what is a plumber?
A plumber is responsible for maintaining and installing pipes in homes and buildings. These pipes are used for drainage, irrigation, sewage, and drinking water. Working with such vital parts of structures, plumbers need to have knowledge of building regulations, safety standards, and relevant directives.
Some professionals in the plumbing industry work closely with architects, providing valuable expertise from the early stages of property development. You might be involved on-site, installing sanitary fixtures, or you could work in design, creating plans and layouts. Plumbing specialists who focus on designing or drafting plans aim to improve the efficiency of the installation process.
Careers in the plumbing industry can be quite diverse. It's a profession with the potential to grow in many different directions. While most plumbers start out performing manual installations, they can branch into various specialties. If you're aiming for a higher salary, you can focus on specific aspects of plumbing. The more unique your specialty, the less competition you'll face.
Being a plumbing technician can be a rewarding career; most dedicate their entire professional life to this field. Many plumbers who reach retirement age often continue working at least part-time. Others choose to help train the next generation of plumbers by mentoring apprentices and providing education to help them reach their full potential.
If you want to learn how to become a plumbing installer, keep reading to find out what qualifications you need, how much you could earn, and what skills are necessary to land a job.
search for jobsthe average salary of a plumber.
An important aspect to consider is the salary you receive as a plumber. According to Paylab and internal resources from Randstad Romania, the average net monthly salary for a plumber in Romania ranges from 3,500 to 7,000 RON. In some cases, this figure can even exceed 7,000 RON net per month, depending on experience and qualifications. Entry-level plumbers with minimal experience tend to earn less than seasoned, experienced plumbers.
Typically, plumbers work between 36 and 40 hours a week. In addition to their base salary, employers pay overtime for hours worked beyond regular hours, as well as various bonuses.
how to increase your salary as a plumber.
As a plumber, your earnings depend on your experience. You can negotiate a higher salary when you have extensive expertise in installation techniques. For example, plumbing professionals involved in design and installation are likely to earn more. Additionally, your education influences your compensation package. Post-secondary education isn't mandatory, but certain certifications can improve your salary prospects. Any professional training enhances your skills and technical knowledge, increasing your earning potential.
Your location can also impact your earnings. The demand for plumbing services and the cost of living influence the rates plumbers charge. For example, if you work in a large city like Bucharest or Cluj, you might have a busier schedule compared to working in a smaller town. This can affect how much you make.
types of plumbers.
Although there is considerable overlap in the required training and the installation skills used for each job, there are different types of installers who specialize in specific areas. Here are a few of them:
- Installer for the commercial sector: These plumbing technicians work in commercial spaces such as offices, schools, and factories. Their responsibilities include repairing and maintaining tanks and piping systems within a commercial setting. If you work for an agricultural company, your tasks involve installing drainage and irrigation systems.
- Maintenance installer: This work takes place in commercial and residential environments, where tasks include maintenance and repairs. You may also fix leaks, clear blockages, and clean plumbing systems.
- Installer for the residential Sector: Residential installers maintain and repair plumbing fixtures and pipes. You handle small-scale plumbing projects and work with water systems, pipes, and toilets. Your focus is on resolving plumbing issues in homes.
- Plumber for plumbing installations: Most plumbers work in residential settings, clearing and unclogging blockages in household systems.
- Plumber for water supply: These professionals work on water tanks, bathrooms, suspended storage tanks, and pipelines. They install water supply systems and perform basic residential plumbing tasks.
installer career.
So, what do plumbers do? This profession involves installing and maintaining pipes in various company locations. To learn more about what this role entails, keep reading.
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responsibilities of a plumber
Installers are responsible for repairing, installing, and maintaining commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing systems. You handle the repair and maintenance of pipes, fixtures, and other equipment used for water distribution or waste removal.
There are various aspects to this profession. Here are some of the main areas:
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Water pipe repairs: You need to assess the issues and recommend the best solutions to ensure the plumbing systems operate properly. You will visit residential homes or commercial properties to fix plumbing malfunctions.
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Installing new water pipes: You install new water pipes and plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. You read blueprints and plan new installations. You can install the plumbing system during construction or renovation.
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Installing sanitary fixtures: In addition to setting up the plumbing system beneath a building, you also install sanitary fixtures that help it function properly. For example, you install faucets, toilets, sinks, and shower cabins in the bathroom. While a construction team can complete the installation, you need to ensure that the fixtures are positioned correctly to prevent future issues.
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Using diagnostic equipment: As a plumbing installer, it's essential to diagnose issues within the plumbing system before recommending solutions. You need to be familiar with testing tools and use them both to identify problems and to provide accurate assessments of faults.
- Ensuring plumbing compliance: You need to make sure that the plumbing and drainage systems in a building meet the relevant construction regulations and codes. Additionally, you should ensure that the quality of the work is maintained at a high standard.
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work environment
Plumbers work in factories, offices, homes, and other locations with pipes and water systems. If you're a plumber, you'll need to lift heavy materials, work in tight spaces, and climb ladders to reach high places. Although much of your work takes place indoors, your job can also take you outdoors to inspect pipes and other components of the plumbing system.
You will also work on building new houses, renovations, and existing structures that may require minor or major repairs. Since most of the work is hands-on, your physical presence is necessary. Therefore, remote work or telecommuting opportunities are generally not available for plumbers.
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who are your colleagues?
You can work in various industries as a plumbing technician, from construction to maintenance companies. Some of your colleagues might be electricians, general repair technicians, custodians, unskilled laborers, and construction workers. Additionally, you could work alongside heating and ventilation engineers, kitchen installers, as well as other specialists such as appliance engineers, gas service technicians, and bathroom installers.
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work schedule
A standard workweek for plumbers is five days, with eight hours each day. However, just like in most careers in construction or maintenance, sometimes you’ll need to work overtime, or there may be periods when you work fewer hours. Overtime hours vary depending on the sector, region, and the specific requirements of each project.
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workplace perspectives
Since I am part of both construction teams and responsible for building maintenance, careers in the plumbing industry are diverse and vary depending on the sector. After gaining experience in the field, you can move into supervisory roles within maintenance companies.
Alternatively, you can pursue related specializations or offer building maintenance services to enhance your career prospects. For example, plumbing professionals have the opportunity to become gas boiler installers or specialize in kitchen and bathroom installations.
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the advantages of finding a plumbing job through randstad
Finding a job as a plumber through Randstad offers significant advantages such as:
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a wide variety of training and development opportunities
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a contact person with experience whom you can reach out to if needed.
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a wide range of opportunities
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temporary and permanent contracts
Are you looking for a permanent contract? A temporary job as a plumber can often be a stepping stone to a desirable permanent position. Every year, thousands of people secure permanent contracts with trusted employers thanks to temporary jobs found through Randstad. Plus, many companies also recruit their permanent staff through Randstad!
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qualifications and education required for plumbers.
Right now, you're probably wondering, "What qualifications do I need to become a plumbing technician?" While you don't necessarily need higher education to enter this profession, having the right academic credentials can improve your chances of getting hired.
Here are some of the qualifications employers look for in potential plumbing installers:
skills and competencies.
A plumbing installer needs to have certain skills and qualities. Here are some of them:
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physical skills
Working as a plumbing installer requires physical strength, agility, and coordination. Handling tools, sanitary fixtures, and plumbing systems demands good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Plumbers often lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and work in challenging temperature conditions. Therefore, being physically fit is essential to perform tasks quickly and efficiently.
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communication skills
Listening to clients, understanding their issues, and responding in a clear and relaxed manner are essential. Being able to provide recommendations or suggestions clearly helps minimize misunderstandings.
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problem-solving skills
It’s important to assess a situation, quickly analyze your options, and determine the right course of action. Additionally, effective time management helps you maximize your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the plumbing profession:
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what does a plumber do?
As an installer, you diagnose and repair plumbing systems in commercial spaces, office buildings, or residential areas. You can also perform periodic inspections to ensure the systems are in good working condition, and if needed, carry out maintenance work.
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do I need a university degree to become a plumber?
Most installers enter the field through post-secondary courses or qualification programs that help them learn the job requirements. You can also find apprenticeship opportunities that provide hands-on training on the job combined with classroom instruction.
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is it hard to be a plumber?
Working as a plumber can be quite challenging due to the physically demanding work. However, if you enjoy manual labor and don't mind standing all day or moving around, it's a very interesting role.
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what skills are necessary for plumbers?
As an installer, you need both technical skills and interpersonal skills. For example, technical skills are essential for identifying and repairing installations, while communication skills are important for effectively interacting with clients.
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how can I apply for a plumber position?
Applying for a plumber job is easy: create a Randstad profile and browse our plumbing jobs in your area. Then, simply send us your CV. If you don’t have a CV yet, no worries we’ll help you create one. Need assistance with your application? Check out all our career tips here! Want to stay updated on the latest trends and insights in the job market? Download the newest reports and research here.