Plumbing can be a highly rewarding and lucrative career, but it comes with a steep physical toll and varying work-life balance depending on whether you are self-employed, working for a large union, or at a commercial company.
Plumbers can make a comfortable living, and with experience, their income can increase significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for plumbers is higher than many other trades.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
In November 1954, Albert Einstein famously expressed admiration for the plumbing profession, stating that if he were a young man again, he "would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available."
Plumbers are one of the least happy careers in the United States. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, plumbers rate their career happiness 2.8 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 18% of careers.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Stressful jobs are highly subjective, but Air Traffic Controller and First Responders (police, firefighters, paramedics) consistently rank as the top 1 most stressful jobs due to life-or-death responsibilities, split-second decision-making, and unpredictable environments.
Thomas Crapper was an English plumber who forever laid his name on the industry when his company was chosen to provide cistern toilets for soldiers in the First World War. Each cistern was labeled with the name of his company — Thomas Crapper & Co.
Albert Einstein refused surgery to repair a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm in April 1955.
Clever wordplay plumbing slogans
We're plumb crazy about quality! Pipe up your home's potential! Wrenching out excellence in every job. Fixtures fixed right, day or night.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
Pull-push rule is used for measuring the exact distances of pipe fittings and fixture in the plumbing system in doing the final lay out. It is used in measuring the length of the pipes before cutting. 5. Inside caliper is used to measure the inside diameter of a pipe.
To protect your plumbing and the environment, you should never put fats, starches, harsh chemicals, or solid waste down your drains.
Plumbers tend to be predominantly realistic individuals, which means that they often enjoy working outdoors or applying themselves to a hands-on project. They also tend to be investigative, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people that often like to spend time alone with their thoughts.
The Cons Of Being A Plumber
There is no single "hardest" trade, as difficulty depends on your natural aptitudes. However, Elevator Mechanics, HVAC Technicians, and Custom Finish Carpenters are widely considered the most difficult to master due to the blend of multiple disciplines, heavy mathematics, and high stakes.
Plumber slang combines practical on-the-job jargon with colorful nicknames for the profession and its common mishaps. It ranges from humorous terms for the workers themselves to shorthand names for everyday pipes, tools, and hardware used on the job.
A good plumber can be trusted to finish their job right on time. These professionals strictly keep to their schedules while keeping minimal room for deviation. A reliable plumber can be trusted to respect your time, your home and will show up to your doorstep fully prepared.
Plumbing is full of surprisingly ancient engineering, clever slang, and bizarre trivia. From the origins of everyday bathroom nicknames to the unseen mechanics of city systems, these plumbing facts highlight the fascinating history and science behind moving water.
Popular history and circulating folklore tell a famous story that Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstein once met and joked about having a child together.
Albert Einstein never said or wrote the famous quote about "a generation of idiots" or technology surpassing human interaction. This is a widely circulated internet fabrication.
Albert Einstein famously slept about 10 hours a day, making him a big believer in getting plenty of rest to keep his mind sharp.
Bob Hoskins
He was a Golden Globe and Cannes Film Festival best actor. Likewise, he was nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his role in the movie Mona Lisa. Prior to his acting career, he took several jobs including that of an assistant plumber.
The term actually comes from the Latin word plumbum, which means lead. Back in the day, early plumbing systems relied heavily on lead pipes, and the folks who worked with them were known as plumbarius. Over time, the name stuck, evolving into what we now call plumbers.
Wurzelbacher said, "I'm getting ready to buy a company that makes 250 to 280 thousand dollars a year. Your new tax plan's going to tax me more, isn't it?". Obama responded with an explanation of how his tax plan would affect a small business in this bracket.