and wear protective gear when conducting dangerous operations, like joining metals with a welder.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL ROOF PLUMBERS-
The following characteristics support individuals’ success as roof plumbers:

Confidence- Working high up on a roof is a task that confident people may accept. When comfortable working at heights, they can better focus on their studies and make logical conclusions. Those who exude confidence are also capable of effectively using their communication abilities.

Resilience- Plumbers on resilient roofs accept any challenges. They know problematic working conditions, early morning starts, and unknown job sites are frequent. Therefore, they remain productive in all of these circumstances. They accept and adjust to changing circumstances.

Reliability- Roof plumbers have the clients’ faith that their jobs will be finished quickly and affordably. When requested, they provide bids, show up on time, and operate efficiently on the job site. To guarantee the client won’t need repairs or water damage shortly, they can also do their work to a high standard.

A Healthy Body- Being a roof plumber requires a high level of physical efficiency because the job is physically demanding. Plumbers on roofs can get the strength needed to maintain tight pipe couplings. They also require endurance to keep up their physical labor throughout long shifts.

Roof Plumber
(Source: WaterMasterRoofing)

Duties and Tasks

Studies drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required.

Fabricating and installing metal roofing, rainwater goods and flashings.

Working conditions

Roof plumbing is very physical work that requires a high level of fitness. They work in a variety of weather conditions, including during very hot and rainy days. Roof plumbers often start work early in the morning, which can be challenging for some people. Working on roofs can also be hard for people nervous about heights. All of these challenges can make plumbing roof jobs hard for some people.

Roof Plumbing Clothing:

Full brim hat with neck covering
Long sleeve shirts
Shorts or trousers
Roofing shoes
Protective and Safety Equipment
Glasses
Gloves
A hard hat
A roofing safety harness
Respirator or mask
Sunscreen

Roof Plumbers wearing safety harness

Tools and Technologies

Essential tools for roof plumbing:

Tool belt with dual pouches
Red and Green Tin Snips for Roofing
Tape measure
Rivet Gun
Hammer
Stanly knife
Cordless drill
Hammer drill
Drill and tech bits
Chalk line reel and chalk
Pencil
Measuring square
Angle measuring tool
Small magnetic level
Colourbond touch-up pens

Roof Plumber's Tools
(Source: Ask About Roofing)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Either extensive experience or a certificate III in plumbing or roof plumbing is needed to work as a Roof Plumber. Traineeships may be available.

Completing an apprenticeship to become a roof plumber usually takes four years. After receiving your Certificate III in Roof Plumbing, apply for the licences and registration in your state or territory. The time it takes to get these qualifications and work as an unsupervised roof plumber depends on the issuing body's processing times and whether you need to complete any courses before receiving your qualifications. However, it may be as little as a few weeks.

Employment Opportunities

Obtain the relevant tradesperson's licence from your state or territory to work as an independent roof plumber:

New South Wales: Contractor licence, issued by Service NSW, for completing work valued at more than $5,000

Victoria: Specialised registration for roofing, issued by Victorian Building Authority after passing exam. To supervise other plumbers and sign compliance certification, apply for a plumbing licence after sitting the licence exam.

Queensland: Occupational or trade contractor plumber licence issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. You may need both licences to negotiate contracts and complete your duties.

Australian Capital Territory: Class D builder licence for non-structural work issued by Access Canberra

Northern Territory: No requirement as roof plumbing isn't a recognised work category in the Northern Territory

South Australia: Building work contractor's licence with a roof plumbing specification issued by Consumer and Business Services

Tasmania: Plumbing licence, roof stormwater class, from the Department of Justice. You may need a practitioner or contractor licence, depending on whether you have an employer or are self-employed.

Western Australia: Plumbing Tradesperson or Plumbing Contractor Licence from the Plumbers Licensing Board. You can also become registered building practitioner, or work under one, for construction work valued at more than $20,000.

Houses & Buildings

Airconditioning & Mechanical Services Plumbers install, maintain and repair piping, ducting and equipment for heating, cooling and ventilation of building or vessels. Future Growth Strong

The work can involve the following types of systems or units:

Ventilation systems
Ducted heating units
Cooling systems
Sprinkler systems
Waste disposal units
Soil and waste stacks
Evaporative coolers
Air handling units
Space heaters
Underground drainage systems
Central heating systems
Fire hydrants
Septic tanks
Roof flashing
Air conditioning systems
Discharge pipes
Water supply units
Sanitary fixtures
Hydronic heating systems
Sewer pumping equipment
Cold and hot water system units
Solid fuel heaters
Sheet metal ductwork

Mechanical Services

(Source: Paragon Plumbing)

ANZSCO ID: 334112

Specialisations: Ductfixing Plumber

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Mechanical plumbers typically possess an array of both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are abilities and sets of knowledge honed through rigorous training or studying, such as mechanical knowledge and understanding of governmental regulations. Soft skills are personality traits and behaviours that can influence how you act while working.

Training: Mechanical plumbers typically take on an apprenticeship before they can practise on their own. The length of this can vary, but it usually lasts between two and five years. Different territories may require apprenticeships of varying lengths, so be sure to check the requirements for the territory you hope to work in prior to finding a placement.
Licence: To practise mechanical plumbing, these professionals first register with and obtain a licence in their state. This process typically involves filling out forms about your experience, paying a licensing fee and successfully completing an exam. You may also require a referee or professional reference who can verify that all your documentation is accurate. You may also decide to register with a local master's plumbing association.
Stamina: Mechanical plumbers may sometimes work for long periods on their feet or in kneeling positions. Physical stamina can help you continue to perform your job duties efficiently while standing, crouching or kneeling. Physical stamina can also be helpful if a job involves climbing ladders or balancing on ledges.
Mechanical expertise: A mechanical plumber possesses in-depth knowledge of a variety of mechanical systems and their components. This allows them to perform installations, repairs and maintenance work accurately. It's also important to know how these various systems integrate with one another or with source materials, such as water units or drainage systems.
Organisation: A professional in this field often simultaneously manages multiple projects, clients and duties. With reliable organisational abilities, you can balance these diverse responsibilities successfully while providing high-quality work and meeting deadlines. Organisational abilities that you may benefit from include task prioritisation, time management and delegation.
Health and safety knowledge: Mechanical plumbers frequently work with potentially hazardous materials and systems. Having a thorough knowledge of occupational health and safety can help protect you and your colleagues as you install, fix, update or clean mechanical components. Understanding health and safety practices also allows you to work in a way that keeps future users of those mechanical systems or appliances safe from harm.
Adaptability: Sometimes, unexpected challenges may arise while you're working on a job. For instance, you might notice other necessary repairs while fixing a mechanical issue. A good mechanical plumber understands how to adapt to these types of changing situations and can proactively formulate and implement a new plan.
Reading comprehension: Mechanical plumbers often consult blueprints, manuals, engineering diagrams and other materials that discuss or depict the systems they're working on. Skills such as reading comprehension and visualisation can help you interpret these diagrams or manuals and apply relevant knowledge to the actual systems. You might also use these skills to understand written client specifications about an upcoming project.
Regulations: There's an array of both local and national regulations about the systems that mechanical plumbers handle. It's important for an aspiring professional to possess an in-depth understanding of both these regulations and their potential implications for various tasks. As a mechanical plumber, you use your knowledge to make sure that you install, fix, update or clean systems that adhere to the law.
Teamwork: Mechanical plumbers might sometimes work with other people in this field, such as residential or storm plumbers. You may also occasionally collaborate with other professionals, including mechanical engineers, construction managers or technicians. Teamwork skills, such as compromising and active listening, can help secure positive interactions with these diverse working groups.

Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

These professionals operate, update, fix or perform maintenance on the mechanical components of various systems. The specific job responsibilities of someone in this field might include:

Studies drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required.

Studying and interpreting sketches, blueprints, operational manuals or engineering drawings of a plumbing system

Installing machine facilities and connected ductwork

Establishing a water supply source or connecting systems to that source

Testing refrigerant or cooling systems for leaks

Connecting tubing systems

Practising occupational health and safety to ensure that they, their colleagues and people who use the building remain safe by ensuring that all mechanical components are up to date and working efficiently

Fitting insulation around pipes

Fabricating new components for mechanical systems

Assembles and installs mechanical services plant, air handling and conditioning equipment and small bore heating systems.

(Source: Skills One TV)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Either extensive experience or a certificate III in plumbing is needed to work as an Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber.

Apprentice Mechanical Services Plumber Jeremy Whelan
https://youtu.be/cWROwGqIMk4

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic	Builder	Building Inspector	Gardener
Handyperson	Insulation & Home Improvement Installer	Landscape Architect	WHS Officer