Want to get plumbing qualifications and become a trained plumber in the UK? The Trades College has you covered. We have the right plumbing course for you to kickstart your new trade career and become qualified. Keep reading to learn more about the life of a plumber!
What are the different types of plumbers?
There are 5 main categories of plumbers in the UK:
Commercial plumbers
Commercial plumbers work in public settings such as hospitals, schools and manufacturing warehouses. This path involves maintaining and repairing plumbing facilities such as pipes and tanks in a commercial setting.
Service and repair plumbers
This career path will allow you to work in both commercial and domestic environments. The clue’s in the name, you’ll be required to service and repair plumbing systems. This could include repairing leaks or replacing broken plumbing fixtures.
Residential plumbers
The most common type of plumber in the UK is a residential plumber. You’ll work within people’s homes with plumbing fixtures such as water systems, pipes, and toilets. Problem-solving skills are key in this role, as you’ll often be working on your own rather than part of a team.
Sanitary plumbers
This is a more specialised role within the plumbing industry. Sanitary plumbers will exclusively work with sanitary systems such as waste drainage from sinks, showers and toilets. These plumbers will generally work in domestic settings.
Water supply plumbers
These plumbers are the opposite of sanitary plumbers, working on water supply rather than disposal. Water supply systems include water tanks, overhead storage tanks, and pipework. They can also carry out basic residential plumbing duties.
What does a plumber do?
Plumbers are responsible for a range of installation, maintenance and repair tasks within the plumbing industry. This includes plumbing fixtures and appliances, water supply systems and drainage systems. Domestic plumbers will also be required to work on household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and boilers (if they’re gas trained).
It is also important for plumbers to be able to understand blueprints to comprehend how water supply and drainage systems function. Without understanding how the system works, it can be difficult to locate faults. Knowing how to find and fix the fault is crucial, but plumbers also need to know how to utilise the correct tools for the job. The tools plumbers use include:
- Tubing Cutter
- Hacksaw
- Wrench
- Pipe and tube benders
- Mole grips
- Plumber’s torch
- Thread sealing tape
- Pliers
- Press fitting systems
- Flashlight
- A bucket
- Ratcheting pipe threader set
Plumbers generally work five, eight-hour shifts per week. There could be instances where you’re required to work overtime as a plumber, however, or you might have fewer hours than usual. This is because work is allocated as people need it, and plumbing faults are unpredictable. Emergencies could occur without notice, meaning a lot of plumbers are on standby 24/7.
How do you get plumbing qualifications?
Plumbing qualifications are most commonly gained through apprenticeships. Apprentices can study while working within the field, gaining experience and knowledge as well as a small income. This is a long process, however, and can take up to 5 years to complete.
Looking to get plumbing qualifications quickly? You might want to consider a fast-track plumbing course with The Trades College. All of our courses are certified by City & Guilds, providing you with the necessary skills to become a qualified plumber. Get your NVQ 2 and 3 qualifications with us and study the following topics:
- Plumbing Studies
- 1999 Water Regulations
- Plumbing and Heating
- Plumbing Studies
- Defined Scope Electrical Qualification
- Domestic Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems Certificate
After studying with The Trades College, you’ll be fully qualified to work as a domestic plumber. This gives you the freedom to start your own business, taking control of your career.
Kickstart your new career today! Get in touch with us at The Trades College to discuss your options.
