Plumber
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A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage, drainage, venting, heating and air-conditioning, or industrial process plant piping. [1] In most jurisdictions the piping for HVAC, fire protection, and industrial systems are installed by 'steam-fitters', 'pipe-fitters', or 'gas-fitters' tradespeople. Many in these trades are members of organized labor groups, while many are nonunion. Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; many jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed. A Master Plumber is one who has demonstrated mastery of the trade of plumbing, has worked in the field for many years, may be certified in different areas of plumbing, typically provides advice, and assistance to new plumbers in the trade, and oversees large plumbing projects.
Plumbing codes are very strict, and need for quality plumbing work is high because of the historical health and safety problems associated with poor water supply and sewage removal.[2]
Plumbers in the United Kingdom generally undertake the installation of domestic internal hot and cold water pipe work, sanitary fittings and related soil and waste pipe work systems. Domestic, commercial and Industrial gas-fired (central) heating installation, servicing and repair works, and works related to all other gas fired appliances, although undertaken by plumbers, also involves the use of other 'sub-trades' such as pipe fitters, gas fitters etc and (in the case of gas fired appliances) is ineffectively regulated by an organisation called CORGI (with whom such individuals and organisations are supposed to be registered before working in this sphere), which although entrusted by the UK Government to control works related to this field, have no direct means of controlling or policing such works and are generally only involved in issues arising after the works are completed (and invariably, an accident has occurred). As a consequence there is a large quantity of work undertaken by unregistered, unqualified individuals, which is invariably a risk to the health and welfare of the user.
Oil fired heating appliance installation, servicing and maintenance works must be undertaken by OFTEC registered individuals and Companies in order to operate in the UK and due to the complexity of this type of installation and the relatively small number of oil burning appliances (compared to gas usage) this type of licensing is generally effective in this instance, despite OFTEC generally operating in the same way as CORGI.
Furthermore, because air conditioning design and installation is perceived to be too complex for plumbers to undertake and legislation related to the use and correct disposal of refrigerant for use in the air-conditioning field, air conditioning is considered to be a separate trade in the UK.
Plumbers install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, waste water disposal, and venting in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Plumbing is a traditional field that typically pays well, has good job security, and currently has need of qualified individuals in many locations worldwide[citation needed]. Many plumbers begin their careers in plumbing as helpers to established plumbers, while others enter formal training institutes. Although formal training is desirable to becoming a Master Plumber it is not required. It is accepted that training under a master plumber may be substituted in lieu of formal training. There are states within the U.S.A. that require a plumber to be licenced in order to contract for work. To obtain a licence, in those states that require it, the person must pass a written test. They then need only meet the requirements for bonding, and insurances, as may be required. No skill tests are given.
The word plumber dates from the Roman Empire[citation needed]. In Roman times, pipes were made of lead, or plumbum in Latin (hence the periodic table of the elements symbol of Pb for lead). Thus, a person with expertise in working with pipes was known as a Plumbumber[citation needed], which was eventually shortened to plumber.
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[edit] Some needed skills, interests, and values
- Reading blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
- Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
- Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
- Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines
- Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
- Communicating with co-workers, other tradespeople and subcontractors, and management
- Planning and performing complex calculations for specialized projects
- Providing time and cost estimates of the work to be performed (both labor and materials)
- Awareness of legal regulations and safety issues
- Being comfortable when working in confined spaces or at great heights
- Ensuring safety standards and build regulations are met.
[edit] Plumbers in politics
The term "plumbers" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established on July 24th, 1971 during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Their job was to plug intelligence leaks in the U.S. Government relating to the Vietnam War (i.e. the Pentagon Papers); hence the term "plumbers". In the early morning hours of June 17th, 1972, the "plumbers" were arrested while breaking into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. The resulting Watergate scandal and cover-up led to the eventual resignation of President Nixon on August 8th, 1974. A Plumber as named "Plumbertino".
[edit] Plumbers in popular culture
- Ed Norton, a sewer worker, from The Honeymooners
- The father in Weird Science
- Nintendo's most famous characters, Mario and Luigi of Super Mario Bros. fame, are both plumbers
- Famous rocker Ozzy Osbourne was a plumber apprentice
- James Denton's character on Desperate Housewives, Mike Delfino, poses as the friendly neighbourhood plumber
[edit] See also
- Pipefitter
- Plumbing
- Piping
- HVAC
- Fire sprinklers
- White House Plumbers -- Watergate era
- World Plumbing Council
- Worshipful Company of Plumbers -- UK
[edit] References
- ^ The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
- ^ Howard C. Massey (1998). Plumber's Handbook. Craftsman Book Company. ISBN 1572180560.
[Tip & Advice] Ask a Plumber
[edit] External links
