When you hear the word “plumber,” you probably think of someone who spends their days digging out pipes, installing new faucets, and fixing water leaks. However, the job of a plumber is much more than that these days. In fact, the term “plumber” now refers to workers who specialize in a variety of different plumbing-related fields. As a result, there are many myths about the plumbing industry that aren’t necessarily accurate. If you’re thinking about starting a career as a plumber, it’s important to understand what these misconceptions are so you can avoid falling prey to them yourself. Fortunately, we’ve compiled some of the most common myths about the plumbing industry to help you learn more about this rewarding career path.

All Plumbers Are the Same

The first misconception about the plumbing industry is that all plumbers are the same. While there are similarities between different types of plumbers, each job requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. For example, a residential plumber specializes in installing and repairing water and sewer pipes, as well as faucets and other fixtures. A commercial plumber specializes in installing and repairing commercial plumbing systems, including water supply and wastewater treatment systems. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician installs and repairs heating and cooling systems. Each of these fields has its own set of job requirements and expectations. If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, it’s important to do your research to determine which type of job is best for you.

You’ll Be Trained to be a Supervisor

Another common misconception about the plumbing industry is that you’ll be trained to be a supervisor. While some plumbing jobs require workers to supervise other employees, there are many jobs that don’t. In fact, if you’re interested in becoming a plumber, you may be required to take a training course before you can start working. This course will teach you the basics of plumbing, including how to use a variety of plumbing tools. It will also provide you with the necessary skills to become a certified plumber.

All Plumbers Work in Piping

Another common misconception about the plumbing industry is that all plumbers work in piping. While some plumbing jobs do involve working with piping, there are many jobs that don’t. For example, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician doesn’t install or repair piping. A commercial plumber will install and repair commercial plumbing systems, but he or she won’t be working with pipes. A residential plumber will install and repair residential plumbing systems, but he or she won’t be working with pipes, either.

You’ll Get a Bad Rap if You Make a Mistake

Another common misconception about the plumbing industry is that you’ll get a bad rap if you make a mistake. In fact, the opposite is often true. If you make a mistake while working as a plumber, it’s important to learn from it and try not to let it happen again. If you make a mistake and don’t learn from it, it could lead to costly mistakes in the future. It’s important to understand that the best way to avoid this is to practice patience and focus on the big picture. Working as a plumber can be challenging, but it’s also a rewarding career path. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, this could be the perfect fit for you.

The Job is Just as Bad as You Think It Is

Another common misconception about the plumbing industry is that the job is just as bad as you think it is. This is probably true if you’ve heard the horror stories about working as a plumber. However, this doesn’t mean that the job is necessarily bad. It just means that it involves working with some challenging and potentially dangerous aspects. Working as a plumber is a rewarding career that allows you to help people improve their quality of life by solving their problems. It can also be challenging, but it’s a job that many people are eager to take on.

It’s a Very Stable Job with a Great Future

Another common misconception about the plumbing industry is that it’s a very stable job with a great future. This might be true if you’re talking about working as a professional plumber, but it’s not a universal truth. Even though the plumbing industry is a very stable industry, it’s important to do your research before jumping in. You may be able to find a job as a first-year apprentice, but there are many plumbing jobs that require a high school diploma and certification as a plumber. It’s important to do your research before you commit to a career as a plumber to make sure you’re choosing the right path.

Bottom line

The bottom line is that there are many misconceptions about the plumbing industry. If you’re thinking about becoming a plumber, it’s important to do your research and learn more about what it takes to become a successful plumber. Once you know what to expect, you can decide if this is the right career path for you.

Frequently Asked Question

When researching plumbing companies, use the word reviews or customer comments to find their review profile. Google reviews are found in the maps profile of each company. In there you can easily see what customers think of the service they got from each contractor.

Typical hourly rates for plumbers cost between $45 and $200. A journeyperson charges about $70 to $120 per hour, but they are only licensed to handle the most common household repairs. Complex problems or installations will require the help of a master plumber.
Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45.
Open ALL hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures. Next, open all other hot water fixtures, such as in the kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run all of these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes, then shut the water off. This is also a good time to flush the hot water tank to remove sediment.
If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
A smelly sink is usually caused by bacteria build up from grease, fat and food which have been flushed down the drain. These will then get stuck in the pipes causing the familiar rotten egg smell.
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house. Since it is made of plastic it is a more cost-effective alternative to copper. Pex is easier to install and lighter in weight, reducing shipping costs too.
A complete repipe can take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Smaller homes can be repiped in as little as two days, while large homes with multiple bathrooms can take much longer. However, it's important to note that you won't necessarily be unable to use your plumbing during that entire time.
If just a pipe or a section of your copper plumbing is leaking, you could just replace it with PEX piping. But if you have an old copper plumbing system that leaks frequently in different areas of your home, you may want to consider a whole-house repipe
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.