A plumber is a person that specializes in the installation and maintenance of systems used for drinking water, drainage, sewage and gas pipes.
Several years of training and on the job experience are required in order to become a skilled plumber. This is due to the fact that in most jurisdictions around the world, plumbing codes are very strict, due to the potential safety and public health problems that could be caused by improperly installed or maintained water and sewage pipes.
This is especially true with the installation of gas pipes, where a leaking gas pipe poses a serious risk of fire or explosion.
To become a plumber, one must usually attend a specialized trade school. He then becomes an apprentice, working under the guidance and supervision of a master plumber. Practical experience is essential in order to become a master plumber, as there are many aspects of the trade that can be learned only through practice and observation. While formal education in the field of plumbing is not required in certain jurisdictions, it is nowadays highly recommended. There are still certain plumbers, mostly those who started working in the trade years ago, who have learned to perform their trade by working with a master plumber.
Plumbers perform the installation and repair of plumbing equipment, such as pipes and fixtures in domestic, industrial and commercial settings. There are many jobs that can be undertaken by a plumber around the house, such as installing fixtures like sinks and toilets. Plumbers also install the necessary plumbing work inside newly built houses.
A plumber can also be of great help in fixing a ruptured pipe, in unclogging drain pipes, and replacing old or worn plumbing, particularly when renovating an older home. Plumbers also install gas systems, such as those commonly used for cooking appliances.
When selecting a plumber to perform services in your home, there are certain important consideration to take into account. If you live in a larger city, you can get quotes from multiple plumbing firms before deciding on giving the project to a particular one. Make sure to ask others if they recommend a particular plumber. Also, be wary of a plumbing company that gives you a price that seems too low compared to others in your area, as their work quality may not be the best. These days, many plumbing firms have plumbers that are available 24 hours a day, which can be necessary when emergencies, such as burst pipes or clogged drains occur in your home.