Let’s hit the ground plumbing, Richmond. Did you know? There are 261,194+ plumbers currently employed in the United States, and March 11 marks World Plumbing Day to celebrate the essential role plumbers play in our communities.
The plumbing industry is in high-demand, and Woodfin - Your Home Team has the details to give us a glimpse into the life of their plumbers:
Day-to-day
A Woodfin plumbing technician’s day starts at 7:45 a.m. The workload is usually steady, but it depends on what side of the department they work on, service or installation.
- Service: These are general plumbing calls like faucets, toilets, tank-style water heater repair/replacements, water piping repair, gas line repair, gas log cleaning, troubleshooting, and repair. Often visiting 4-5 sites per day.
- Installation: This consists of installing new water services and sewers, whole home re-piping, gas line installation, tankless water heaters, and more. Typically, visiting 1-2 sites per day (depending on the severity of the job).
Common plumbing problems
- Water leaks
- Hydronic issues (think: heaters and radiators)
- Faucet repair/replacement
- Toilet issues
- Garbage disposals
- Clogged drains
- And more
Q: What is the wildest thing you have seen on a plumbing call?
A: “I once got a call for a clogged toilet. I tried to remove the toilet that was in a half bath by a first-floor window. When I tried to lift the toilet, it would not come up from the floor. Finally, I was able to get it off the floor. I found an entire root system had grown and attached itself to the bottom of the toilet.” - Gene Hurt, Woodfin Plumbing Supervisor
Q: Is a career in plumbing for me? If so, what are the next steps?
A: Most people that choose to be in the plumbing trade usually enjoy working with their hands. It’s also a good choice if:
- You enjoy problem-solving
- You are already skilled and well-versed in another trade — this is a trade that is never too late to learn.
Interested? The next step would be to enroll in a trade school and find an apprenticeship (which Woodfin offers).
Benefits of working for Woodfin
“Woodfin is a company that values you as an employee. Whether a technician is new or has been here for 30+ years, we all make sure to take pride in our work and hold all our technicians to the same standard,” says Randy Melton, Woodfin Plumbing Supervisor.
Woodfin offers apprenticeships and employs mid-level and senior technicians in a positive environment with a solid customer base, offering a competitive salary and benefits. Learn more.
Quiz
What are the most common calls plumbers receive in the Richmond area? Tell us what you think.*
