Licensed Service Plumber
💰 $28 - $45 per hour
🎯 Role Definition
As a Licensed Service Plumber, you are the face of our company and a critical problem-solver for our clients. You will be responsible for a wide range of plumbing services, from emergency repairs to new installations and routine maintenance. This position requires a seasoned professional who can work independently, troubleshoot complex issues, and communicate effectively with homeowners and business clients. This role requires a dedicated individual who takes pride in their craft, prioritizes safety, and is committed to delivering five-star service on every call. Your expertise will ensure the health and safety of our community's water and drainage systems.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Plumber's Apprentice
- Plumber's Helper
- Graduate of a Plumbing Trade School
Advancement To:
- Master Plumber
- Plumbing Foreman / Field Supervisor
- Project Manager
- Business Owner / Plumbing Contractor
Lateral Moves:
- Facilities Maintenance Manager
- Building Inspector
- HVAC Technician (with cross-training)
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Perform comprehensive diagnostics on residential and commercial plumbing systems to accurately identify faults and determine the most effective repair strategies.
- Execute the installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide array of plumbing systems, including water supply lines, drainage, waste, and vent systems.
- Respond to and resolve a variety of service calls, addressing issues such as clogged drains, leaking pipes, water heater failures, and low water pressure with efficiency and professionalism.
- Expertly utilize a full range of plumbing tools and equipment, including pipe wrenches, cutters, threading machines, snakes, augers, hydro-jetters, and soldering/brazing tools.
- Read, interpret, and apply knowledge from blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to ensure all installations and repairs comply with current plumbing codes.
- Install, service, and troubleshoot various water heating systems, including conventional tank-style heaters, modern tankless water heaters, and heat pump water heaters.
- Conduct advanced drain cleaning services using techniques like hydro-jetting and mechanical snaking to effectively clear stubborn blockages in sewer and drain lines.
- Perform video camera inspections of sewer lines to diagnose issues such as root intrusion, pipe breaks, collapses, or blockages without excavation.
- Repair or replace damaged or outdated water supply lines, working with materials like copper, PEX, PVC, and CPVC.
- Safely install, test, and repair gas lines for appliances, adhering strictly to all safety protocols and code requirements.
- Assemble, install, and pressure test all pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems to ensure they are leak-free and functioning correctly.
- Deliver exceptional customer service by clearly explaining diagnoses, outlining all available solutions, providing transparent cost estimates, and answering client questions.
- Educate customers on best practices for preventative maintenance to help them extend the life of their plumbing systems and avoid future issues.
- Prepare detailed and accurate work orders, digital invoices, and service reports that document all services performed, parts used, and time spent on the job.
- Respond promptly to emergency plumbing calls, which may include after-hours and weekend work, to resolve urgent issues for clients.
- Install, test, and certify backflow prevention devices to safeguard potable water supplies from contamination.
- Manage job site progress effectively, ensuring projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Install and service water treatment and filtration systems, including water softeners, whole-home filters, and reverse osmosis units.
- Adhere rigorously to all company and OSHA safety standards, consistently using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe work environment.
- Mentor and train apprentice plumbers, sharing technical knowledge and overseeing their work to foster their professional development and ensure quality control.
Secondary Functions
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked service vehicle to ensure preparedness for a diverse range of plumbing tasks and service calls.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with new technologies, tools, and industry best practices.
- Collaborate effectively with other trade professionals, such as electricians, HVAC technicians, and general contractors, on multidisciplinary projects.
- Assist in managing inventory of parts, equipment, and supplies, both in the service vehicle and at the main shop.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Current Journeyman or Master Plumber License as required by the state.
- In-depth knowledge of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), and all local amendments.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical diagrams.
- Expertise in working with various pipe materials including Copper, PEX, PVC, CPVC, and Cast Iron.
- Skilled in soldering, brazing, press-fitting, and solvent welding techniques.
- Extensive experience in the installation and repair of both tank and tankless water heaters.
- Proficient in the use of drain cleaning equipment, including snakes, augers, and hydro-jetters.
- Experience with gas line installation, testing, and repair.
- A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are mandatory.
- Backflow prevention certification is highly preferred.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and diagnostic problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple jobs per day.
- Professional appearance and a positive, can-do attitude.
- High level of integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and also collaboratively as part of a team.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
- Composure and adaptability to handle stressful emergency situations calmly and effectively.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Completion of a recognized plumbing apprenticeship program.
Preferred Education:
- Certificate or Associate's Degree from a plumbing trade or vocational school.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Plumbing Technology
- Pipefitting
- Construction Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- A minimum of 3-5 years of post-apprenticeship experience in residential and/or commercial service plumbing.
Preferred:
- 5+ years of hands-on experience as a licensed service plumber, demonstrating a broad range of diagnostic and repair capabilities. Experience leading small jobs or training apprentices is a plus.