A piping and repiping specialist must possess numerous skills to do their work effectively. It takes a combination of academic courses and on-the-job experience to build a career in this area. To work with piping, a plumber must use many tools, apply vast knowledge, and be good at problem-solving. They require the following skills on their resume and ready to apply in the field:
- Physical Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Knowledge of Basic Math and Science
- Pipe Installation
- Mechanical Expertise
- Brazing
- Torching
- Pipe Threading
- Soldering
- Communication Skills
- Administrative Skills
- HVAC
1. Physical Skills
Plumbing isn’t often thought of as physically demanding. However, technicians must possess the physical abilities to perform the required tasks. Some of the most important of these include the following:
- Strength: Larger pipes can be heavy, and using tools to tighten fittings, for example, requires using physical strength for long periods.
- Flexibility: Piping and repiping work often requires reaching into tight spaces. Flexibility enables a plumber to work under cabinets, install some appliances, and reach behind walls.
- Sharp Vision: Good eyesight enables a plumber to properly read gauges, ensure pipes are securely fit, and do their work in dark spaces.
- Fine Motor Skills: A plumber must be able to handle small tools and parts with precision to ensure components are fastened properly and to the right specifications.
2. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is an important skill for a piping and repiping specialist. It enables them to anticipate complexities and plan accordingly, think through the next step of a project, and diagnose the cause of issues that arise. They can also quickly develop solutions to various challenges. Within their scope of problem-solving, a plumbing technician must also apply creative thinking and logical reasoning.
3. Knowledge of Basic Math and Science
Planning a plumbing project requires understanding basic principles in geometry. An ability to work with numbers and perform calculations enables a technician to make precise measurements. Knowledge of physics principles, especially those about water pressure and movement, is also helpful.
4. Pipe Installation
A plumber must understand how to place and fit pipes correctly. The work may be done individually or with other contractors. Water supply, drainage, and sewer lines all have different specifications and requirements. A specialist must apply their knowledge, whether installing pipes for a water line or connecting a water heater, dishwasher, or other appliance.Â
The job also requires reading blueprints to determine the correct length, placement, and layout of pipes. Blueprints of a property help determine the right pipe sizes and where to run plumbing lines. They can also help a plumber see which pipes should be insulated.
Additionally, piping and repiping specialists must be familiar with the following types of pipes:
- Water Lines: Plumbing systems consist of cold and hot water pipes. A contractor must be skilled at working with these as well as waste lines, steam lines, and related equipment like check valves.
- Copper: Copper pipes are often used for air conditioning systems and water heaters. Installing appliances requires knowledge of how to work with them.
- PVC: Plastic pipe is used in various applications, including for handling water or running refrigerant or condensation lines.
5. Mechanical Expertise
Plumbers use a lot of machines and tools in the scope of their work. They must be skilled at using wrenches, hacksaws, augers, pipe-bending machines, borescopes, socket welding machines, and hydrojetting equipment. Their expertise allows them to choose the appropriate equipment and use it creatively when troubleshooting issues. Manipulating physical objects is an important part of a plumber’s job.
6. Brazing
Brazing is essential for assembling and securing pipes and fittings. It involves joining metal parts with a molten filler material. A piping and repiping specialist may also have to fabricate piping systems to match custom specifications. They need to be familiar with different methods as well, such as braising copper piping or using silver brazing, depending on the application.
7. Torching
Torches are important plumbing tools. They enable technicians to cut or shape pipes. When used with other pipe-cutting methods, torches help smooth out edges and weld pieces together. Torches are also useful when hammering pipes to match precise specifications. They can be used as ignition sources and to jump-start power supplies as well.
8. Pipe Threading
Pipe threaders are small yet important machines. Plumbers use them to shape the ends of pipes to prepare them for installation. Pipe threading equipment is often used along with saws so pipes can be customized for a specific project.
9. Soldering
Soldering is another technique necessary for joining, repairing, and fitting pipes. A filler metal helps join two metal pieces. The process requires using a soldering iron to heat metal surfaces and melt the solder material that fuses the pieces once it cools. While the process isn’t complicated, it requires being dexterous with one’s hands. It often requires working with two small tools at once or with a soldering iron in one hand and the part in the other.
10. Communication Skills
Not only must a plumber understand the work they do. They must be able to clearly and concisely explain, for example, what goes into repiping a house to someone who’s not familiar with it. Some plumbing concepts are quite complicated. Superior communication skills enable a piping and repiping specialist to coordinate with different people, including:
- Customers
- Supervisors
- Business owners
- Call operators
- Equipment suppliers
11. Administrative Skills
Plumbing doesn’t only involve hands-on work. It can also entail administrative tasks, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, and tracking expenses. Digital calendars may be used to plan a project. Therefore, plumbers may use word processing, spreadsheet, budgeting, and project management software. They may also need to write reports and prepare other documents.
12. HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are more associated with temperature and air quality control. However, setting up an HVAC system requires pipe installers to set up refrigerant and drainage lines. They play an important role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing heating and cooling equipment. Therefore, a piping and repiping specialist should have detailed knowledge of how different types of HVAC equipment work in residential and commercial settings.
How to Develop Skills as a Piping and Repiping Specialist
Plumbers who specialize in piping and repiping as well as other projects must take the time to build the skills described above. These skills can be developed and improved in the following ways:
- Obtain a License: A license is required to become a plumber in most states. Licensing requirements typically include a combination of education and years of experience in the field.
- Coursework: Aside from learning about plumbing, courses in word processing software, budgeting tools, and other administrative and computer skills help develop a plumber’s range of abilities.
- Apprenticeship: An apprentice receives in-depth training under the direction and supervision of a more experienced plumber.
- Physical Exercise: Stretching, weight training, and other forms of exercise help build the strength and stamina required to perform any plumbing task.
- Complete Your Training: To become a piping and repiping specialist, your ultimate goal is to become a master plumber. This takes several years. While the requirements vary by region, you may need additional training plus complete a written exam.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
Our licensed plumbers provide a wide range of services in the Portland area. They can help whether you need a leaky pipe fixed, your home repiped, or a new toilet or water heater installed. Since 1979, we’ve also provided all types of plumbing repairs to get water running again and prevent further damage. To request plumbing services in your home, schedule service or call (503) 506-6376; we’re available 24/7 for emergencies.