Be Proud to Be a Plumber

Plumbers have many reasons to be proud of their profession. Most people will never fully grasp the intricate complexities of our work. But the truth is that our expertise goes far beyond leaky pipes and clogged toilets. The real essence of plumbing lies in understanding its history, theories and the practical knowledge gained through experience.

As a Director of Technical Resources PMG for the International Code Council, a master licensed professional in plumbing across four states and an instructor in Massachusetts, I have seen firsthand the essential role plumbers play in ensuring the comfort and safety of individuals and communities around the world.

Finding Your Path as a Plumber

Those new to plumbing can develop a career path through a mixture of field knowledge and experience. The trade offers numerous avenues for specialization, each requiring distinct skills.

For example, you can find yourself working as a:

• Service Plumber repairing just about everything related to the fixtures and/or appliances within the industry.
• Residential Plumber who is mainly trained in roughing and finishing within the residential arena.
• Commercial Plumber installing “monster systems” in high-rise buildings, strip malls and other commercial properties.
• Institutional, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Plumber who needs to strategize the best ways for these facilities to conserve water while staying safe and incorporating rules and regulations outlined in the plumbing and mechanical codes. In some states, they also need to know and incorporate the rules and regulations of the gas codes as well.

It is important to recognize that apprenticeship and training are the keys to finding what you truly enjoy. An apprenticeship can help you and your supervisor see in just a few hours, or even minutes, what type of plumber you should or should not be.

Licensing and Uniformity Within the Plumbing Industry

Pride in being a plumber is about the passion and dedication we have for our chosen pathway and the desire to continually improve our skills.

Obtaining a plumbing license is a significant achievement that represents years of education, training and experience. The plumbing industry constantly evolves with advancements in technology and manufacturing, making continuous education and training essential to stay up to date.

In regions where licensing is not currently mandated, advocating for its implementation can play a significant role in upholding industry standards and enhancing public protection.

Based on my experience, I firmly believe that our discipline should be nationally recognized and standardized.

In several states and countries, licensing requirements for plumbing professionals are not universally enforced, resulting in a wide range of expertise and service quality. As professionals in this field, it is crucial to acknowledge and understand the common ground we share as plumbers, regardless of our locations.

This unity can serve as motivation to maintain consistently high standards and a steadfast dedication to excellence in our work.

Society Functions Because of the Hard Work of Plumbing Professionals

Take pride in your career and the vital role you play in the global community. Plumbing is not just a local service – it has a significant impact on public health, sanitation and access to clean water worldwide. Across the globe, millions of people still lack access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, leading to preventable diseases and health issues.

By embracing our trade, we contribute to a larger mission of improving global well-being. Whether we’re working in our local communities or participating in humanitarian efforts abroad, our expertise in plumbing can make a difference in people’s lives. Access to clean water and functional plumbing infrastructure is crucial for education, economic development and the overall prosperity of societies.

Let us unite as tradespeople with a shared sense of purpose beyond our immediate surroundings. By upholding high standards and advocating for proper licensing and training worldwide, we can raise the bar for the plumbing profession globally.

Support Through the International Code Council

The Code Council’s PMG team is readily available to support individuals and building safety professionals in understanding the impact of codes and standards on their respective fields. By adhering to codes such as the International Plumbing Code®, International Mechanical Code® and International Fuel Gas Code®, individuals can ensure the highest levels of safety, efficiency and reliability within their communities.

View the Code Council’s PMG resources here.