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won’t flush, your water pipes freeze in the winter, or your sewer line backs up. Commercial plumbers work on large plumbing systems that are used by hundreds or thousands of people daily. They conduct service calls at schools, hospitals, shopping centers, sports stadiums, and water parks. These buildings have complex, industrial-grade pipes and fixtures, and it takes workers with specialized knowledge to maintain and repair these systems. They also install machinery, such as sprinkler systems , waste and ventilating systems, and wastewater treatment systems. Some residential and commercial plumbers operate their own businesses, while others work for plumbing contractors or other employers. Regardless of their specialty or employer, all plumbers perform the following tasks: • cut and bend pipes and fittings in preparation for joining • join pipes using clamps, screws, bolts, couplings, or cement, or by using welding, soldering, and brazing equipment • cut openings in walls, ceilings, and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings • use water pressure gauges to check new and existing piping systems for leaks • provide cost estimates to customers • performmaintenance on gas and oil-fired central heating systems • install and repair household appliances, such as washing machines, water heaters, and water softeners • respond to emergency calls, such as serious water leaks, burst pipes, or boiler breakdowns • repair leaky pipes • unclog sewer lines • thaw frozen pipes • install new water, drainage, and heating systems

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What Do Plumbing Workers Do?