What skills does a plumber need?

A plumber needs 21 essential skills including plumbing tools, types of piping, replace faucets, work ergonomically, prepare copper gas-lines pipes. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace plumber jobs?

The AI disruption score for plumber is 28/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Built EnvironmentBuilding and related trades workers, excluding electriciansISCO 7126

plumber

Plumbers maintain and install water, gas and sewage systems. They inspect pipes and fixtures on a regular basis or make repairs as needed. They bend, cut, and install pipes. They test systems and make adjustments safely and following regulations. They place sanitary equipment.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (21)

plumbing toolsplumbing toolsA variety of common plumbing tools and their usage cases, limitations and risks.types of pipingtypes of pipingA variety of types of piping and piping materials. PVC, CPVC, PEX, copper, and the advantages, usage cases, risks, and costs of each.replace faucetsreplace faucetsRemove taps using the appropriate tool, such as a tap wrench, a monkey wrench or a ratcheting wrench. Perform the same operations to replace the tap with a repaired or new one.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.prepare copper gas-lines pipesprepare copper gas-lines pipesUse the appropriate copper pipes to serve as gas lines. Cut the pipes to size and remove any sharp ridges after cutting. Flare the ends with the right size flare to facilitate the attachment of connec...snap chalk linesnap chalk lineStretch a line covered in fine, non-staining chalk between two points and snap it against a surface to produce a straight line.operate welding equipmentoperate welding equipmentUse welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.transport construction suppliestransport construction suppliesBring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.inspect construction suppliesinspect construction suppliesCheck construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.check water pressurecheck water pressureCheck the water pressure in a water circulation system, using a built-in gauge or by attaching a water pressure gauge onto a pipe. In the case of a stand-alone gauge, be sure to depressurise the syste...install PVC pipinginstall PVC pipingLay different types and sizes of PVC piping in prepared spaces. Cut the piping to size and attach it by using glue or other systems. Make sure the piping has a clean edge, is free of strains and has t...install metal gas pipinginstall metal gas pipingSafely install gas pipes and tubes made of steel or copper. Install all necessary connectors and modern ball valves. Test the pipe to make sure there are no leaks.follow health and safety procedures in constructionfollow health and safety procedures in constructionApply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.install plumbing systemsinstall plumbing systemsInstall systems of pipes, drains, fittings, valves, and fixtures designed for the distribution of potable water for drinking, heating, washing and waste removal.clear out drainsclear out drainsRemove organic materials and other debris from pipes, usually using a snake, a long device that is pushed down the pipes.interpret 3D plansinterpret 3D plansInterpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.attach PEX pipeattach PEX pipeMake attachments between PEX pipes and between PEX and other materials. Put a copper crimp ring around both ends. Insert a connector piece between the cable ends and use the appropriate size crimp too...use measurement instrumentsuse measurement instrumentsUse different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.use safety equipment in constructionuse safety equipment in constructionUse elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident do...interpret 2D plansinterpret 2D plansInterpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.place sanitary equipmentplace sanitary equipmentPlace sanitary equipment, such as toilets and sinks. Attach the equipment securely to walls and floors. Install taps and water disposal pipes.

Optional (20)

water pressurewater pressurePhysical laws, qualities and applications of liquid or water pressure.apply proofing membranesapply proofing membranesApply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any...answer requests for quotationanswer requests for quotationMake up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.set up water filtration systemset up water filtration systemPlace the appropriate filtration units for water filtration and connect them to the source and destination pipes.install solar water heaterinstall solar water heaterPlace solar water heaters, which use sunlight to heat water. Find a good location for the heaters, often on the roof of a structure, place them, and connect them to the water supply. Set up the water ...use sanderuse sanderUse different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.monitor stock levelmonitor stock levelEvaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.work in a construction teamwork in a construction teamWork as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible ma...maintain work area cleanlinessmaintain work area cleanlinessKeep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.calculate needs for construction suppliescalculate needs for construction suppliesTake measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.apply a protective layerapply a protective layerApply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.order construction suppliesorder construction suppliesOrder required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.consult technical resourcesconsult technical resourcesRead and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.process incoming construction suppliesprocess incoming construction suppliesReceive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.cut metal productscut metal productsOperate cutting and measuring instruments in order to cut/shape pieces of metal into given dimensions.cut wall chasescut wall chasesCut a narrow channel in a wall or other partition in order to run cables through it. Cut the channel straight and without causing unnecessary damage. Be sure to avoid existent wires. Lead the cables t...keep records of work progresskeep records of work progressMaintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.use metal bending techniquesuse metal bending techniquesPerform bending techniques in order to shape metal sheets into parts used in the manufacture of objects.set up temporary construction site infrastructureset up temporary construction site infrastructureSet up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water sup...