Introduction to Plumbing

Plumbing is a profession that requires a unique combination of technical skills and physical labor. If you’ve ever spent your morning commute dreaming about starting your career over, this feature is for you. Every Monday we talk to someone from a different profession to find out what it’s really like. This week we chat with a plumber and gas engineer.

Salary and Benefits

Plumbing apprentices typically earn between £18,000 and £19,000, but this rises closer to £28,000 to £29,000 once they re-qualify. At the top end, those who run a limited company can earn more than £70,000. Specialist certificates also affect what you can charge, such as whether or not you are gas safe.

Challenges of the Job

I don’t think many plumbers would appreciate haggling because the price comes with so many invisible costs, planning and procurement. Fixing a problem before it gets worse is a good way to reduce parts and labor. Even if it is a small task or it is a fairly common task, purchasing some products yourself can save time.

Giving Back to the Community

Sometimes I work for free, for charities, disabled or elderly clients who are in financial need or who paid someone to do poorly done work but then had no way of paying a new person to repair that work.

Overcoming Stereotypes

I’m often asked why, as a woman, I chose plumbing. While I don’t mind this question, it still highlights that people’s perceptions of seeing a woman in a physical, sometimes nondescript role have not yet changed. I had to overcome misconceptions about what I was capable of. It is a sad fact that I have experienced sexism and racism at times. But I never looked at it like I was the underdog. When I have a job, I know I can do anything the next guy can do because I trust my knowledge and experience.

Common Problems with New Buildings

There are many problems with new buildings, not just with plumbing. Plumbing is installed in a hurry, things are forgotten by the plumbers and installed without care or consideration for longevity, as there are high demands on the quick construction of houses and sometimes there is a need to save on costs of materials and skilled workers. I encounter these problems especially in larger, new-build apartments – it may be that bathtubs, showers or toilets are leaking.

Environmental Concerns

I am very environmentally conscious and like the technology of heat pumps, but they are not suitable for a large number of homes in the country due to a lack of space, money or the necessary upgrades. Boilers are compact and I think if we incorporate a similar concept of heat pumps or electric boilers into our standard boilers it could pave the way.

Maintenance Tips

My top tip for ensuring your boiler is in top condition is, in addition to dry cleaning, carry out a thorough cleaning of your boiler every five years.

Common Causes of Blocked Pipes

The most common causes of blocked pipes are large foods, cooking fat or hair. Those are always the things I find. Always use a food or hair catcher in the sink and bathtub, wipe off cooking grease with paper and then dispose of it in the trash can. Good old bicarbonate of soda and the occasional use of white vinegar down the drain can also help loosen deposits.

Essential Skills

A skill everyone should know is how to check for leaks and everyone should have a pair of handles, a screwdriver and a drill.

Popular Installations

The most popular device that people want to have installed is a new shower. Many customers are once again struggling with water pressure and damaged shower valves due to limescale buildup.

Worst Job Experience

The worst job I ever did was a bad leak in a customer’s living room. They had a bathroom above and after checking all the obvious areas I thought about the toilet which had a tall box behind the plumbing. After removing a piece of the packaging, I discovered that the toilet connection had come loose – the entire tissue and everything that came through the toilet was just lying on the ceiling and seeping through into the living room.

Social Aspect of the Job

A lot of people are working from home now, so they may not see anyone during the day. So this could be an opportunity for them to socialize. I enjoy talking to customers, I find it interesting to get to know different people.

Industry Challenges

Plumber burnout and loneliness are a big problem. The skills gap is also a major challenge that I personally approach with great passion. Above all, I would like to see more young women enter the profession.

Work-Life Balance

I work five days a week, easily over 60/70 hours, and run a company. Probably more when I factor in invoicing, quoting, and running the business on weekends. I’m lucky enough to be able to take as many holidays as I want, but that’s within reason as I limit a holiday to a maximum of two weeks at a time.

Common Problems Encountered

The most common problem I get called about is leaky faucets, faucets, showers, bathtubs, etc. Some products are cheaply made and the hard water and limescale clog the working mechanism, meaning a constant drip or leak occurs over time. This would mean an average fixed cost including a new part and labor of around £150-300.