How to become a plumber

The following guide gives information on how to become a plumber, including the entry requirements for the career, the hours you are likely to work, how much you can expect to earn and what the potential for career progression is like.

What qualifications are needed to become a plumber in the UK?

To become a plumber in the UK, you will require a good understanding of maths and science, typically evidenced by GCSEs graded 9-4 (A*-C) in these subjects. While not mandatory, these qualifications are often highly desirable to employers and training programs.

Once you have these GCSEs or equivalent, the next step usually involves enrolling in a college course like a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in plumbing or a similar field. These plumbing courses offer both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the trade. However, it’s essential to know that merely completing a diploma will not make you a fully qualified plumber. You will still need on-the-job training and work experience to gain comprehensive skills in plumbing and heating.

An alternative route to becoming a plumber is through an apprenticeship, which generally lasts between 2 to 4 years. This allows you to earn while you learn, combining academic study with practical experience. To be eligible for a plumbing apprenticeship, you usually need to be 16 or older and hold the required GCSE grades. However, adult apprenticeships are also increasingly common for those considering a career change.

Unlike some other countries, the UK has no strict national licensing system for plumbers. However, gaining industry-recognised qualifications and becoming a member of a professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), can make you more appealing to employers and clients. These qualifications can also be crucial when working on specialised tasks like gas-related plumbing, for which Gas Safe registration is a legal requirement.

Some employers may also ask you to have a DBS check to confirm that you have no criminal record or criminal activity, which may make you a risk to customers. As you will often be working in people’s homes, some companies require the DBS to help offer additional assurance to customers.

Essential skills needed for a career in plumbing

To become a plumber, you will need to have a variety of skills that will enable you to work effectively. Some of the skills necessary for a successful plumbing career include the following:

• Great customer service skills and the ability to explain complex plumbing problems to customers with little or no knowledge.
• Maths skills and the ability to measure distances, volumes and pressures.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• The enthusiasm to continue learning and embrace industry developments.
• The ability to understand, translate and follow technical drawings.

• A driving licence for travelling between jobs

What tasks will I perform as a qualified plumber?

Working as a plumber will mean you will journey from one job to the next. Whilst you are waiting for your next appointment, you might wait in your van or your employer’s office.

Depending on the plumber you are and your qualifications, you may spend your day fitting new heating systems or repairing and maintaining existing ones. You might work on domestic heating or in commercial premises.

The day-to-day tasks of a plumber will often include:

• Analysing a problem and giving quotes to customers
• Providing customers with estimates for the time it will take to complete a job.
• Preparing materials such as cutting pipes, inserting fittings and installing drainage systems.
• Installing heating and water systems.
• Finding faults.
• Completing services on gas central heating systems or radiators.
• Buying, installing and repairing domestic fittings and services such as showers, toilets and washing machines.

What is the average salary of a plumber?

The earning potential for plumbers in the UK can vary widely, depending on location, level of experience, and specialisation.

An experienced plumber can earn significant sums, and many have reasonable control over their ability to make extra money through overtime and call-outs. The starting salary for a newly qualified plumber is usually between £15,000 and £20,000.

With experience, a professional plumber can expect a hike in salary to around £30,000. Plumbers with extensive experience and a good reputation can earn more than £40,000.

If you work as a self-employed plumber, you will be able to set your own rates based on location, demand and area of specialisation.

What is the possible career progression for plumbers?

The field of plumbing offers diverse pathways for career progression, allowing you to move up the ladder or branch out into specialisations as you gain experience and qualifications. Below are some possibilities:

1. Specialisation: After gaining foundational skills and experience, you might specialise in areas such as commercial plumbing, domestic plumbing, pipefitting, or even niche fields like marine or aviation plumbing. Specialisation can lead to higher earning potential and offer the chance to become an expert in a particular aspect of the industry.
2. Supervisory Roles: Experienced plumbers often progress to supervisory or managerial roles, where they oversee teams, manage projects, and handle client relations. These positions usually require good organisational and leadership skills and technical expertise.
3. Consultancy: Some plumbers pivot into consultancy work, advising on large-scale projects and sustainability issues.
4. Teaching and Training: With enough experience and qualifications, you may transition into an educational role, either teaching the next generation of plumbers at a college or creating and delivering specialised training courses.
5. Running Your Own Business: Many plumbers eventually choose to become self-employed or start their own plumbing business. This path offers the freedom to choose projects and set your own hours. But it also comes with business management responsibilities, including client acquisition, accounting, and staff management.
6. Emerging Fields: As technology and sustainability concerns evolve, new opportunities are emerging for plumbers with expertise in renewable energy systems, water reclamation, or smart home systems. Keeping up to date with these trends can open new avenues for career progression.
7. Professional Development: Continuous professional development through additional qualifications and certifications, such as becoming Gas Safe registered or gaining accreditation in renewable energy installations, can increase your job prospects and pave the way for roles requiring specialised skills.
8. Trade Organisations: Joining a professional trade organisation, like the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) in the UK, can offer networking opportunities, access to the latest industry knowledge, and potential pathways to further career progression.

By considering these avenues for career growth, you can tailor your skills and experiences to meet your long-term career goals, making plumbing a career that offers both versatility and upward mobility.

What will my working hours be if I become a plumber?

In the UK, plumbers typically work a standard 40-hour week, although this can vary depending on the employer and specific project requirements. Most plumbers operate within the hours of 8 to 5, Monday to Friday. However, emergency jobs often require plumbers to work outside these hours, including weekends and holidays.

• Emergency Call-Outs: If you offer emergency plumbing services, you’ll likely be on-call during evenings and weekends. This can lead to irregular working hours and the need for quick response times.
• Freelance or Self-Employed: Plumbers who run their own business have greater flexibility in setting their working hours, though customer needs and project deadlines can still dictate the work schedule.

A career as a plumber will often require working in a variety of settings. This will largely depend on the type of plumbing you specialise in and the company you work for. The most common working environments for people within the plumbing industry include:

• Residential: Domestic plumbing usually involves working in private homes and can range from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
• Commercial: Working in commercial settings like offices, schools, and hospitals often requires coordinating with other tradespeople and following more complex building plans.
• Industrial: Plumbers in industrial settings may work in factories, power plants, or water treatment facilities. This work often involves specialised systems and can be more physically demanding.
• Outdoor Work: Some projects, such as laying water mains or working on sewage systems, will involve outdoor work, sometimes in challenging weather conditions.