Plumbing
As a Trade Contractor
PLUMBERS assemble, install, maintain, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems, according to specifications and plumbing codes. Plumbers
- install and repair the water, waste disposal, drainage, and gas systems in homes and commercial and industrial buildings
- also install plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets, and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters
- review blueprints and building codes and specifications to determine location of pipes and other work details and procedures
- study building plans and inspect structures to asses material and equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, and to plan installation around obstructions such as electrical wiring
- direct workers engaged in pipe cutting and preassembly and installation of plumbing systems and components
- locate and mark position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, and fixtures in buildings with measuring instruments like rulers and levels
- cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, with hand and power tools
- measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to required angle, with hand and power tools or machines such as pipe cutters and pipe-bending machines
- assemble pipe sections, tubing and fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, and welding equipment
- install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks and toilets
- fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks
- hang steel supports from the ceiling joists to hold the pipes in place for some systems
- install underground storm, sanitary, and water piping systems and extend piping to connect fixtures and plumbing to these systems.
Estimated Salary
National |
|
North Carolina |
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|
Per Year |
Per Hour |
|
Per Year |
Per Hour |
Starting Salary |
$34,500 |
$16.50 |
|
$33,000 |
$16.00 |
Average Salary |
$41,500 |
$19.75 |
|
$39,500 |
$19.00 |
Salary w/ experience |
$47,000 |
$22.50 |
|
$45,500 |
$22.00 |
Economic Research Institute (Survey of Salaries in 2004) |
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Career Pathway
With additional education and training, experience, and ability PLUMBERS become supervisors for mechanical and plumbing contractors. Others may go into business for themselves, often starting as a self-employed plumber working from home. Some may eventually become owners of businesses employing many workers and may spend most of their time as managers rather than as plumbers. Others move into closely related areas such as construction management or building inspection.
PLUMBERS work for:
- plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors
- petroleum, chemical, manufacturing, and various other industries
- utility and power companies
- various commercial businesses
- federal, state, and local government
- themselves, self-employed in their own business
Plumbers most often work in industrial and power plants. They may work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. They often work in cramped and dirty places. These workers may spend a lot of time traveling to and from worksites.
Costs
Registration Fees
- $175 Level I
- $175 Level II
- $175 Level III
- $175 Level IV
$700 Total
Admission Requirements
No additional requirements for this course. Students under 18 years of age must complete a minor permission form.
For Additional Information
Contact Corporate and Continuing Education Department Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm and Friday, 8 am - 5 pm at (828) 726-2242 or contact Jeff Holman, Director of Vocational and Technical Programs, at (828) 726-2382 email at jholman@cccti.edu.
