Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician
Careers Explorer:
In charge of all aspects of plumbing and heating systems.
Overview
As a Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician (aka Plumber), you’ll plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and heating systems.
You’ll be involved in accurate measuring, marking, cutting, bending and jointing metallic and non-metallic pipework.
Appliances and equipment you may use include gas, oil and solid fuel boilers as well as pumps, heat emitters, bathroom furniture or controls as part of a cold water, hot water, and central heating, or above ground drainage and rainwater systems.
You’ll also be at the forefront of installing new and exciting environmental technologies, such as heat pumps, solar thermal systems, biomass boilers and water recycling systems.
Top 5 Tasks
- Installing basic cold water, hot water, sanitation (toilets), rainwater harvesters, central heating systems and sheet lead systems
- Installing fuel-burning appliances using gas, oil or solid fuel in the home or in commercial properties
- Designing systems
- Planning work activities
- Supervising other people.
Salary
Newly trained in this field, you can earn in the region of £19,000 – £25,000.
Trained with experience can earn in the region of £25,000 – £30,000.
Senior/master crafts can earn in the region of £30,000 – £60,000.
Those self-employed set their own pay rates. Salaries depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.
Am I Suited?
- Hands-on
- Friendly
- Excellent communicator
- Attention to detail
- Problem solver
It is estimated that there are 120,000 plumbing and heating engineers registered in the UK.
Qualifications
There is strong competition for places on plumbing courses, so you need at least four GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including English, maths and science.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a site and pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
Many plumbers start their construction careers as an apprentice. Apprentices study towards an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 and are taught about the maintenance and installation of various plumbing components and systems.
