A plumbing contractor installs, maintains and replaces piping systems, fittings, fixtures and devices. They can specialize in residential, commercial or industrial sectors, and may work alone or with a team. They may specialize in maintenance, new construction or home improvement projects. They provide estimates, assemble necessary tools and parts, and may need to obtain building permits. Good mathematical and mechanical skills are required.
A plumbing contractor installs, troubleshoots, maintains and replaces the piping system, fittings, fixtures and devices that facilitate the flow of water in and out of buildings. He can specialize in the residential, commercial or industrial sectors, or work in all three. Some plumbing contractors work alone and others have a team of plumbers that they supervise.
Some plumbing contractors specialize in maintenance and have annual contracts with owners of multi-unit structures such as hotels, motels, apartments and condominiums. Others may limit their work to new construction projects. Plumbing contractors may also choose to just apply their skills to home improvement and remodeling projects that typically require upgrading or replacing systems to increase efficiency or upgrade plumbing.
When their services are requested by homeowners, a plumbing contractor is usually contacted by phone and an appointment is made to inspect the site and prepare an estimate for the job. Occasionally, a plumber can give an estimate over the phone if the problem is a common one, like a clogged garbage disposal, but he usually prefers to inspect the source of the problem before committing to a price for his work. He normally provides a written estimate to the client which both sign to confirm the cost and scope of work to be performed.
Once the offer is accepted, the plumbing contractor assembles the necessary tools and parts for the job. Wrenches, snakes, pipe fitters, and pipe cutters and benders are often part of your tool collection. It usually has standard tubes, fittings and connectors in stock. The plumbing trade is notorious for requiring unforeseen components; therefore, some parts that are not normally in the plumber’s stock may be needed for some jobs.
If a plumbing contractor is self-employed, he is typically responsible for obtaining building permits for new projects or extensive retrofit work. He also routinely updates his contractor’s license as needed, keeps his insurance and warranty documents current, and maintains all related files and records. In some areas, special certifications may be required to perform certain plumbing jobs.
To be a leader in their profession, a plumbing contractor often needs to be aware of any changes to building codes in the areas they work in. He must also stay informed about new products and processes in the plumbing industry. Your knowledge of plumbing options, along with a reputation for quality work, helps keep your customers happy and willing to refer you to others who need similar services.
A plumbing contractor job does not require any specific education, although most in this position have attended trade schools for instruction and have on-the-job training. Unions and local contractors sometimes offer apprenticeship programs. Good mathematical and mechanical skills are also typical requirements for the job.
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