9781422276884

■ ■ Learn more about plumbing career paths (recreation, medical, public water supply safety).

Types of Plumbers Your job duties as a plumber will vary depending on where you work, although a plumber who works in one sector can also work in other sectors if they have enough skill, training, and experience. Residential plumbers are the type of plumbers that you’re probably most familiar with. They come to your house when your sink gets clogged or a pipe starts leaking. They work for plumbing service companies or have their own businesses. Typical duties for residential plumbers include: • Repairing leaky pipes • Unclogging sewer lines • Thawing frozen pipes • Installing new water, drainage, and heating systems • Cutting, bending, and joining pipes and fittings • Providing cost estimates to customers • Servicing gas and oil-fired central heating systems and radiators • Installing and repairing household appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and water softeners • Handling emergency calls such as serious water leaks, burst pipes, or boiler breakdowns.

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