Plumber Skills List and Examples

Beyond using a plunger on an overflowing toilet or using some liquid drain cleaner, real plumbing work is not one of the easiest do-it-yourself home projects. A call to a plumber is most likely going to be one’s best bet when pipes freeze or other residential plumbing issues arise. And, as long as people continue to have indoor plumbing (the outlook is good), skilled plumbers will always be in demand.

Plumbers repair and install the pipes and drainage systems that are connected to appliances, machines, and water fixtures.

Some plumbers concentrate on residential plumbing, while others specialize in commercial. Some focus on installing systems in new construction, while others are adept at repairing existing systems. They work in homes, businesses, factories, and in other locations where there are pipes.

Top Skills Plumbers Need

When you're applying for jobs, there are certain skills that employers expect applicants for plumbing jobs to have. Here are some of the top skills needed to succeed as a plumber.

Manual Dexterity and Physical Strength

Working with pipes, usually in tight, confined spaces, requires the strength to hold up pipework, appliances, or toilets, and the ability to hold pipe fittings steady, while having good control of your hands to manipulate small objects.

You will need to have good vision to thread fittings, read small gauges, and interpret blueprints. Some of the physical tasks and abilities required of plumbers include:

• Accessing Confined Spaces
• Applying Adhesives, Sealants, and Caulk
• Cleaning Sewer Lines
• Hand and Arm Strength
• Installing Appliances Like Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Water Softeners, and Water Heaters
• Installing Pipe Systems for Gas, Water, Steam, and Other Liquids
• Manual Dexterity
• Precision
• Tolerating Potentially Dangerous, Noisy, or Unpleasant Working Conditions
• Using Soldering Techniques
• Utilizing Tools to Assemble Components
• Welding

Mechanical Know-How

When dealing with water pressure, you must have an understanding of how plumbing systems work. Training for plumbing jobs is available from trade schools, community colleges, and on the job as an apprentice.

Most states require a plumber to be licensed to practice on their own. Though requirements vary by location, two to five years of experience and successful completion of a test covering trade knowledge and knowledge of local code and regulations is usually necessary before a license will be issued. Mechanical know-how enables plumbers to perform activities such as:

• Applying Algebra
• Applying Geometry
• Applying Principles of Hydronics
• Choosing the Right Tools for the Job
• Fixing Leaking and Clogged Lines
• Installing Sinks and Faucets
• Interpreting Blueprints
• Mechanical Reasoning
• Performing Pressure Tests on Pipe Systems
• Plumbing Installations
• Plumbing Repairs / Repairing Pipe Systems
• Pursue Ongoing Learning about New Systems and Materials
• Replacing Defective Parts

Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting Skills

Since plumbing problems can sometimes be severe, plumbers should possess the persistence needed to see the job through to a successful conclusion. Plumbers need to be able to find, diagnose, and repair problems.

Often working alone, you will need to figure out the reason for issues on your own and will need self-motivation to keep yourself on task. You’ll need solid problem-solving skills, analytical and logical reasoning talents, and attention to detail in order to:

• Calculate Basic Math
• Diagnose Plumbing and Piping Problems
• Identify Problems
• Inspect Systems Once Installed
• Plan Projects
• Produce Viable Estimates for Project Costs
• Troubleshoot System Failures

General Business and Administrative Skills

If you decide to work as an independent contractor, you’ll need to know the following business administration and management capabilities:

• Computer Knowledge
• Completing Paperwork to Document Services Rendered
• Estimating Types of Materials Required for Projects
• Maintaining Financial Records
• Negotiating Agreements for Services
• Promoting Business
• Purchasing Materials
• Setting Prices for Services
• Supervising Staff

Regulatory Compliance Skills

Especially in commercial plumbing, all completed projects will be subject to inspection. Employers and customers will expect you to continually:

• Follow Safety Protocols
• Learn and Comply with Building Codes
• Review Updates and Changes in State and Local Plumbing Codes

Soft Skills for Plumbers

In addition to the mechanical skills you’ve mastered in your plumbing training and apprentice programs, you’ll need to be able to communicate and collaborate with customers, team members, and supervisors effectively. As you advance in your career, you may also be called upon to train plumbing apprentices. The “soft skills” (both personal and interpersonal) you’ll require include:

• Ability to Follow Directions
• Collaborating with Other Grade and Construction Workers
• Convincing Customers to Invest in New Systems
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Friendly demeanor
• Getting along with coworkers
• Instructing Customers Regarding Use and Maintenance of Systems
• Reliability
• Resolving Problems with Customers
• Teamwork
• Training Assistants and Apprentices

How to Highlight Plumbing Skills in Resumes

When you create a plumber resume, first review the general skills employers list in their job advertisements and then try to mention as many of these as possible in your resume. These skills will vary based on the position for which you're applying, so you should edit each resume you send out to reflect the qualifications that each employer is specifically seeking.

Why is it important to use the skills keywords mentioned in job ads on your resume? Doing this is a smart strategy because many employers use automated applicant tracking systems to screen the job applications they receive. If your resume doesn’t contain the keyword phrases these programs are programmed to search for, it may be eliminated from consideration.