Honestly, plumbers are the unsung heroes of the building trades. If you have ever been in a situation where the most important person in the world you could contact was a plumber, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And when all is said and done, you may even consider naming your next child after him or her. You can have a broken light switch and your light wont work. Big deal. Use your phone flashlight for awhile. But if you have a broken water, drain, or sewage pipe, you’re going to need more than a flashlight especially if you don’t have access or know where valves are located and by then a lot of the damage is done. Even if you do know where the valves are or have access, a toilet is much harder to go without than a room light. The plumber is your friend. Take care of him or her for birthdays and holidays!
A licensed or certified plumber is a professional tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining plumbing systems and plumbing fixtures used for potable (drinking) water, sewage, and drainage in building plumbing systems. The term plumber dates from ancient times and is related to the Latin word for lead, “plumbum”. Obviously the term “plumbers crack” has been derived from this also.
Plumbers need to have the necessary plumbing code knowledge for public health concerns along with practical knowledge of water and other fluid pressures and densities, volume and flow calculations, and more. They also need to have knowledge of general building construction methods and how to read plumbing diagrams, drawings and blueprints.
Check back as we continue to develop National Tradesman and add more information on the plumbing trade including licensing and listings. We are a growing resource for this trade and others. In the meantime how about a little coffee-break humor…