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What does a Plumbing Contractor do?

Cassie L. Damewood
Cassie L. Damewood

A plumbing contractor installs, troubleshoots, maintains and replaces the system of pipes, connections, fixtures and devices that facilitate the flow of water in and out of buildings. He may specialize in the residential, commercial or industrial sectors, or work in all three. Some plumbing contractors work alone and others have a staff of plumbers they supervise.

Some plumbing contractors specialize in maintenance and have annual contracts with proprietors of multi-unit structures, such as hotels, motels, apartments and condominiums. Others may confine their work to new construction projects. Plumbing contractors may also choose to only apply their skills to retrofitting and remodeling projects that normally require upgrading or replacement of systems to increase efficiency or bring the plumbing up to code.

Plumbing contractors can be hired to root out pipes.
Plumbing contractors can be hired to root out pipes.

When his services are required by homeowners, a plumbing contractor is normally contacted by telephone and an appointment is scheduled for him to inspect the site and prepare an estimate for the work. Occasionally a plumber can give an estimate over the phone if the problem is common, such as a clogged garbage disposal, but he normally prefers to inspect the source of the problem before committing to a price for his work. He typically provides a written estimate to the customer that they both sign to confirm the cost and the scope of the work to be performed.

Plumbing contractors can specialize in the maintenance of already-existing systems.
Plumbing contractors can specialize in the maintenance of already-existing systems.

Once the bid has been accepted, the plumbing contractor assembles the tools and parts needed for the job. Wrenches, snakes, pipe fitters and cutters and tube benders are commonly part of his tool collection. He normally has standard pipes, fittings and connectors in stock. The craft of plumbing is notorious for requiring unanticipated components, so additional parts not normally in the plumber’s stock may be needed for some jobs.

Plumbing contractors should gain experience working with common piping materials like copper.
Plumbing contractors should gain experience working with common piping materials like copper.

If a plumbing contractor is self-employed, he is typically responsible for obtaining building permits for new projects or extensive retrofitting jobs. He is also customarily required to update his contractor’s license as needed, keep his insurance and bond documents up to date and maintain all related files and records. In some areas, special certifications may be required to perform certain plumbing jobs.

Sometimes a plumber can clear clogged drains using a plumber's snake, a long tool that can break up hair and other objects deep inside a pipe.
Sometimes a plumber can clear clogged drains using a plumber's snake, a long tool that can break up hair and other objects deep inside a pipe.

To be a leader in his profession, a plumbing contractor is usually required to be aware of any changes to building codes in the areas in which he works. He should also keep himself informed on new products and processes in the plumbing industry. His knowledge of plumbing options, along with a reputation for quality work, help keep his customers happy and willing to refer him to others who need similar services.

Some plumbing contractors focus on new construction, while others do retrofitting or repair.
Some plumbing contractors focus on new construction, while others do retrofitting or repair.

A plumbing contractor job does not require any specific education, although most in this position have attended trade schools for instruction and have on-the-job training. Local unions and contractors sometimes offer apprenticeship programs. Good math and mechanical skills are typical requirements for the job as well.

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    • Plumbing contractors can be hired to root out pipes.
      By: auremar
      Plumbing contractors can be hired to root out pipes.
    • Plumbing contractors can specialize in the maintenance of already-existing systems.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Plumbing contractors can specialize in the maintenance of already-existing systems.
    • Plumbing contractors should gain experience working with common piping materials like copper.
      By: Sergejs Katkovskis
      Plumbing contractors should gain experience working with common piping materials like copper.
    • Sometimes a plumber can clear clogged drains using a plumber's snake, a long tool that can break up hair and other objects deep inside a pipe.
      By: John Takai
      Sometimes a plumber can clear clogged drains using a plumber's snake, a long tool that can break up hair and other objects deep inside a pipe.
    • Some plumbing contractors focus on new construction, while others do retrofitting or repair.
      By: auremar
      Some plumbing contractors focus on new construction, while others do retrofitting or repair.