Sick of having to call plumbers out to sort out your pipes? Not to mention having to pay extortionate rates for the pleasure, even though it's just the simplest of repairs to your u-bend. It is possibly the most annoying thing ever.

If you're nodding along with us then maybe you should do a plumbing course.

Learning it all for yourself would mean that you could do the job yourself. Or, if you're feeling shrewd, you could use it as a stepping-stone to cash-in on those extortionate rates in return for your fine plumbing services.

We've got a choice of 846 part time/evening plumbing classes around the UK for you; from the basic every day things to a variety of complicated sounding (to our non-plumbing educated ears anyway) certificates. Dust off your spanner and give it a go!

Job Description

Plumbers install, maintain and repair hot and cold water supplies, and sanitation and waste disposal systems in domestic, industrial and commercial premises. They also work with oil, gas and solid fuel appliances, and central heating systems. Certain jobs may involve working on the outsides of buildings, making and repairing weather-proof joints and flashings on roofs, chimneys and walls, and installing or clearing guttering and drainpipes.

In the industrial and commercial sector, plumbers may work on other piped infrastructure such as air-conditioning and extraction units. Plumbers can also be found in the chemical, ship and gas fitting industries.

Some plumbers specialise in sheet metal work, which is usually found on industrial, commercial or historical buildings. This type of work involves using a variety of materials, including plastics, aluminium, copper, lead and zinc.

Plumbers follow diagrams and plans when installing new systems. Repair and maintenance work involves diagnosing and rectifying faults. Completed work must be tested to ensure it complies with relevant Building Regulations.

Working Environment

Plumbers work 40 hours a week but overtime is common. Some plumbers offer a 24-hour call-out service.

Plumbers work both indoors, often in confined spaces, and outdoors in all weathers. Work on the outside of buildings will usually be at heights.

As plumbers travel from site to site, a driving licence is useful.

Related Skills

To be a plumber you should:

• be able to read technical drawings and plans
• have good practical and problem-solving skills
• have a careful and methodical approach to work
• be able to work at heights and in confined spaces
• have normal colour vision for some work
• be physically fit
• be aware of safety issues and legal regulations
• be able to work as part of a team and alone
• have a polite manner for dealing with customers.

Career Opportunities for Plumbing

Prospects for qualified plumbers are excellent throughout the country due to the demand for skilled staff. Opportunities exist with plumbing or mechanical engineering services contractors, which range from small businesses to large companies, and also building contractors and public sector bodies such as local authorities.

With relevant skills and training, plumbers can transfer into the heating, ventilation, refrigeration, electrical and air-conditioning industries or run their own specialised sections in larger companies. There may be opportunities to work abroad on contracts.For plumbers working in gas fitting, there may be further options available. See Technician: Gas Service.

Progression routes depend on the size of the employer but could allow movement in to estimating, CAD design or contract/project management. Many plumbers opt for self-employment.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Rates vary regionally, with the highest average salaries in London and the south-east.

Starting salaries for newly qualified plumbers range between £16,500 and £20,500.
Experienced plumbers can earn between £21,000 and £26,000 a year.
(This can be up to £30,000 in the Greater London area).

Self-employed plumbers may have higher earnings, depending on workload.

Starting Salary

£11,700