Plumber (general)
Plumbers install and repair water, gas, drainage and sewerage pipes and systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They lay pipes and install sanitary services such as showers, sinks, baths and toilets, as well as the fixtures that enable their use. They may also install water-based fire protections systems like fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler systems. They also undertake maintenance work as part of routine servicing and emergency repairs. Plumbers can work anywhere around Western Australia, from metropolitan cities and regional centres, to rural towns and isolated communities.
Working conditions
Plumbers may work either indoors or outdoors, on projects that range from household repairs to large-scale industrial installations. Their work may be dirty and unsanitary, and they may get dirty themselves. They usually work regular business hours, although some plumbers may be on call 24 hours a day to attend to emergencies.
Tools and technologies
Plumbers use a number of tools in their daily work, such as wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters and drills. They cut, bend, join and fix materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic, zinc and iron. They use welding equipment for joining pipes and drainage machinery to clear drains, and may also use electrical equipment such as pipe-threading machines. They are often required to wear safety equipment such as steel-capped boots, earmuffs, safety glasses and overalls.
Education and training
To become a plumber, you usually need to undertake an apprenticeship in plumbing and gasfitting. The apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.
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