The plumber is the person you call when your toilet backs up or your hot water stops working. But there is more to being a plumber than you might know.
1. Gross Stuff
Plumbers are trained to deal with all sorts of gross stuff. Whether it is a septic issue, a backed-up toilet, or a clogged drain, our team has to be able to deal with a lot of gross stuff. Honestly, the gross stuff is one of the main reasons even the most die-hard do-it-yourselfers will call a plumber.
2. Pretty Handy
You might not think of plumbers as being handy around the house, but they actually know a lot about fixing things. Although plumbing is our specialty, we have a strong understanding of the workings of the rest of your house. This comes in handy when we are working near your other systems.
3. Dangerous Jobs
Our jobs are more dangerous than you might first assume. Plumbers have to be very careful when they are working with hot water, gas lines, and electricity. There are a lot of hazards involved in being a plumber.
4. Cleaner and Neater Than You Might Think
Although plumbers work with a lot of dirty things, they are actually very clean people. Our jobs are very detailed and in order to be really good at our jobs, we have to focus on order. Cleanliness and neatness go hand in hand with orderliness.
5. Blueprints
Plumbers have to be able to read and understand blueprints in order to do their job correctly.
6. Entrepreneurship
Many plumbers actually own their own businesses. They are not just plumbers. They are also entrepreneurs, working hard to build a business and hire locally.
7. Apprenticeships
When plumbers are first starting out, they usually have to work as apprentices for several years before they can get their own license.
8. Where We Start
Plumbers usually work on a lot of construction sites before they settle into a more traditional plumbing career. Next time you have a plumber in the house, ask them about their early days. You might be surprised what they have worked on. We recently spoke with a plumber whose first job was working on the fountain at National Sculpture Garden in DC.
9. Unionized
Did you know that the plumber’s union is one of the strongest in the country?
10. Lucrative
These days you may hear that college is not the only avenue for your children. This is very true. Trades offer a lot of opportunities for people. Plumbers can make a lot of money.
11. In Demand
Plumbers are in high demand. This is especially in cities with a lot of old buildings.
12. Yoga Anyone?
Plumbers have to be able to work in small spaces and contort their bodies into all sorts of positions. It is helpful if you are fit and flexible.
13. Many Hats
While plumbers are most commonly associated with fixing toilets and sinks, they actually do a lot more than that. At Linthicum, we clean drains, replace plumbing, install gas lines, repair and replace hot water heaters and so much more. No two days are the same.
14. Gas Lines
We are always surprised that people don't know that many plumbers are also certified to install gas lines and water lines.
15. We Eat Our Spinach
Plumbers have to be very strong in order to lift and carry all of the heavy equipment they use daily.
16. Tools of The Trade
Plumbers also have to be able to use a variety of tools, including wrenches, saws, and pipes.
17. Hazardous Materials
Plumbers are exposed to a lot of hazardous materials on a daily basis, including lead and asbestos. We are trained to recognize the dangers and take precautions for ourselves and the homeowner.
18. The Sharpest Tool In The Shed
Plumbers have to be very careful not to cut themselves when they are using sharp tools. Most people don't realize the dangers we face daily. They also don't realize how meticulous we have to be in our job to stay safe.
19. Electricity
You probably don't realize how crowded it gets behind your walls. That's why our plumbers need to be vigilant. Plumbers have to be careful not to get electrocuted when they are working near electricity. They also have to understand the importance of making sure plumbing remains grounded. This is especially important when replacing pipes.
20. Licensed
Plumbers have to be licensed in order to work in most states. This is why we encourage you to always hire a professional. Sure, a handyman can do some small things around your house but plumbing and electricity should not be among them. There are dangerous side effects of getting these two areas wrong.
21. Education
Plumbers have to pass a variety of exams to get their license.
22. And More Education
Plumbers also have to take continuing education courses in order to keep their licenses up-to-date.
23. Commercial, Residential and Industrial
Plumbers can specialize in a variety of different areas, including residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, and industrial plumbing. Linthicum Plumbing has teams that can handle any of these areas. We work with families and businesses throughout Maryland to help with several different types of projects.
24. A Job For Every Personality
There are many different job opportunities available for plumbers, so they can usually find work that suits their skills and interests.
Don’t feel like dealing with that gross plumbing job? Got a job that requires a professional? Call Linthicum Plumbing today and we’ll connect you with one of our brilliant plumbers- (410) 768-5350.