Is Plumbing a Good Career for EVERYONE?
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- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2024
- Plumbing has been such a good career for me, I recommend to just about everyone who asks me for career advice to get into plumbing. But is plumbing really for everyone? Can really anyone be a plumber? Today that's what we're talking about!
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach homeowners how to save money on their plumbing by doing DIY plumbing projects. I also teach plumbers and plumbing company owners how to be the best plumbers in their area and run successful plumbing businesses. My goal is teach you everything you need to know about plumbing.
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Is facial hair and baldness required?
No but it will make things alot easier
It’s a great job dealing with poop all day u should try it
Yes , yes it is.
I'm halfway there in both departments 😂 falling off my head and onto my face.
I bet the stress makes you lose your hair
I am a 72 year old retired plumber. Did both construction and service. Back in the day l, we called service, jobbing. Got out of the union after 20 years and did only service calls and renovations. Made more money that way. Self employed and licensed. Enjoyed it.
Hey Rodger I’m a plumber at my local plumbing company in town and I absolutely love my job and I love building and fixing things and I really enjoy helping people . It’s really satisfying to show up at customers house and figuring out there plumbing problems . It’s a true passion love your videos
Wish someone would give me a shot at it, I have zero knowledge of plumbing though
So much truth and great information. I started open-shop in Wichita Falls and got in the union and went through the UA program when I moved to Austin. I've had great experiences and learned a lot from good people in both.
b charles you are correct, there are good people in both. I've worked with great plumbers in this profession. Are you still in Austin?
Guess what?! Today I went into my local university to talk with Jobs & Skills about apprenticeships and what not and now I am one step closer to gaining an Apprenticeship. Woo-hoo
tarahmcintyretm congrats Brother!
Congratulations man!
@tarahmcintyretm Congratulations! This is a great profession. Why did you choose plumbing?
How did it go brother?
I got into plumbing in new construction but when I started service oh man game changer loved it
Louie I love the service side of it. Quit telling everyone how good it is or they will all want to start doing it!
Louie I'd really like to know your reasons why you like service plumbing better?
@@benweaver7455 more worker autonomy, less micromanaging from foremen.
Great video. I think trade companies can have a difficult time finding help. Especially attracting the younger generation. Schools have told students the only option for employment is to go to college. This has been happening since I was in high school 4 decades ago. I believe an education is great, but it doesn't have to be provided by a college. School should be telling kids to get educated in a marketable skill or knowledge. Construction trades require both knowledge and skill. Also, one great thing about trade jobs, they can never be outsourced to a foreign country.
I'm 15 and thinking of becoming a plumber. Not interested in college lol
@Thomas Curl you are completely correct! I got into plumbing in 1980 because “Robots” would never be able to do it. What type plumbing do you do?
@@RogerWakefield I’m not a plumber, but it’s in my blood. My grandfather and great uncle both owned plumbing companies that employed their sons and son in laws. My father owns a commercial pluming company that employees my bother and bother in law. He has been in business for 40 years in Texas. I worked for my father up until graduating college in '99. I’ve got civil engineering license in 2005.
Which company in Texas? I’m in the Dallas area but thinking of expanding to Houston or Austin.
@@RogerWakefield Curls Plumbing Co. out based in Red Oak. But they do work all over the DFW area. They're lots of growth in this area. Your trip to the state capital have you interested in Austin? Its a cool city.
I've always been mechanically inclined.I've only worked at the company I'm at now for 6 months and was put in my own truck after 4 months. I have Redone a couple bathrooms in the past and already know how to solder.I did learn a lot in 4 months and I'm still learning everyday. I am a service plumber and will replace cast iron pipe to just replacing faucets valves or just run new plumbing in additions. I've been a lot of situations in the past 6 months. I even work in commercial buildings. My boss is very particular. I never thought I would be in my own truck this fast. I enjoy it and I actually get a lot of compliments on my work and my professionalism. That goes for our whole team. I love the fact that my boss is a Christian and I met him in church. You got to love the Lord 🙏 little is much in Jesus.
Amen and good for you. I dont know if im mechanically inclined but i do love to learn. I am starting school in january. I have been studying the plumbing guide but it's difficult without hands on application. Do you have any tips for me?
@@emilys.7953 how did it go?
I'm a Union Carpenter in Chicago and I love watching Rogers videos.
Do you think CNC machines will replace carpenters ?
I'm interested in carpentry but that concerns me . What do you think
I came for the plumbing knowlege, subscribed for the personalities. Two genuinely good dudes right here.
Not anyone can be a plumber especially here in Denmark , you have to have good grades in maths and Danish to start with, and more over. the school is from 4 years and 3
months to 4 years 9 months.
specialties are:
Plumbing installation technician, plumbing in geothermal heating system and plumbing energy specialist and ventilation, and some electricity courses , heath pumps ,gas installation and troubleshooting and as well as Energy-efficient alternatives for heating systems with all that ,does need someone who can manage paper works, measuring instruments, calculations and for those reason not everybody can be a pilot
+A N with the right training and education anyone can be a pilot too. I don’t think anyone can just start doing plumbing without training and education. Denmark does sound tough though. I personally like that. How is the licensing set up? Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master?
@@RogerWakefield I will answer that mate
@@phindele well, will you answer?
I appreciate people who do trades. My roommate is doing plumbing apprentice. I'm talking to one of the local companies...have interview with them soon
Very useful advice. Thanks.
I Been plumbing for 8 years now, always have loved it. But I’ve been married for 6 of those years! Maybe I’m one of the few to not get divorced yet! Knock on wood!!! Great video mr Plumber!
@Austin Vasquez if your wife is the most important thing in your world you will never have a problem. My wife and I have a marriage coach. Smartest thing I’ve ever done. Congratulations on the 8 years. That’s where I’m at...
Now I'm wondering what's going on with plumbers in Chicago.
Thanks for doing these videos. I'm looking to get into plumbing and didn't know where to begin. This is really helping me.
hey theresa! i just wanted to check up. did you go for it? and if yes, how do you like it?
@@bellaxxx745 I went back to special education. That's where most of my experience is and I feel lucky to be working even though education could use a major backflow systematic update. I like the kids. Thanks for asking 🙂
Plumbing's part of my life.i love repais and remodeling(not easy sometimes)
I was never that gray with school and I get nervous and overthink decisions at work that make it seem like I’m incompetent but I also just work really hard and as time goes on I always get better. I feel like as long as you have the proper work ethic you can do anything. I’m almost a third year and I’m happy to say I’ve worked really hard to navigate the waters and I do whatever I can to be better everyday
Comfort Systems USA, has been an extremely great company for me! I’ve always been enthusiastic about building and creating while along the way fixing problems I notice here and there. When I started 12 years ago after enjoying a year of college, I got dropped into a war field in which I only had my skills and interests to keep me here, I’m a math and physics guy! The friendships and family that has grown just glued me in. We’re not union, we’re hourly and provide “Quality People Building Solutions”!
Lol that’s the company motto, but I love being a commercial plumber! I’m not plunging toilets all day like the “others” think every plumber does. In fact today my crew and I replaced the Medical Air Compressor and Vacuum Pump on a hospital on a medgas (medical gas) shutdown and rerouted the piping to hospitalize a building of wonderful people that hospitalize you. 😉
Joshua Jennings sounds like a sales pitch. But, if you are learning and growing then i am happy for you. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope that you subscribed!
This is my first video so first of all Thank you. I have been in the sewer industry for fifteen years doing CCTV mainline inspections and doing CIPP. I am getting tired of the traveling so I've been thinking about a new chapter in my career. I'm doing my research and hopefully these videos will help me along the way. Thank you again.
How’s the salary in that industry ?
I taught plumbing at a trade school and had an ethical dilemma. Students in the program who weren't going to make it as plumbers shouldn't be in the program. Students who were going to make it as plumbers, didn't need to be in the program. Many student didn't' have the aptitude and were wasting their money. Many had aptitude and could get on the job training and do just fine.
Bro less than 6 mos and I was thrown into a van! The company quickly realized my potential and moved me from service to new construction. Keep in mind I went to college and graduated with two degrees in the trades! But to be fair there’s no one willing to teach these days…
So interesting to learn about Plumbing which applies to other industries. I appreciate trade makers and like to hire professionals I trust. I'm a professional and understand the expertise, I have. I appreciate others that have similar professionalism , that always do the right thing even if no one is looking. That means always walking that walk. Certifications are key get them and keep them.
Salesmen is the key , you get me in an Interview I land the job then decide if I want it. This in other words is customer service. Think about that. The customer is key , they will sell you to all of their connections.
Roger, this was a great down-to-earth basis of understanding. Besides rusted journeyman locksmithing at best, I have little to no experience in skilled trades. I'm also studying for GED so this information pertains to me perfectly. What is your further recommendation for online resources and secondary skills to come best prepared for landing a job such as artistry, residential blueprint practice, tool research, trade lingo, building codes, mindset, architect research, etc. I'm primarily interested in residential ATM. If there are more videos pertaining to said information I'll be sure to watch them. (This is the first plumbing video I've watched). You guys rock.:)
@Sudo we have many videos that can help you here. Where are you located?
Thanks this came in real handy been doing custodial for 3 years for a school district but don't want to see my myself doing it for 2 mores years thinking about plumbing, or electrician but who ti say something else doesn't come along the way and change it
Your format is awesome! I’m starting a RUclips channel and was wondering if you had any pointers
@Parker Dixon study the platform. Become a RUclips Content Creator. Go through their course. Always give value and great content. People are giving you their time, give them something great in return. What kind of channel are you starting?
Hi was a furniture maker i can make furniture real good but i learn plumbing and frm that day and still now i am doing plumbing i love plumbing more that furniture
I love how he just called out to Steven's transport because they really do shuffle drivers through
Where is the most money at, service or new construction?
service
Great info ,Roger it is like we are twins ia have the same history, became a local 100 member in 98, still a member ,
It is if you are willing to play a long run game.
First
@Angel Castro we are all in it for the long haul. It's how well we do in the beginning that can make us different...
Nah service or not, family and health comes first. Service techs should be able to expect to get off on time everyday unless on call and when on call should be properly compensated for it.
Yep, agree with you 100% no job is worth putting your health or family at risk. As you get older you understand this more.
great advice
I keep watching videos on electricians and plumbers and plumbers seem way nicer people
We are!
Im not in a trade career currently but have dealt with a few electricians in my current one and they’re a bit frosty because they’re typically Type As. There’s little room for non linear conversation or comments without purpose.
ty
So I have 2yrs experience from the Local 198 in Louisiana. I now live in Arizona where it isn't even required to have a Journeyman's license to have a van and make repairs solo as long as the owner of the company has one. Combined I am at about 3.5 yrs. Is it possible to return to the union at a higher level? I agree with the education and benefits the union provides but cannot afford a pay cut as I am my family's sole income. Thanks and keep up the videos!
Brandon The Plumber anything is possible. I would contact the union there and see what they can do. Thank you sir!
So I'm pretty mechanically inclined. And have a pretty good.understanding of the building drain, water line routing, water main service, and main drain to sewer. I'm 22 and I genuinely love this trade. Have 1500 in tools already, and am 4 months in with this company. Should I take up a truck?
Weston Ray is licensing required in your area. If it is and I didn't have one I wouldn't do it. It's up to you but don't jeopardize your future.
I think plumbing is for a person how love love the skill like the skill
That’s crazy I’m not union but I still had to go to school 2 nights a week for 5 years get all my work hours and school hours, Massachusetts is one of the hardest states to get a plumbing license, thank god that was a long time ago and I’m all done, sounds like in Texas it’s a breeze to get a license no offense, you have to work under a master to even get an apprenticeship then sign up for classes, I live close to the border of New York and they don’t even require a license at all that’s just nuts
I got accepted to a carpenter union but I'm also looking into plumbing so here i am. But at the carpenter apprenticeship they said if I decide to make my own business it would have to be union
Good video 😊👍
Thank you brother. I appreciate it...
IF YOU DONT GET FLUSHED! Haha what a great punchline! Cheers from New Zealand Roger!
@Gary Albright welcome. I had a high school football coach named Albright. Great guy! Again Welcome, please tell 4,000 of your closest friends about my channel!!!
Iv been trying to get a plumber apprenticeship for 2 month's now, absolutely no one will take me. Im a maintenance technician that does mainly plumbing already and LOVE the plumbing part. Iv never been more proud in my work than when i do plumbing. Not getting an apprenticeship after this long has me in a deep hole. I really dont want to be miserable working shit jobs till i die.
I have been doing odd jobs for years and have been looking into the trades for a real career.
This was such an informative video. Thank you!
Your answering questions that I didn't even think to ask.
The company is stark
Great info! I'm not a plumber....not even interested in becoming one...but enjoyed the discussion! lol
Hello Mr. Jay Malone. We are working on a behind the scene video. I hope you will enjoy it. I built this entire thing in just a few weekends!
@@RogerWakefield Can't wait!
the plumber u interviewed mentioned it was important to be a salesman and if he would have realized it sooner, he could have made a lot more money. What does he mean by being a salesman? thx
This is the worst part of plumbing. You are all viewed as grimy salesman, more when your pay depends on sales
Get a black eye an a tooth knocked out an still plumb a building. Plus tell the fitters why they're doing what they're doing. Plumbers are the most important people on the job, hands down. Willing to fight for the health of the nation an fighting for what matters. Clean healthy living
What is the highest possible salary starting as an apprentice with no formal training? (At a big company)
I'm in Las Vegas, Nevada if that helps at all. - Thank you!
Yes it does. In Vegas if I was wanting to do residential I would find the biggest plumbing company that does the type plumbing I want to do. Service or new construction. For commercial I would go union. I would also check with the union there and see if they do residential. Does this help?
@@RogerWakefield It does, thank you. I'll keep an eye out for the near future.
I’m 18 and have no experience or knowledge in the business, I’m enrolling in a plumbing trade school to learn the basics while trying to find a part time helper job to gain on the job experience while going to school. Is there any tips you can give me to be more successful in finding a good plumbing job
baqq sweat and tears,baqq sweat and tears
@EL JEFE HO! Whatever it takes!!!
What if someone is in their thirties. Is it still fleasable to start a trade skill? What would be obstacles for someone starting at a older age?
My only problem starting at age 30 is the company I work for has only younger journeymen , guys who did nothing but plumbing since graduating highschool and some before that , have to swallow your pride and take orders from a younger journeymen and I often have to check them if or when they get abit disrespectful
It's definitely harder getting into a trade the older you are for the reasons Bic mentioned and also because trades work is both physically and mentally demanding (think about other workers ratting you out for trivial things to gain brownie points). If you're transitioning from a field where there was little to no physical activity involved (desk job, IT etc.) then it's going to be even more challenging (harder if you're older 40+).
Good stuff , what size is the big ass pipe wrench
@Louie The Plumber it is a 48” Steel. I love it!!! Where are you located?
Roger Wakefield Los Angeles
Do you need to be good at math? I suck at math and im not sure how much that will affect me.
Patiently waiting for someone to answer this man's question.
basic formulas are used, you don't need to be stellar at math just alright at math.
Roger, I have recently been watching your videos. I work in security for 6 years and I am far from happy. I’m a military vet and live outside of Houston. I have been looking into hvac or plumbing, but I’m starting to lean towards plumbing. I have applied for a apprentice application ,but was denied.. Is there something specific they want to see on a resume to consider you as a potential employee? Should I go to the office in person and just sell myself?Just looking for any advice.I’m 35 and so ready for a career and change.
Only Chief I would go to the office. Was it local 68? I was down there a couple of weeks ago and I really like that place. Tell them I told you to come and talk to them. They are great people! Thanks for watching and commenting! I hope you subscribed too!
Roger Wakefield what is local 68? No it was a plumbing company( roto rooter).
@onlychief8808 you still security?
Does your journeyman certification is like a licence that you can get your own jobs
jose artiaga here in Texas you have to be a master plumber to work for yourself. Don't get me wrong, people do work without the right licensing or permits but if they get caught it is expensive. Where are you located?
Los angeles
Well I’m currently a service plumber and looking to stay in this field, but I don’t want to divorce my beautiful wife. How true is that statement?
Evy Negrete haha I was thinking the same thing man!
Austin Vasquez I went back to that section to make sure I heard that right! Hahaha
Evy Negrete lmao! Too funny
@Evy Negrete marriage is as good as you choose to make it. If that is always the most important thing in your life, treat it that way and you will be fine! Keep being a plumber!
I don’t get what divorce and plumbing have to do with each other can anyone elaborate
Is there an age limit on becoming a plumber ?
No
Van in Texas I believe you have to be 18 to get your license. Older people need to realize this isn’t laborless work. Plumbers work hard. If they think they can handle it, I say go for it! Are you thinking about getting into plumbing?
I'm 80 years old. I want to become a plumber. I'm still feeling young and can move. Can I become a plumber or pipe fitter??
@@innovationhvac7301 lets do it , I'm 68
@@innovationhvac7301 NO ! I don't want to be mean, but you can't "do your share" guys would have to carry you. You have got to be earning money, not asking people if they can give you a hand. They have their own projects to get done.
What i like about plumbing is theres always a job, if i quit i can be employed the next day
If i get fired i can be employed the next day
If i get laid off i can be employed the next day
If i move to a different state i can be employed before i move there
Granted normal employment rules apply but its a very reliable line of work weather its new construction or service or even moving more up and becoming a business owner or a building inspector the possibilities are endless
Hi I'm 29 now and don't know what to do... I'm going to get a job in it am I to old.
Nah man you’ll be 33 by the time you’re done with apprenticeship I gather do that shit
This comments old, but you’re not too old. I’ve heard of many people switching careers into plumbing later in life
What’s the latest age you suggest for starting the career?
imo it's when your natural strength begins to decline 40+ . But everyone is different and has different motivations. You're the best judge of that.
hey whos the gentlemen in this video Roger, im trying to find his social medias
@Robert Renfro he’s a good guy. He is on Facebook, Service Plumbers of America and Service Plumbers of Texas. Tell him I sent you!!!
@@RogerWakefield hey thanks so much for responding! thanks so much.. hey would u mind shooting me an email, i got some questions and seeking a little guidance... stayfitbmx56@gmail.com
over in Hollywood fl..... broward county
24/7 plumbers go crazy
I have an important question. To make $100,000 or more as a plumber, do you need to work way more than 40 hours a week? Earning a lot is great, but I don't want to be working 12 hours a day 7 days a week. Coming from the insurance industry, I'm thinking of transitioning into plumbing, but I got to know the answer to this question. Thanks.
Even as a apprentice in the service side I’ve been getting 45+ a week . I don’t think any service work in a trade is only going to be 40 hours
No way you make that money unless you own many workers making 6 figure you probably work 50 hoursplus
As just a regular average plumber no. Now keep in mind it also depends on your skill and the kind of company you work for. If you are a master plumber you may get there. If you work for yourself I'd say you could do it. But it takes time and skill.
An average journeyman (after 4 years-ish) is making roughly between $85-90k/year depending on where you live. With a little overtime it's easy to hit $100,000/year and over.
Is it too late to become a plumber at 40 years old? Also, how often do residential service plumbers have to go crawling around in attics, or is most the work ground level? If you have to lift a heavy 50 lbs water heater up on a platform or something like that, do you have help, or do you lift it yourself?
I'd think your health would be the biggest factor. Ten years down the road are you gonna make an existing back problem far worse? I'm not a plumber though, just my thoughts.
I am police officer in Jamaica, 🇯🇲 49 years of age, do you think it's too late for me
which parish
Well I want to become a better plumber
I think you should be more vocal-do a better job about calling out the shops or business's that burn through people. 'Use bodies' if you will. It is a problem that is acknowledged, but nobody does anything to stop it. Even for the apprentices that do work there, its not there faulty that they work for a company like that. Especially when they are new to the field and know nothing about it.
I don’t think they burn through people. When I hire people it costs me money. Badging, paperwork, training, and a lot of other things. When a plumber comes in and doesn’t last it costs me money. I had one guy last a whole day. Said it was too tough on his body. Still wanted me to pay OT for the one day he worked Hereford 10 hours. Even though it cost me about $300 to hire him. Owners want everyone to make it. That doesn’t happen.
@@RogerWakefield Its sounds like you are proclaiming its all about you, and your sacrifices.
j19527 I don’t think it’s all about me. It’s about the team that we put together. You say you want to hear more about the companies, I am telling you how it is from the company side. All companies aren’t the same. I can’t tell you how every company does things. I can only show you what it is like when we hire the wrong person.
@@RogerWakefield I am talking about burn-out. As an example: Hit as many calls as you can and the hell with your personal life. Oh, you worked until two AM last night? Tuff-shit! We had the senior guys call out today, and you are going to have to pick up THEIR slack. I can go on and on with this.
Companies that are structured like this, as I described, do not care about your well being or your wants and needs.
I think you fail to see that companies can be abusive also and do things in excess, just to achieve their bottom line, AT THE EXPENSE of pissing off their employees.
@@RogerWakefield Adding to the point I made, What makes it even worse is when companies like the one I described in the last comment, defend their actions in saying, you cost me money, I need to make money, this is the way it is, ect ect.. The point is that they dont care about the legitimate instances when they do burn-out their employees. I understand its a free country and companies have the right to run their business's that way, but I think we can agree, that those types of companies, have to be called out, especially if the whole purpose of the plumbing industry, is to get more people into it! A company structured like the one I described is not going to win over an apprentice. -Its not going to happen.
I'm the least mechanically inclined person there is, is there hope for me?
If plumbing is something you really want to do. Anyone can do it!
Commercial
New Construction
Also, electrician :P
Can a company hire you if you got a dui ?
no, you will be banished to the 9th chamber of hell.
Need that work life balance can’t work over 40 hours and be with family
Please say I know you can help please I will really like to learn this job and I know you can help please let me learn the job to you please and I'm fine in Africa and I don't know how for what to say but I know you can help me
How physically hard is this job?
it can be quite physical
I am verry intrested to be a plumber, but i wonder if there's a chance to work in the usa cuz Am from Algeria 😉🇩🇿
Yeah many Americans aren't taking the plumbing job here there is alot of money in it because of it
John 3 16
Im gonna stop you before the video. No not anyone can be a tradesman. There is a certain level of factors that 2 out of every 3 that try SHOULDN'T be. Im talking effort.
Now watching it, i like the guest, hes non union friendly. I got electrical 103 here, fux dem
Do you need be great at math ?
Do you go bald from plumbing?
I did... but I don’t think it happens to everyone!
Cringe