In these days of hi-tech professions you may scoff at the idea of becoming a plumber. Do you know that Albert Einstein once said, "If I had my life to live over again, I would be a plumber". Whatever be the context under which the great man made this comment, the fact remains that plumbing as a profession is much in demand today.

However, before you decide on becoming a plumber you need to know some basics.

Who Is A Plumber?

A plumber is a person who installs, fixes, repairs and maintains plumbing systems in businesses, homes and industries.

What Does His Work Involve?

A plumber's main duties include:

- Cut and assemble various components of the plumbing system

- Read and interpret piping drawings

- Work according to the state's building codes

- Maintain existing plumbing installations

- Provide cost estimates to new installations, either domestic or industrial

Is A Plumber's Job Safe?

Like in all trades and professions you need to adopt safe practices in plumbing too. Here is a typical list of safety procedures you need to adopt on becoming a plumber.

- Use fall protection equipment when working at heights

- Use personal protection gear at all times

- Keep your tools in good working order

- Adopt the specific safety procedures spelt out in the equipment working manual

- Keep your work area clean

How Much Can A Plumber Hope To Earn?

According to US Bureau of Statistics, US workers that are 18 years or older and possess a bachelor's degree can hope to earn around $50000 a year. Those with an advanced degree can hope to earn around $75000 a year. And a professional with a high school diploma can hope to earn around $30000.

According to estimates there are many unfilled vacancies in plumbing and the number is growing. This is one more reason for you to opt for becoming a plumber.

There are more than 500000 plumbers in United States today. A third of them are over the age of 45. If the average retirement age of plumbers can be considered as 55, you can foresee a huge shortage of experienced plumbers in the near future. Moreover, a decline in the number of piping contractors is also anticipated. This augurs well for those having a bent for enterprise and willing to start their own business. After all the plumbing industry is now witnessing a consolidation phase. The recessionary phase in housing is cyclical and is bound to vane. The demand for professional plumbers in no time can spurt.

Besides a good pay and great opportunities, here are some more good reasons for choosing this trade.

- Great advanced training opportunities: There are many advanced skill options that lets you be a specialist.

- Employment stability: Pipes leak and burst over time, customers need new modifications, and maintenance work is never ending. All these make the plumbing trade less sensitive to economic volatility.

- Absence of monotony: You can a handle a plethora of jobs and will never get bored. Water piping, gas piping, domestic installations, underground piping, industrial systems and the list goes on and on.

Take up this profession, and you will never regret your decision of becoming a plumber.