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Revision as of 22:20, 5 December 2008 editBrendan19 (talk | contribs)670 edits Undid revision 255863509 by Collect (talk)too much unnecessary trimming in one shot and plumbers are not all males.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 16:45, 3 January 2025 edit undoMasniel da (talk | contribs)2 editsm I organize the countries in alphabetical order.Tag: Visual edit 
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{{about|the occupation}}
{{otheruses4|the tradesperson|the White House Special Investigations Unit|White House Plumbers}}
{{Short description|Tradesperson specializing in water and sewage systems}}
{{Infobox Occupation
| name =Plumber
| image = ]
| caption = Residential plumber at work.
| official_names =
<!------------Details------------------->
| type = ]
| activity_sector = Construction
| competencies =
| employment_field =
| related_occupation = ], ]
| average_salary =
| formation= ] (ITI), ]
}}


A '''plumber''' is a ] who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) ], hot-water production, ] and ] in ] systems.<ref>Whitney, William D., ed.. "Trade." Def, 7. ''The Century Dictionary: An Encyclopedic Lexicon of the English Language'' vol. 8. New York. The Century Co. 1895. 6,415. Print.</ref><ref name="MichReport"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042545/http://milmi.org/Portals/137/publications/Employment_Occupations_Skilled_Trades_Michigan.pdf |date=2017-12-01 }}, Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives (June 2013).</ref>
{{POV|date=January 2008}}
]
A '''plumber''' is a ] who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) ], sewage, ], or industrial ] piping. <ref></ref> In many jurisdictions the piping for ], ], and industrial systems are installed by 'steam-fitters', 'pipe-fitters', or 'gas-fitters' tradespeople. Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed. A '''Master Plumber''' is one who has demonstrated mastery of the trade of plumbing. This type of "Master Plumber" may have worked in a single area of the trade as a whole for many years, or may have experience in multiple areas of the plumbing trade. Persons recognized, either formally, or informally, as a Master of their trade provide consultancy to developers, and even assistance to new plumbers in the trade, while overseeing plumbing projects.


==History==
] ] are very strict, and need for quality plumbing work is high because of the historical health and safety problems associated with poor water supply and sewage removal.<ref>{{citebook|title=Plumber's Handbook |author=Howard C. Massey|year=1998|publisher=Craftsman Book Company|id=ISBN 1572180560}}</ref>
{{Expandsection|date=October 2023}}
The origin of the word "plumber" dates from the ].<ref>Pulsifer, William H. , New York University Press, 1888 pp. 132, 158</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.etymonline.com/word/plumber |title= plumber (n.) |date=October 7, 2021 |publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> Roman roofs used lead in conduits and drain pipes<ref></ref> and some were also covered with lead; lead was also used for ] and for making baths.<ref>. ila-lead.org</ref> The ] for ] is ''{{lang|la|plumbum}}''. In medieval times, anyone who worked with lead was referred to as a plumber; this can be seen from an extract about workmen fixing a roof in Westminster Palace; they 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".<ref name="plum1">{{cite book|title=The history of the ancient palace and late Houses of Parliament at Westminster|year=1836|publisher=J B Nichols and son|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_DQc3AAAAMAAJ|author=EW Wedlake|author2=J Britton |access-date=28 June 2010|chapter=Westminster Palace}}</ref>


==Plumbing activities ==
Plumbers in the United Kingdom generally undertake the installation of domestic internal hot and cold water pipe work, sanitary fittings and related soil and waste pipe work systems. Domestic, commercial and Industrial gas-fired (central) heating installation, servicing and repair works, and works related to all other gas fired appliances, although undertaken by plumbers, also involves the use of other 'sub-trades' such as pipe fitters, gas fitters etc and (in the case of gas fired appliances) is regulated by ] (a registration organization).
]
Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed.


Common plumbing tasks and skills include:
Oil fired heating appliance installation, servicing and maintenance works must be undertaken by OFTEC registered individuals and Companies in order to operate in the UK.


* Reading drawings and specifications, to determine the layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
Because air conditioning design and installation is seen as too complex for plumbers to undertake, air conditioning is a separate trade in the UK.
* Detecting faults in plumbing appliances and systems, and correctly diagnosing their causes
* Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial ]s and systems
* Locating and marking positions for ] 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 ] techniques, ]s, ], solvent weld, crimp and push-fit fittings.
* Testing pipes for leaks using air or water pressure gauges
* Paying attention, in all work undertaken, to legal regulations and ]
* Ensuring that all safety standards and ] are met.


=== Australia ===
Plumbers install and repair ], ], fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, waste water disposal, and venting in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Many plumbers begin their careers in plumbing as helpers to established plumbers, while others enter formal training institutes. Although formal training is desirable to becoming a Master Plumber it is not required. Training under a master plumber may be substituted in lieu of formal training.
Plumbing work is defined in the Australian Standards (AS3500) Regulations 2013 and refers to any operation, work or process in connection with installation, removal, demolition, replacement, alteration, maintenance or repair to the system of pipes and fixtures that conveys clean water into and liquid waste out of a building.


To become a licensed plumber a four year apprenticeship and a Certificate III in Plumbing is required. As part of this course, instruction in the basics of gas fitting will be undertaken. Upon completion, these basics in gas fitting will allow the plumber to not only apply for their plumbing license but also an interim gas license, and carry out gas work under the supervision of a fully qualified gas fitter.
Some states of the U.S.A. require a plumber to be licensed in order to contract for work.


To obtain a full gas license from the Department of Mines and Energy, the plumber will need to have worked on an interim gas license for a minimum period of twelve months and successfully completed a Certificate IV in Plumbing.
The word plumber dates from the Roman Empire. <ref>Pulsifer, Notes For a History of Lead, New York University Press, 1888 pp 132, 158 </ref> In Roman times, some roofs were made of lead, or {{lang|la|plumbum}} in Latin (hence the periodic table of the elements symbol of Pb for lead). Lead roofs were waterproof, and the workers on such roofs were what are now called "plumbers." Roman baths later used lead for piping and for the main baths. <ref>http://www.ila-lead.org/factbook/annex.pdf </ref> Thus, a person with expertise in working with lead was known as a Plumbarius, eventually shortened to plumber. <ref>http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=plumber </ref> <!-- I'd always thought the word plumber was related to the use of a '''plumb''' line. -->


===Canada===
==Some needed skills, interests, and values==
In Canada, licensing requirements differ by province; however, the provinces have pooled resources to develop an Interprovincial Program Guide that developed and now maintains apprenticeship training standards across all provinces. The ] Program, formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, is a program that sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.red-seal.ca/about/pr.4gr.1m-eng.html|title = Red Seal Program}}</ref> The Red Seal, when affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in that trade.
* Reading blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
* 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
* Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
* Awareness of legal regulations and safety issues
* Ensuring safety standards and build regulations are met.


=== Colombia ===
==Plumbers in politics==
Plumbing is not regulated in Colombia, so anyone can provide this service. Plumbers usually learn the trade because their families work in the construction industry, and they specialize in this field, but anyone can legally offer plumbing services. The most popular training institution for trades is ], a public school that provides high-quality education, though it is not mandatory.


=== Ireland ===
{{see also|White House Plumbers}}
In Ireland, a four-year apprenticeship plus qualification exam was necessary for someone to practice professionally. Accreditation of businesses is of great help in order to show their credibility and experience in the job.


===United Kingdom===
* The term "]" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established on July 24th, 1971 during the presidency of ]. Their job was to plug intelligence leaks in the U.S. Government relating to the ] (i.e. the ]); hence the term "plumbers". In the early morning hours of June 17th, 1972, the "plumbers" were arrested while breaking into the headquarters of the ] at the ] in ] The resulting ] and cover-up led to the eventual resignation of President ] on August 9th, 1974.


National Vocational Qualifications (]) remained the main form of plumbing qualification until they were superseded in 2008 by the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF)<ref>{{cite web | title =Plumbing Qualifications in the UK | publisher = Local Heroes | url =https://www.localheroes.com/advice/how-to-become-a-plumber| access-date =27 February 2018 }}</ref> and then again, in 2015, into the ]. The terms NVQ and SVQ (]) are still widely used.<ref>{{cite web | title =Plumbing Qualifications in the UK | publisher = Local Heroes | url =https://www.localheroes.com/advice/how-to-become-a-plumber| access-date =27 February 2018 }}</ref>
* During the 2008 US presidential election campaign, "]" became a political rallying cry for ] after ], a plumber, questioned Barack Obama's proposed tax plan.


Plumbers in the United Kingdom are required to pass Level 2 and Level 3 vocational requirements of the ]. There are several regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom providing accredited plumbing qualifications, including ] and ].<ref>{{cite web | title =Plumbing Qualifications in the UK | publisher = Local Heroes | url =https://www.localheroes.com/advice/how-to-become-a-plumber| access-date =27 February 2018 }}</ref>
==Plumbers in popular culture==
* The father in '']''
* ]'s most famous characters, ] and ] of ] fame, are both plumbers
* Terry Gilliam's film '']'' features Robert De Niro and Bob Hoskins as battling plumbers
* Famous rocker ] was a plumber ]
* ]'s character on '']'', ], poses as the friendly neighborhood plumber
* McCain's reference to ] was used in the 3rd and last Presidential debate for the 2008 election
* The ] is a symbol for cheap labour coming from Eastern to Western Europe
* Josephine the Plumber, a television advertising character played by ]
* In the '']'' animated series, a secret group of alien hunters/intergalactic police which was in action years ago is called the Plumbers. Ironically, the character of Grandpa Max (who was once a member of the group) is also a regular plumber.


==See also== ===United States===

*]
Each state and locality may have its own licensing and taxing schemes for plumbers. Some states license journeymen 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to Become a Plumber |url=https://www.howtobecome.com/how-to-become-a-plumber}}</ref> There is no federal law establishing licenses for plumbers.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 November 2016 |title=How to Become a Plumber in the USA |url=http://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm#tab-4 |access-date=1 November 2016 |publisher=U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics}}</ref>
*]

**]
== Dangers ==
**]

**]s
There are many types of dangers to a plumber. These include electric shock, strains and sprains, cuts and lacerations, bruises and contusions, fractures, burns and scalds, foreign bodies in the eye, and hernias.<ref></ref> Working at height or in confined spaces, or working with lead and asbestos are all on-site dangers that plumbers can face.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.plumbermag.com/how-to-articles/site_safety_injuries_entry/9_hazards_plumbers_should_be_aware_of|title = 9 Hazards Plumbers Should be Aware of|date = 15 January 2018}}</ref>
**]

**]
===Infectious disease risks===
**]
Plumbers risk infections<ref></ref> when dealing with human waste while repairing sewage systems. Microbes can be excreted in the ] or ] of the sufferer onto the toilet or sewage pipes. Human waste can contain infectious diseases such as ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].
*]

*]
==Other uses==
*]s
The term "]" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established on July 24, 1971, during the presidency of ]. Their job was to plug intelligence "]" in the U.S. Government relating to the ] (i.e. the ]); hence the term "plumbers".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=II. The Plumbers|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/05/kissinger-and-nixon-in-the-white-house/308778/|magazine=]|access-date=17 September 2013|quote=In the early evening of June 17, 1971, Henry Kissinger held forth in the Oval Office, telling his President, and John Ehrlichman and Bob Haldeman, all about Daniel Ellsberg. Kissinger's comments were recorded, of course, on the hidden White House taping system, and four years later, a portion of that tape was listened to by the Watergate Special Prosecution Force, which was then investigating the internal White House police unit known as the Plumbers.}}</ref>
*] -- Watergate era

*]
== See also ==
*] -- UK
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
<references/>

{{Plumbing}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Construction overview}}


== External links ==
]
] ]
] ]
]

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Latest revision as of 16:45, 3 January 2025

This article is about the occupation. For other uses, see Plumber (disambiguation). Tradesperson specializing in water and sewage systems
Plumber
Residential plumber at work.
Occupation
Occupation typeVocational
Activity sectorsConstruction
Description
Education requiredIndustrial Training Institute (ITI), Apprenticeship
Related jobsCarpenter, electrician

A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, hot-water production, sewage and drainage in plumbing systems.

History

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2023)

The origin of the word "plumber" dates from the Roman Empire. 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. The Latin for lead is plumbum. In medieval times, anyone who worked with lead was referred to as a plumber; this can be seen from an extract about workmen fixing a roof in Westminster Palace; they 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".

Plumbing activities

Plumber exiting a sewer via a manhole

Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed.

Common plumbing tasks and skills include:

  • Reading drawings and specifications, to determine the 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, solvent weld, crimp and push-fit fittings.
  • Testing pipes for leaks using air or water pressure gauges
  • Paying attention, in all work undertaken, to legal regulations and safety issues
  • Ensuring that all safety standards and building regulations are met.

Australia

Plumbing work is defined in the Australian Standards (AS3500) Regulations 2013 and refers to any operation, work or process in connection with installation, removal, demolition, replacement, alteration, maintenance or repair to the system of pipes and fixtures that conveys clean water into and liquid waste out of a building.

To become a licensed plumber a four year apprenticeship and a Certificate III in Plumbing is required. As part of this course, instruction in the basics of gas fitting will be undertaken. Upon completion, these basics in gas fitting will allow the plumber to not only apply for their plumbing license but also an interim gas license, and carry out gas work under the supervision of a fully qualified gas fitter.

To obtain a full gas license from the Department of Mines and Energy, the plumber will need to have worked on an interim gas license for a minimum period of twelve months and successfully completed a Certificate IV in Plumbing.

Canada

In Canada, licensing requirements differ by province; however, the provinces have pooled resources to develop an Interprovincial Program Guide that developed and now maintains apprenticeship training standards across all provinces. The Red Seal Program, formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, is a program that sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. The Red Seal, when affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in that trade.

Colombia

Plumbing is not regulated in Colombia, so anyone can provide this service. Plumbers usually learn the trade because their families work in the construction industry, and they specialize in this field, but anyone can legally offer plumbing services. The most popular training institution for trades is SENA, a public school that provides high-quality education, though it is not mandatory.

Ireland

In Ireland, a four-year apprenticeship plus qualification exam was necessary for someone to practice professionally. Accreditation of businesses is of great help in order to show their credibility and experience in the job.

United Kingdom

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) remained the main form of plumbing qualification until they were superseded in 2008 by the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) and then again, in 2015, into the National qualifications frameworks in the United Kingdom. The terms NVQ and SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) are still widely used.

Plumbers in the United Kingdom are required to pass Level 2 and Level 3 vocational requirements of the City and Guilds of London Institute. There are several regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom providing accredited plumbing qualifications, including City and Guilds of London Institute and Pearson PLC.

United States

Each state and locality may have its own licensing and taxing schemes for plumbers. Some states license journeymen 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.

Dangers

There are many types of dangers to a plumber. These include electric shock, strains and sprains, cuts and lacerations, bruises and contusions, fractures, burns and scalds, foreign bodies in the eye, and hernias. Working at height or in confined spaces, or working with lead and asbestos are all on-site dangers that plumbers can face.

Infectious disease risks

Plumbers risk infections when dealing with human waste while repairing sewage systems. Microbes can be excreted in the faecal matter or vomit of the sufferer onto the toilet or sewage pipes. Human waste can contain infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, polio, cryptosporidiosis, ascariasis, and schistosomiasis.

Other uses

The term "White House Plumbers" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established on July 24, 1971, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Their job was to plug intelligence "leaks" in the U.S. Government relating to the Vietnam War (i.e. the Pentagon Papers); hence the term "plumbers".

See also

References

  1. Whitney, William D., ed.. "Trade." Def, 7. The Century Dictionary: An Encyclopedic Lexicon of the English Language vol. 8. New York. The Century Co. 1895. 6,415. Print.
  2. Employment and Occupations in the Skilled Trades in Michigan Archived 2017-12-01 at the Wayback Machine, Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives (June 2013).
  3. Pulsifer, William H. Notes For a History of Lead, New York University Press, 1888 pp. 132, 158
  4. "plumber (n.)". Online Etymology Dictionary. October 7, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  5. Middleton, The Remains of Ancient Rome, Vol. 2, A & C Black, 1892
  6. Historical production and uses of lead. ila-lead.org
  7. EW Wedlake; J Britton (1836). "Westminster Palace". The history of the ancient palace and late Houses of Parliament at Westminster. J B Nichols and son. p. 122. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  8. "Red Seal Program".
  9. "Plumbing Qualifications in the UK". Local Heroes. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  10. "Plumbing Qualifications in the UK". Local Heroes. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  11. "Plumbing Qualifications in the UK". Local Heroes. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  12. "How to Become a Plumber".
  13. "How to Become a Plumber in the USA". U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 November 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  14. "Injuries and Accident Causes in Plumbing Operations" United States Department of Labor. 1949
  15. "9 Hazards Plumbers Should be Aware of". 15 January 2018.
  16. "Infectious disease risks associated with occupational exposure: a systematic review of the literature"
  17. "II. The Plumbers". The Atlantic. Retrieved 17 September 2013. In the early evening of June 17, 1971, Henry Kissinger held forth in the Oval Office, telling his President, and John Ehrlichman and Bob Haldeman, all about Daniel Ellsberg. Kissinger's comments were recorded, of course, on the hidden White House taping system, and four years later, a portion of that tape was listened to by the Watergate Special Prosecution Force, which was then investigating the internal White House police unit known as the Plumbers.
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