Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Job Outlook for Plumbers

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plumbers earn, on average, $26.52 per hour, or $55,160 per year.
• BLS data also notes that the demand for plumbers is projected to increase by 4% through the year 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

WHAT SKILLS DO PLUMBERS NEED?

Plumbers need to be able to diagnose problems with piping systems, then figure out solutions and fix those problems. They must be able to work in confined spaces, using tools such as saws, wrenches, pipe brushes and specialized cutting tools. They may also need to solder or weld, especially in older buildings. They work with adhesives and chemical compounds, so safety procedures and skills are very important. Finally, plumbers need good listening skills to properly diagnose problems. And they must know and apply building and safety codes to comply with national and local regulations.

ARE PLUMBERS LICENSED?

Each state and local government determines its own licensing requirements for plumbers. Because many require work experience, most new plumbers begin as plumber apprentices. This course is designed to provide the training you need to start your career at this level.

IS PLUMBER A GOOD LONG-TERM CAREER?

Growth in the construction industry is expected to keep the demand for plumbers strong. The average building in the US is almost 50 years old. And the average plumber in the US is 58 years old. These factors, taken together, suggest that the long-term career outlook for new plumbers is very strong.

• Basic concepts of plumbing safety and the safety procedures for material and equipment use.
• The function of components required for the construction of standard piping and water supply systems.
• The use and meaning of specialty drawings associated with construction detail.
• The application and installation of standard plumbing fixtures.
• To identify piping materials and fixture types used in plumbing work.
• To perform the essential math functions, calculations, and interpretation of the plumbing codes required to complete standard plumbing services.

Key course topics include:

• Plumbing History, Codes, and Principles
• Tools of the Plumbing Trade
• First Aid and Safety
• Basic Math for Plumbing
• Water Supply, Water Sources, Waste Disposal, and Sewage Disposal
• Mechanical Properties and Protection of Building Materials and Structure
• Piping Materials Used in Plumbing Work
• Joining Methods for DWV and Pressure Piping
• Squares, Square Roots, and Basic Geometry
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Faucets and Related Devices
• Valves
• Water Heaters
• Building Plans, Drawings, and Scale Rulers
• Sketching
• Communication and Skills Professionalism
• Pipe Joining Techniques
• Special Applications of Plastic Pipe and Fittings
• Introduction to Welding
• Soldering, Brazing, Cutting, and Gas Welding
• Piping Materials, Sources, and Distribution for Potable Water
• Water Pipe Sizing: Main-and-Branch and Individual Run Systems
• Water Heaters and Hot Water Distribution
• Cross-Connection Protection and Pipe Identification
• Sewers & Sewage Disposal Methods
• Drainage Fixture Units
• Building Drains
• Stacks
• Applied Plumbing Mathematics
• Applied Geometric Concepts
• Properties of Water and Air
• Venting Plumbing Drainage Systems
• Sump Pumps, Sewage Pumps, and Sewage Ejectors
• Plumbing Traps
• Fixture Supports
• Hoisting and Rigging
• Safety Concepts
• Rough-In Sheets, Single Line Drawings, and Isometric Drawings
• Venting Plumbing Drainage Systems
• Winning Customer Service
• Customers Revealed
• Customer Expectations
• Customer Service: Why Do It?
• The Decline (and Revival) of Customer Service
• Moving Forward with the Four P's
• Traits of Outstanding Customer Reps
• Measuring Customer Service
• Customer Service Communication
• Helping Upset Customers

Adam Seek

Adam Seek has more than 25 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He is a licensed plumber, pipefitter, instructor, and maintenance/service technician with an excellent track record of success in safety, quality control, planning, development, and project management. His career in plumbing started at a young age, when he first joined his family's plumbing business. He then went on to a four-year program where he was awarded for his aptitude and academic achievements.