Introduction
Plumbing involves installing and maintaining fixtures, including water and drainage pipes, bathtubs, and toilets. The process of installing, repairing, and changing piping, fixtures, appliances, and accessories in conjunction with sanitary or storm drainage facilities, a venting system, and public or private water supply systems is known as plumbing. Plumbing also refers to the practices, supplies, and equipment utilized in these endeavors.
Plumbing fixtures are seen by and designed for end-users. Some examples of fixtures include water closets (also known as toilets), urinals, bidets, showers, bathtubs, utility and kitchen sinks, drinking fountains, ice makers, humidifiers, air washers, fountains, and eye wash stations.
There are five main types of plumbing pipe materials that are still in use today: copper, galvanized steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is also used.
When your water isn’t working in your home or the toilets won’t flush in your office building, you might consider calling a plumber. Rightfully so. But who exactly is a plumber? A plumber is a professional who installs and repairs pipes and fittings in your plumbing systems, which include the water supply, heating system, and sanitation. They are the people who make sure that your facilities work when you need them to. They ensure that the right pipes are in place and connected to the proper outlet.
Historical background of plumbing
Plumbing has come a long way since the days of ancient Greece and Egypt! From the first aqueducts with clay pipes to outdoor plumbing and the indoor plumbing that we know and love today, a lot has changed. And we’re so grateful to be living in a time with such advanced plumbing technology!
As early as 4,000 BCE, some of the earliest evidence of plumbing was discovered in Mesopotamian lands (now Iraq), with clay pipes dug that appear to have been meant to drain wastewater and gather rainwater in wells.
Archaeologists have discovered no evidence of previous examples of interconnected clay sewer lines in history. So we may be very certain that clay was the first material utilized in plumbing.
Who is a plumber?
Plumbers install and maintain building water systems. Toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers are all included. They can also install central heating systems, but they must be certified to operate with gas boilers.
Plumbers build new piping, service older systems, diagnose and repair defects, and may respond to emergency calls when water or heating systems fail.
A plumber is someone who installs and fixes piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances associated with water supply, drainage systems, and so on, both inside and outside of structures.
A plumber is a tradesperson who installs and maintains plumbing systems for potable (drinking) water, sewage, and drainage.
Types of plumbers:
There are three types of plumbers: commercial plumbers, residential plumbers, and service and repair plumbers.
Commercial Plumbers
Commercial plumbers are educated and trained in major public plumbing systems such as schools, retail malls, and hospitals that are linked to large industrial equipment. Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes in commercial or industrial structures is their responsibility.
A plumber who primarily works on commercial operations is unlikely to have adequate training and professional experience in home servicing and repair. The number of pipes and outlets to account for is a significant difference between a business plumber and a residential plumber.
There are far fewer pipes and outlets to deal with in a domestic plumbing job. Furthermore, in most circumstances, a residential job simply requires dealing with two stories. There are more sinks, toilets, and floors to manage with commercial plumbing. This may make the job more time-consuming and difficult than if you had hired a plumber to unclog your kitchen sink.
Another factor to consider is the number of issues that a commercial plumber encounters that a home plumber does not. Commercial plumbing entails far more than simply repairing a leaking faucet or a broken pipe. Large firms need commercial plumbers to install extensive waste removal and water systems. This could entail digging trenches and laying pipelines to connect the building to the local water and sewage systems.
Commercial plumbers are also important in the upkeep of the systems they have installed. A business plumber’s profession requires regular maintenance. Making sure the plumbing in a large business building works is critical because a plumbing failure in a modest residence could affect far more people.
Residential Plumbers
Residential plumbers are the ones that come to mind when you’re told to call a plumber. They learn and gain experience by working on residential projects, including new construction and house additions. Residential plumbers are typically entrusted with becoming experts in the installation of pipe systems in homes. They may lack the knowledge and training required for commercial projects, but this does not make them any less capable of repairing your home’s plumbing. Plumbing is plumbing in certain ways, but commercial plumbers require a level of competence that domestic plumbers do not.
These plumbers are critical to ensuring that your home’s water and toilets function properly. To keep your home functioning properly, they troubleshoot and install plumbing mechanisms. It is advised that you hire a household plumber once a year to inspect your plumbing system. The last thing you want is for your toilet to break down in the midst of winter; regular maintenance can help you avoid such disasters.
Service and Repair Plumbers
A maintenance and repair service When your home’s or commercial business’s plumbing needs to be repaired, you usually think of a plumber. These plumbers have received technical training and have solved plumbing problems in your house or company. They must be more friendly because they usually work directly with the client, which is not usually required with commercial or residential plumbers.
How to remain relevant in the plumbing profession
Plumbers must stay current through a combination of continuing education, attending conferences and workshops, gaining practical experience, and participating in internet groups and forums. This commitment to continuous learning enables them to keep on top of industry trends, experiment with new methodologies, and hone their talents.
Certifications or qualifications that plumbers should have
Plumbers typically require professional training and certification. Many countries and regions have specific licensing requirements for plumbers, which include completion of a plumbing training program, passing a written and practical exam, and fulfilling ongoing education requirements to stay updated on the latest technology in plumbing. Stone Technical College is a good place to groom yourself as a professional plumber.
Do you want to learn more?
If you want to learn more about being a good plumber or want to improve your skills as a professional plumber, we invite you to check out The Stone Technical College’s plumbing courses at www.thestonetechcollege.com. We can teach you vital skills that will help you succeed in the plumbing industry. Get in touch with us today to learn more!