Is Plumbing a Good Job? | This Plumber of 48-Years Looks Back
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 17 май 2024
- Is plumbing a good job? With over 48-years as a plumber, Jim reflects on his career as a plumber and why he has no regrets about going into the trades.
Jim has a lot more wisdom to share, not just career advice. Click SUBSCRIBE for more tips from the Grumpy Plumber.
Shop for your Grumpy Plumber t-shirt, hoodie, or sticker here: grumpy-plumber.myspreadshop.com/
10% of shop sales go to support the trades by the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation.
Thanks for watching! 
Хобби
I was 25, working security making 14$ an hour, was at a point in my life where I had no idea what to do, felt lost. decided to get into plumbing, worked extremely hard, studied every day and within 2-3 years I had bought my first home. I am now 32, I specialize in residential plumbing and haven't had a year below 140k in 5 years, plus all the side work you accumulate as you network. Amazing trade, blessed to be a plumber
What state you’re in?
@@tonea9851 started in San Diego, Ca. I am now in Virginia
Looking into it, just wondering is it a very intricate tough job? Like I know most of these trades are depending on the worker abilities, but I’ve done some house work for my folks and wondering should I try my hat into this
How do you get your name out there for side work?
@@swipernoswiping5305 Anybody you come into contact with just let them know you are a plumber. I don't think there's a single person I know that doesn't know what I do. I also have social media pages where I post my work. Alot of work from friends and referrals. I am willing to do side work if it is worth my time
My nieces husband is a young plumber and started his own business last and doing very well.. very happy for them.. like grumpy said we need tradesmen
Roger, I’m glad his business is doing well. All the best to them. Thanks for sharing.
I have two kids that went to college. In a sense they are in “trades” now. I used the same advice you offered today and I suggest it to other parents in our family. I’m not discouraging anyone from going to college.
We all need to recognize the skills and knowledge it takes to be a tradesman.
I have both a bachelors and masters degree, but in essence, what I do in IT is a really more of a trade where you get a little less dirty and sweaty (but not always!). The trades can be great and you can often do your own thing, which is especially awesome when you are closing in on semi-retirement and still want to keep a side hustle.
Love the advice..and landscaping!
Love these videos. Kind of like talking to a next door neighbor over the fence. I think we absolutely need more education in the trades. 'Regular' college seems to be losing its value these days. Personally, I really dislike plumbing which is why I am watching your channel. Nothing against plumbing other than I hate the idea of screwing up and spewing water everywhere. Would much prefer electrical work although that will probably kill me in the end! Keep up the great work.
As we continue with the dumbing down in society the TRADES will become a very sought after
need. I own a total of 210 unit apartment complexes. I see it every day young people can't even plug a refrigerator in. This morning I had a call with a new tenant saying the shower wasn't working. Had to explain to him you have to PULL the knob. I blame a lot of this with the public schools eliminated, Ind. Arts./Home Economics.
Who do you think makes the best sump pump?Thank you
I really enjoy learning plumbing. I'm in residential and that's where I'm doing all my hands on. I am doing roughs. I do the waterlines which are PEX and I'm starting to do gas lines. Love learning new stuff. I just want to make good money after a couple years and eventually want to get a master license. I am enrolled in an apprenticeship. This May will be one year into it.
Hudson Grimm, good luck to you! It’s good that you are doing residential work because you learn more about service work. Residential plumbing is actually harder than commercial so you’re on a great track in your profession.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber I've done commercial sir and it really didn't help me. I wasn't doing anything hands on and it was boring for what I was doing. Then I switched to residential. Ik in some instances the money is better there but I'm more trying to learn and be patient as much as it sucks making little money. In terms of engagement and learning, residential has done all that for me. I'm really putting my mind and hands to the test with trying to get jobs done in a timely but also in a great quality manner. Ik plumbing is one of the better paying trades and I hope to make good money. Have that nice house and 2 cars is my goal more than anything 😂
Hudson Grimm, just take your time and think about it and don’t give up on a problem. I’ve woke up many nights and figured out plumbing problems. That’s what makes the job interesting.
Thanks guys good video, I would also like to see more women get into any professional trades. It could be Plumbing carpentry basically whatever man can do I believe that women can do it too. I wish I got into a trade years ago I only picked up truck driving cuz that's what I fell in love with. I have retired from it, but I sure would have love to gotten into Carpenter Plumbing or Electrician.
Johnny, I was a non union plumber but I would sure like to see more unions solicit women into the trades.
Congratulations on your retirement.
I’m a 33 year old women in the process of changing careers from health care to an apprentice plumber. I go this Thursday to an information meeting and hopefully a interview will follow soon after! Wish me luck :)
Why the change from health care?
How did your apprenticeship go?
Hi, thanks for all the videos you uploaded onto this channel. They are really practically helpful. I have a question. I am 42 years old and I am thinking to move to Michigan from a foreign country and get a plumbing job. I have 2 sons, 1 daughter and a wife so I need money to feed them. I am hoping to make around 80-100k a year in about 8-10 years (hopefully a little shorter than that). As I said, I am 42 years old. Here is my question. Am I still 'young' enough to start working as a plumber? Is there still a land of opportunity? I have heard all the optimistic comments about age. I was not quite sure if what they are saying is realistic or not. But, this channel, to me, looks legit and honest to the viewers and subscribers. So I am asking you for a short advice about where to start and where to get a plumbing job as a 42 year old man to feed their family. Thank you so much for your time to read this comment.
My brother became a plumber at 55 years young. You’re in your prime at 42. In Michigan, you serve an apprenticeship under a journeyman plumber for 3 years, write the journeyman’s test, and then serve two more years as a journeyman and then write the master’s test. Once you are a master plumber, you can go in business for yourself. You are paid as an apprentice and as you learn the trade, ask for more money. The harder you work, the more money you will make. There is a high demand for tradespeople. You have to serve an apprenticeship, either union or nonunion. Good luck to you.
I have a plumbing question. What are the possible issues for a main sewage line back up? I have had 2 plumbers snake our clean out trap in the basement of our home. They both snaked about 100ft and I was informed by the city that our lateral line is about 100 feet. Snaking the lateral line twice did not solve the problem and its still backed up. Both times the snakes had zero problems being pulled out of line and there was barely anything on the end of it. So my assumption is that the lateral line is not broken since the snake came out so easily. I was told that using a camera to check out the line is not an option since the lateral line is currently filled with water. The recommendations I've been given so far was to check the plumbing vent for bird nests/leaves or pay $20k for excavation of my entire lateral line which runs into the street, which is not covered by my insurance. As a woman owning a home, I've been having a hard finding a solution to my problem. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Sorry for your problem. You can camera the sewer line even if there is water in it. My big question is, do these drain cleaning guys have a 4 inch cutting tool at the end of the sewer line? Have they ever recommended hydro jetting? If there is something in the line, a hydro jet will remove it as it is the ultimate machine. I would definitely recommend someone who has a hydro jet. Back to the camera, a good camera will tell you if there is a dip in the line. Is there a sink hole in your yard? I personally do not have a lot of respect for drain cleaners. A good service person will come and figure out the problem without selling you a new sewer line. Wishing you the best of luck.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber Thank you so so much for your reply and advice! I will sought out a good plumber with a camera, as the first step.
Hey Chrisb2283...what was the verdict..... what did they find....I'm thinking its a belly...that would be shitty...
Not gonna lie I do wish I would’ve applied as a plumber trainee. Currently waiting to hear back from roto
I’m currently a salesmen and I hate the sales method 😒😒😒
I use to work as a pest control so i think I got good up front customer service as well as educating them on what the situation is
Inferno squad ONI, it’s not too late to try to hook up with a licensed plumber.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber the best news i got was last night!!! i found out my father in law has a neighbor who works as a plumber at a university so im getting in contact with him!!!
@@Itsjordammdid you end up getting into plumbing?
@@matthewwax4434
I did for awhile but left because I was showing signs of carpal tunnel 🥲🥲
34 years old, and I went into Carpentry at 31. I'm on my third year, but all the guys are trying to convince me to join HVAC or Plumbers.
I love working with my hands, making something out of nothing, and the sense of accomplishment when the job gets done. So right now I'm on the fence about switching to Plumbers Union. I have no major injury, and I work out frequently to stay in shape. Honestly I'm debating if switching would be a wrong move on my part.
InsufficientX, if you enjoy what you are doing and find satisfaction in a job well done, then continue on that path. I was not a union plumber so I had more of an opportunity to do commercial work, residential work, service work, forced air heat and boiler work. Now my union friends did 95% commercial work which they enjoyed. If all the guys are trying to convince you to look into plumbing as a trade, maybe they see your potential to try something new. You need to make that decision for yourself. Best of luck in whatever field you choose.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber that's literally the same response my boss told me. He told me to be better, and to pursue Plumbing in the union. I'm in IL and it's mainly a Union heavy state.
I got my foot in the door for Carpentry when Culinary career was going nowhere. So one door closed, and another one opened. I stepped through that door and ended up working under a independent company that does all aspects of Carpentry. It was rough at first as the laborer, but I applied my common sense, and adapted to my new situation. Eventually I started getting more responsibilities, expectations, raises, and I started to buy my tools. Let me tell you; it feels great to have a sense of accomplishment especially after the project gets finished. I've decided to apply at the open call Plumbers Union in January.
I know not what to expect, but I'm going to study my ass off, work hard, and hopefully after the 5 year program I can use that as my foundation for a better tomorrow.
I’m thinking about maybe becoming a plumber honestly doesn’t even look bad it kind of kool but I’m more interested in residential more then commercial
Janestrike 2, look for a residential plumbing company and see if they will take you on as an apprentice.
Do you recommend someone turning 50 y/o to start this trade?
My brother Mike started in the plumbing trades in his late 40’s after working in the oil fields for 30 yrs. It’s never too late to work in the trades.
As a former trade worker, I'm glad to never do trade jobs including plumbing, being an electrician, or HVAC technician ever again. Sometimes, money is not good enough and worse, sometimes, even with those trade jobs, you are not compensated enough if you develop or sustain a serious or life-threatening on the job site injury. I was never compensated when I sustained an injury to my head when leaving the job site, and I was not permitted to work until I had paid out of my own pocket for my own medical treatment and the irony was that I still wasn't making enough. In the end, I was forced out and I'm so blessed and glad that I was. I since have sought out being self-employed, and it was a miracle! I support those who decide that the plumbing trade is not enough and who move onto better and more fulfilling jobs.
What is your occupation now?
As a plumber I looked for "something more fulfilling" but I'm too ugly to be a gigolo. So I'll stick with #2.
I’m wanting to become a plumber but I’m so worried about being a woman in this field. I don’t want my work to be discredited just because I’m a woman. But keeping it positive! Hopefully I get the job!
@dassomegoodwater1606, you can do it! I’m glad you’re keeping it positive. We desperately need women in the trades. If a company is not treating you with the credit and respect you deserve, move on, after giving them a piece of your mind first. The more experience you get, the more you will be in demand. I have a lot of respect for the women I have seen and worked with in the trades.
How old is too old to start a trade?
I think possible 110 years old...give or take a day. You are never too old to start a trade. I had an employee that was 55 years old, former submarine electrician in the Navy, who started his apprenticeship in plumbing and started a business eight years later and did very well. His son followed in his footsteps. My two sons are college educated and they worked with me while in high school and college. Every time they fix a plumbing problem, they call to thank me. Good luck in your endeavors.
same start for a car mechanic.... i dont recommend doing plumbing past 35...takes decades to become a really good plumber...took me 30years... LOL ... i think plumbing is great ...but so much responsibility... Gas, water, electric, Fire sprinkler, sewer, drains. you need to know structures ( not to cut beams) or how. foundations . blue prints. hydrostatic. bla bla bla bla...
GOOD morning plumber
Sandeep plumber INADIA to joB SARCH help
Is your son a plumber?
Neither one of my sons went into the plumbing trade. They both worked with me in high school and college and now know enough to call dad when having a problem in their own homes.
Please don’t recommend women going into the trades.
@chelseachelseafcsuperfan7220, I strongly believe that women in the trades will make the trades better.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber I just want there to be at least one male space left.
Jim, one sure position when performing a plumbing project, is you do a lot of kneeling, which means you did a lot of praying to the porcelain God.