Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Plumber
A Plumber is responsible for assembling, installing and repairing plumbing systems. They install pipes and fixtures such as sinks and toilets and repair drainage systems. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Plumbers.
Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.
Main Responsibilities of Plumber
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Plumber:
Analyze
Analyze, diagnose and resolve customer problems.
Assemble
Assemble, install and repair plumbing systems.
Assemble work laid out by Journey / Master worker.
Assign
Assign tasks and projects.
Assist in
Assist in aligning pipes during pipeline construction.
Assist in drilling and blasting rock on construction sites.
Assist journeyman technicians in service, replacement, and new installation.
Assist other apprentices on job sites performing tasks, retrieving tools and parts.
Assist our licensed Plumbers with performing drain cleaning services on plumbing systems.
Assist University security.
Assist with scheduling and supervising of Plumbing subcontractors.
Attend to
Attend to after hours emergency whenever necessary.
Attend meetings to ensure understanding of work expectations and goals.
Attend work and safety meetings as required.
Carry out
Carry out all second fix plumbing to include, sinks, toilets, showers etc..
Carry out regular maintenance of plumbing systems at commercial and residential sites.
Check
Check operation of safety features.
Choose
Choose plumbing materials based on budget, location, and intended uses of building.
Coach
Coach, train, and mentor plumbing helpers and apprentices.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with general contractors, electricians, and other construction professionals as needed.
Collaborate with other colleagues during renovations.
Collect
Collect payment from customer.
Communicate
Communicate on site requirements to the Project Manager.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with customers, office staff, and coworkers.
Communicate to the client the Benefits of the recommendations.
Complete
Complete all paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
Complete annual testing, certifying, and reporting of all cross-connection devices.
Complete Job Hazards Assessments and Accident and Incident reports.
Complete preventative and demand maintenance tasks.
Complete preventative and service work orders.
Complete work with a limited degree of supervision and regularly provides guidance to others.
Comply
Comply with departmental policy for the safe storage, usage and disposal of hazardous materials.
Conduct
Conduct completed works spot checks.
Conduct estimates on time and materials required for jobs.
Conduct regular inspections of work in progress and on completion.
Cooperate
Cooperate with other trades on the project to complete the project.
Coordinate with
Coordinate services with campus customers and assist with questions regarding work performed.
Coordinate with other engineering and maintenance personnel to assure proper execution of works.
Coordinate with project foreman on installation.
Cut
Cut steel pipe with torch.
Demonstrate
Demonstrate responsible and appropriate conduct and foster a positive work environment.
Determine
Determine own sequence of steps and priorities.
Determine piping system requirements and pipe sizing.
Determine recommendations and solutions efficiently.
Determine service needs, provide standardized pricing options, and perform repairs.
Determine the amount of material and type of equipment needed.
Drive
Drive team efficiency and provide oversight and support as needed.
Educate
Educate customers on the operation of their equipment as it pertains to water treatment and plumbing.
Ensure
Ensure all installations, repairs, and maintenance meets the requirements of the appropriate codes.
Ensure all plumbing installations are installed and functioning properly and in accordance to code.
Ensure all rules and regulations are being follows while working on site.
Ensure complete customer satisfaction from start to finished project.
Ensure initial and ongoing safety training is completed for new and existing starters.
Ensure proper billing, invoicing and daily documentation of activities.
Ensure that all inspections are scheduled and conducted in a timely fashion.
Ensure that all installations / jobs are performed in a safe manner and completed on schedule.
Ensure that all work has been completed in a safe, prompt, and professional manner.
Ensure that work is performed efficiently with a minimum amount of disruption and inconvenience.
Escalate
Escalate unusual events / occurrences to supervisor.
Explain
Explain and show the client how the company provides superior service.
Explain the value of Reliance products, services and programs on every call.
Explain the value of the Company's products, services and programs on every call.
Fill out
Fill out proper paperwork daily to maintain consistent billing and safety procedures.
Follow
Follow building plans and blueprints.
Follow written and verbal instructions as required.
Handle
Handle plumbing tools and equipment.
Help
Help maintain and promote high company morale and a professional and friendly work environment.
Identify
Identify potential problems to prevent premature and unexpected breakdowns or callbacks.
Identify and address plumbing problems in high-rise apartment buildings and commercial properties.
Input
Input information into Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Inspect
Inspect and test cross-connection and backflow prevention systems.
Inspect jobs upon completion and ensure areas are clean.
Inspect high pressure, air, steam, water and gas systems to ascertain malfunctions.
Install
Install / construction of distribution centers.
Install full bathroom, laundry, kitchen and bar based on scope of work.
Install, maintain and repair installed existing equipment and related plumbing and drainage systems.
Install, maintain and repair plumbing systems and fixtures.
Install manholes and catch basins.
Install plumbing fixtures and finishings.
Install plumbing systems in new construction and refurbished properties.
Install repair and maintain domestic water, and Sanitation Piping.
Install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures, appliances and trim.
Install, repair and maintain plumbing systems and components.
Install, repair and maintain water treatment equipment, piping and controls.
Install pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids.
Install, replace and repair valves, pump and all others of piping system, fixtures and equipment.
Install toilets, set bathroom tubs, roll in showers, vanities, etc..
Join
Join pipes using various plumbing materials or soldering.
Keep
Keep appropriate records such as repair works undertaken, contact with residents, orders etc..
Keep a professional and tidy appearance.
Keep reading to learn more about a fantastic career opportunity just for you.
Keep track of company truck and gas card.
Know
Know and apply proper methods / procedures for trade specific work and practices all safety rules.
Learn
Learn how to read blue prints, and uses to install Plumbing systems.
Locate
Locate and mark positions for connections and fixtures.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections and fixtures.
Locate leaks, tears, blockages, and corrosion in water and HVAC features.
Long
Long term growth opportunity - could be promoted to lead hand, supervisor, foreman etc..
Maintain
Maintain a clean appearance and work vehicle.
Maintain a clean, organized job site and well-inventoried company vehicles.
Maintain and repair circulating pumps.
Maintain and repair to all plumbing and mechanical equipment.
Maintain a safe distance from residents.
Maintain good working order of Company vehicle.
Maintain inventory of company-owned tools, equipment, and materials.
Maintain & organize, keep a clean safe work environment / vehicle for job efficiency.
Make
Make service calls independently.
Manage
Manage removal of garbage and debris created during the process.
Manage the testing process including Leak management.
Measure
Measure and record major operational parameters, including current, water in and out pressure, etc..
Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes in place.
Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to required angle.
Mentor
Mentor / train crew members.
Minimize
Minimize waste and maximize efficiency to reduce costs.
Obey
Obey the company Code of Ethics and the Team Rules.
Order
Order and maintain material required to complete work.
Participate
Participate in all required staff meetings and training.
Participate in meeting departmental staffing requirements.
Participate in the more complex mechanical tasks.
Perform
Perform additional job duties and special projects as requested.
Perform all duties in safe and effective manner.
Perform a proper inspection of the client's entire plumbing system.
Perform a variety of skilled work not requiring the service of other licensed trades.
Perform calibration of EC and PH sensors and record calibration data on the assigned certificate.
Perform duties outside of daily job for the goal of project completion.
Perform maintenance and installations on plumbing systems.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as needed which may include cross-training with apprentice employees.
Perform related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
Perform routine checks on safety equipment, locks, doors and windows.
Perform routine inspections of plumbing and drainage systems.
Perform scheduled maintenance service on plumbing systems and fixtures.
Perform work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of, water, gas, and sewer systems.
Pick
Pick Material, clean up shop / worksites, deliver parts, assist other plumbers.
Plan
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair according to specifications.
Present
Present recommendations and related pricing to customers.
Promote
Promote continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
Provide
Provide accurate estimates for plumbing installs.
Provide sketches and dimensions used by drafters to create plans for subcontractor work.
Provide technical advice and training to other maintenance staff as needed.
Read
Read and interpret blueprints, ability to visualize a finished product from a document.
Read and interpret building plans and specifications to determine layout of plumbing materials.
Read and Interpret Drawings.
Read and interpret installation drawings.
Read and interpret mechanical drawings and of the assigned project(s).
Recommend
Recommend and estimate facilities repairs and improvements for inclusion in the annual budget.
Remove
Remove and replace electrical equipment.
Remove and replace electrical equipment within the plumbing system.
Repair
Repair and maintain pipes, plumbing and drainage systems for water or other liquids.
Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective parts and opening clogged drains.
Repair or replace piping, valves and other components using hand tools and power tools.
Repair and maintain sheet metal products.
Replace
Replace hot and cold-water lines, shut offs, branch lines, etc.
Report
Report unusual conditions and problems to supervisor.
Research
Research catalogs and vendor services for complex customized system retrofits.
Residential
Residential, Commercial plumbing and mechanical company.
Resolve
Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity.
Respond to
Respond to gas leak(s) and perform detection.
Respond to service calls and assess concern.
Review
Review blueprints and building codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures.
Review blueprints and building codes to determine optimal work procedures.
Review blueprints and building plans and specifications to determine the layout for various systems.
Set
Set priorities and work assignments to meet established deadlines.
Source
Source all necessary materials, ensure quality work with company budget.
Submit
Submit accurate monthly water heater counts.
Submit work orders for review and approval.
Support
Support the team with all maintenance service throughout the Agency.
Tailor
Tailor your approach to work to suit the job specifications, as required.
Take
Take pride in their work and review that of others to ensure quality.
Teach
Teach apprentices to follow in your shoes.
Test
Test pipes for leaks using air, smoke, or water in preparation for inspections.
Test pipe systems and fixtures for leaks.
Track
Track and manage plumbing inventory.
Train
Train peers and cross-trains in other skilled trades areas.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and repair plumbing.
Troubleshoot plumbing issues for residential and commercial calls.
Troubleshoot, repair, and install drainage systems.
Undertake
Undertake multi-trade tasks relative to experience and training, on designated jobs.
Undertake other minor maintenance works as necessary.
Update
Update online customer work order notes same day.
Use
Use and maintain tools and equipment.
Utilize
Utilize CMMS systems such as Maximo for all work performed.
Work with
Work together with the Scheduling Coordinator and Billing Manager as needed.
Work under the direction of the Field Supervisor or General Manager.
Work well with team, including other trades.
Work with an array of plumbing systems.
Work with a reputable company and not be micromanaged.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Plumber:
Valid Driver's License
Clean Driving Record
Bending
Physically Demanding
Kneeling
Crouching
Safety
Troubleshooting
Steel-Toed Safety Boots
Maintenance
Reliable Transportation
Plumbing License
Client Focus
Heating
Residential Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing
HVAC
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Plumber:
Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Team player
Problem-solving attitude
Attention to detail
Personal suitability
Positive attitude
Reliable
Time-management
Work independently with little direction
Punctual
Organizational capacity
Work ethic
Self-motivated
Critical thinker
Flexible
Organized
Self-starter
Troubleshooting skills
Analytical ability
