Plumber & Drain Cleaner

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. There is a wide array of things i do as a plumber. I have been a plumber for fifteen years and have done many things.My typical day consists of unclogging a drain or sewer line , fixing a leak on a faucet or toilet. Replacing or repairing a water heater etc. But i also do many other things such as repipe entire house with new hot and cold water pipes , tunnel under the slab of a home to repair or replace a broken sewer line , install gas tankless water heater, locate and repair a gas leak , install bathtubs, shower pans , sinks, faucets, . I even install gas fired generators.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. You get what you pay for would be my answer.Many people try to hire someone cheaper who is either not licensed or just an apprentice or is not insured. Just because you can get it done cheaper by someone else does not mean it will look good, be right, conform to local codes or be safe. Also where will the person be a year from now when you either have another issue or something goes wrong or leaks with what they installed ? All plumbers should warranty their work and if you cant locate the plumber who did the work what good is a warranty?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I am clean , effecient, knowledgeable and communicate every step of the way with the homeowner so they are aware of what is being done and why.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I enjoy being the hero, the guy in white who saves the day. Being a plumber means that i get to do something not everyone can do and i get to put a smile on a homeowners face and save the day.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Most often i am asked why this or that works or why did it stop working . i answer the question based upon what the issue or problem is.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Oftentimes people ask me why is this price so high , my basic answer would typically be that im here because you cant or do not want to fix this issue yourself but I would truly be happier explaining to the customer that being or becoming a plumber means alot more than just turning a wrench or fixing a leak. Like doctors we have to be educated about proper work enviornments, handling customers, local codes and applications, etc. We dont go to college for 6 to 8 years as doctors do but we do serve in apprenticeship programs and attend school to gain our knowledge along with what we learn from the licensed individuals who prepare us in the field.We also have to do ongoing continuing education every year to keep our license current as our license is renewed every year only if we meet the requirements of the governing body.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes both Master and Journeyman (the two highest levels of a plumber) are required to do a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education per year to keep up with local code and ordinance changes.There are other special endorsements that you have to take classes for that can be added on to your existing license such as medical gas (to be a licensed installer of oxygen , nitrogen and other medical gas piping for use in the medical buildings in the united states), fire protection (installation of water and powder fire safety systems for use in home , commercial, industrial , and institutional buildings) backflow prevention (certifies that non potable water can not enter into a potable or drinking water system) . These are just a few of the additional endorsements a licensed plumber can add to his training.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Some of the newer technology is in water heaters both tankless and tanks. They have made water heaters more efficient and green, while giving the customer a longer life product at the same time. Many things in the plumbing industry today are geared toward a safer , cleaner, more efficient enviornment and future.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would advise them to learn alot of math and learn how to talk to people. These two things are primary in the plumbing industry for a start. Anyone can learn the basics and codes of plumbing but not everyone is proficient in math or handling an angry or upset orr trying customer.