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Chapter What Do Plumbers Do? 1

Imagine what life would be like if you couldn’t turn on the kitchen tap and get a drink of refreshing water, take a shower or bath, or even flush the toilet. In short, life would be much harder and dirtier. Plumbers are the skilled-trades workers who install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within our homes, businesses, and factories. They also work at construction sites and on big infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, and pipelines. Plumbers are some of the most in-demand workers in the trades.

Some plumbers operate their own businesses. Others work for construction companies and contractors. To learn their skills and obtain experience, aspiring plumbers complete four- to five-year apprenticeships or training programs at technical schools. Others receive informal training from experienced plumbers, through the military, or at contractor schools. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the career of plumber as the third-best

■ ■ A plumber at a factory troubleshoots a malfunctioning pipe.

construction job, and this occupation typically ranks high in other “best job” lists. This is a good career for those who like to work with their hands, who don’t mind getting dirty (really dirty, at times!), who like solving problems, and want the opportunity to make a good living without earning a four-year degree.

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