Plumbing is any physical system which carries liquids for various uses to the outside of a construction. The word “plumbing” comes from Latin meaning “water”. Plumbing comprises pipes, fittings, valves, plumbing devices, and many other apparatuses for carrying liquids. It is often subdivided into three main categories: household plumbing, sewer plumbing, and municipal plumbing. Household plumbing is that type of plumbing used in homes while sewer plumbing is that type of plumbing used in establishments such as institutional buildings, commercial buildings, and offices.
It is usually done by using drainage pipes that attach to the main sewer line and carry away solid waste water. The household plumbing includes lavatories, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, washing stations, dishwashers, showers, and toilets. Institutional plumbing systems are used in hospitals, clinics, office buildings, and schools. It is made up of multiple pipes which connect to drainage pipes. In offices, common piping is used to carry water from kitchens, toilets, and lavatories to sinks, taps, and outside faucets. All these plumbing fixtures and systems have come under the category of plumbing.
Plumbers are also called upon to solve emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms, fires, and breakouts due to broken pipes. They use different types of equipment and methods in solving such problems. They can either repair the broken pipes or can also try to insert new ones to provide water supply to the affected areas. Plumbing systems have played a vital role in ensuring that the world population has a reliable water supply and that the houses remain warm throughout the year. Without plumbing, these houses would become an instant oven.
The plumbing industry employs more than fifty million people. A plumbing job requires people who have knowledge and experience in installing, repairing, servicing, maintaining, and installing various plumbing devices and equipment. Plumbing jobs demand skilled and trained employees who must be able to perform all the plumbing jobs with perfection within the given time. A plumber also ensures that the drainage system works properly. He inspects drainage pipes and visually inspects drainage lines for defects. He also troubleshoot the drainage system and corrects any defects that he finds.
A plumber should possess knowledge about the corresponding needs of his clients and his own work environment. Plumbing jobs require expertise in the installation, inspection, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems. Plumbing tools include wrench, pipe cutter, basin wrench, drain snake, and pressure washer. Proper safety measures should be observed at all times during installation and repair of plumbing fixtures and equipment. Plumbing safety equipments include appropriate work gloves, masks, goggles, respirators, and steel-toe shoes.
The plumbing industry also provides job seekers with a wide range of career choices. Plumbing professionals can choose to work as general contractors or plumbing engineers who specialize in particular areas. Other plumbing career options include water management, water treatment and purification, and water disposal. The plumbing industry is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate in the coming years and there will be a significant growth in the number of plumbers available in the market.