Plumbers do much more than come to your house and fix a broken pipe, or drainage system. They are able to fix problems with cooling, heating and air conditioning systems; and service boilers, conduct emergency fittings. Some even work on gas systems by ensuring they are properly installed, tested and maintained.
Plumbers are required to have extensive knowledge of their trade and be able to fix any problems. They must be able to use any necessary tools and materials such as zinc, iron, copper etc. They have to also wear protective gear for their hands, face and feet. Plumbers often go into several specialities. For instance they do sheet metal weathering specialisation, gas fitting, marine or industrial plumbing.
A Plumber usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Repairing leaks and drainage systems
• Installing air conditioning units, boilers and washing machines
• Joining rainwater and drainage pipes
• Performing maintenance on boilers and central systems
• Using power tools such as welding gear, spanners and wrenches

• Applying the knowledge of plumbing systems
• Being able to read and understand technical drawings, and plans
• Being able to work alone or with a team
• Being able to work in tight spaces and high levels
• Being honest and responsible
• Being physically fit and mentally alert
• Communicating with clients in a manner which they can understand
• Completing jobs and projects in a timely manner
• Following health and safety guidelines
• Managing stressful situations
• Resolving problems efficiently and quickly
• Understanding technical instructions

There are many apprenticeship opportunities that a Plumber can start with for his career. This is even more possible once he has basic qualifications, such as GCSEs, City and Guilds, SVQs or NVQs. Some apprentice start in their early teens or even right out of high school.
Plumbers study areas such as:
•    Mechanical Engineering
•    Plumbing and Domestic Heating
•    Gas, Oil, Solid Fuel and Environmental Technologies
One requirement that potential Plumbers must be aware of is that, they cannot be colour blind. There are restrictions and vision assessments administered to check for this. There are also several associations that offer membership to Plumbers. They are:
•    Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC)
•    Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE)
•    British Plumbing Employers' Council (BPEC)