United States
Each state and locality may have its own licensing and taxing schemes for plumbers. Some states license journeyman and master plumbers separately, while others license only master plumbers. To become licensed, plumbers must meet standards for training and experience, and in most cases, pass a certification exam. There is no federal law establishing licenses for plumbers
A plumber is tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage and drainage in plumbing systems.
History
The word "plumber" dates from the Roman Empire.The Latin for lead is plumbum. Roman roofs used lead in conduits and drain pipes and some were also covered with lead, lead was also used for piping and for making baths. In medieval times anyone who worked with lead was referred to as a plumber as can be seen from an extract of workmen fixing a roof in Westminster Palace and were referred to as plumbers "To Gilbert de Westminster, plumber, working about the roof of the pantry of the little hall, covering it with lead, and about various defects in the roof of the little hall".Thus a person with expertise in working with lead was first known as a Plumbarius which was later shortened to plumber.
Plumbing activities
Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed.
Some needed skills, interests, and values. Protecting health and welfare of the nation is the top priority of a plumber along with,
- Reading drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
- Detecting faults in plumbing appliances and systems, and correctly diagnosing their causes
- 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
- Joining pipes and fittings together using soldering techniques, compression fittings, threaded fittings, and push-on fittings.
- Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
- Awareness of legal regulations and safety issues
- Ensuring safety standards and building regulations are met.
- Copper Piping
- Hydronic heating system installation and maintenance.
- ADA Compliance
- Potable Water Systems
- Sanitary Waste & Vent
- Plumbing Code Compliance
- Acid Waste
- Grease trap interceptors (install)
- Heating Water
- Chill Water
- Backflow Preventers
- Natural Gas
- Storm Drains
- Seismic
- New Construction
- Urinals (waterless and standard)
- Flush Valves
- Toilet Chair Carriers
- Floor Drains
- Floor Cleanouts
- Combination waste & Vent
- Floor Sinks
- Operate a Plumber's Snake to unclog sanitary sewers & drains.
- Perform a Pipeline Video Inspection of a sanitary sewer or drain.
- Replace Sump Pumps & Install Sump Pit Basins.
