What Does A Journeyman Plumber Do?

WHAT DOES A JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER DO?

Published: Nov 21, 2025 - The Journeyman Plumber installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems using hand and power tools to assemble pipes, fittings, fixtures, and appliances in compliance with building codes. This role includes diagnosing issues, detecting leaks, estimating costs, and preparing structures for installation with accurate measurement and layout. The plumber also ensures excellent customer service, directs support staff, and upholds high standards of quality and satisfaction.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Journeyman Plumber

1. Journeyman Plumber Duties

Project Planning: Provide scope assessments, cost estimates, schedule development, and disruption/outage planning for projects
Project Coordination: Conduct plan and submittal/RFI reviews, subcontractor bidding and coordination, and manage overall project costs within allotted budgets
Blueprint Interpretation: Take direction from plumbing diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and drawings to install all plumbing components efficiently and effectively per code.
System Installation: Install new equipment and components, and repair existing systems and equipment efficiently and effectively per applicable code.
Performance Execution: Performs tasks successfully as evidenced by work order records and QA observations of supervisory staff
Plumbing Expertise: Provides a high level of expertise in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems and related equipment
Component Maintenance: Maintains and repairs general plumbing components to include toilets, urinals, faucets, hose bibs, and drains
Pipe Installation: Installs, repairs, or replaces domestic hot and cold water lines.
Technical Reading: Read and interpret Schematics, blueprints, technical manuals, shop directives, diagrams, meters, gauges, and testing equipment relative to plumbing components and equipment
Drafting Support: Provides sketches and dimensions used by drafters to create plans for subcontractor work.
Industry Knowledge: Maintains a high level of knowledge and expertise in the plumbing field and continually strives to remain current on industry changes
Analytical Thinking: Understands the implications of new information on both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
System Troubleshooting: Efficiently evaluate and troubleshoot plumbing systems and related equipment.

2. Journeyman Plumber Responsibilities

Team Supervision: Supervise team members in all aspects of construction plumbing operations
Project Coordination: Coordinate with key internal and external personnel to establish job schedules and priorities
Work Communication: Communicate work schedules, job priorities, etc., to on-site personnel
Material Management: Order materials and supplies to facilitate project completion
Site Inspection: Conduct daily inspections of assigned projects
Documentation Management: Complete and submit all required documentation
Project Execution: Ensure plumbing projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner
Department Coordination: Coordinate with other departments/organizations to maintain established timelines

3. Journeyman Plumber Accountabilities

Team Leadership: Work along with team members and set the pace
Quality Assurance: Ensure quality work is installed
Resource Preparation: Ensure that the needed plans, shop drawings, spool sheets, materials, and tools are available
Problem Management: Manage problems that come up during the workday
Knowledge Sharing: Maintain current knowledge, and answer questions of other workers on procedures, policies, written instructions, and other directives (for example, technical orders)
Work Verification: Check work while in progress and when finished to verify work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines have been met
Safety Compliance: Assure that safety and housekeeping rules are followed
Progress Reporting: Report to superintendents and project managers on the status and progress of work
Apprentice Training: Ensure assigned Apprentices are receiving training appropriate to skill level

4. Journeyman Plumber Functions

Blueprint Interpretation: Interpret specifications and blueprints for completion of job specifics.
Equipment Installation: Install plumbing equipment, piping, and assemblies at the job site.
Material Preparation: Ensure all materials, equipment, and tools are in hand to complete the assigned project.
Performance Evaluation: Rate information using measurable standards.
Policy Enforcement: Follow company policies for workers and enforce safety regulations.
Schedule Management: Study schedules and ensure timely reporting to job sites are assigned.
Problem Resolution: Analyze and resolve work problems with any assigned Helpers.
Time Accuracy: Ensure accuracy of own time records.

5. Journeyman Plumber Job Description

Pipe Assembly: Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Work Documentation: Keep records of work assignments.
Team Direction: Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Plumbing Maintenance: Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Blueprint Review: Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Cost Estimation: Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
System Installation: Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping to connect fixtures and plumbing.
Structural Inspection: Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
Green Plumbing: Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless water heaters.
Structure Modification: Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Water System Installation: Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems.
Sustainability Recommendation: Recommend energy or water-saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency water heaters.

6. Journeyman Plumber Details and Accountabilities

Customer Service: Delivering excellent customer service and sustaining high levels of customer satisfaction
Pipe Assembly: Assemble pipe sections, tubing, and fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, and welding equipment.
Leak Detection: Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks
Cost Estimation: Prepare written work cost estimates
Pipe Positioning: Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, and fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers and levels.
Pipe Fabrication: Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to the required angle, using hand and power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, and pipe-bending machines.
Fixture Installation: Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks and toilets, using hand and power tools.
Structure Modification: Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
Plumbing Maintenance: Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, and opening clogged drains.
Team Supervision: Direct workers engaged in pipe cutting and preassembly, and installation of plumbing systems and components.

7. Journeyman Plumber Additional Details

Plan Analysis: Studies building plans and working drawings to determine work aids required and the sequence of installations.
Structural Inspection: Inspects the structure to ascertain obstructions to be avoided to prevent weakening of the structure resulting from the installation of pipe.
Pipe Marking: Locates and marks the position of pipes and pipe connections and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors, using a ruler, spirit level, and plumb bob.
Structure Modification: Cuts openings in the wall and floors to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand tools and power tools.
Pipe Threading: Cuts and threads pipe, using pipe cutters, a cutting torch, and a pipe-threading machine.
Pipe Bending: Bends pipe to the required angle by use of a pipe-bending machine or by placing the pipe over a block and bending it by hand.
Pipe Installation: Assembles and installs valves, pipe fittings, and pipes composed of metals, such as iron, steel, brass, and lead, and nonmetals, such as glass, vitrified clay, and plastic, using hand tools and power tools.
Pipe Joining: Joins pipes by use of screws, bolts, fittings, solder, plastic solvent, and caulking joints.
Leak Testing: Fill the pipe system with water or air and read the pressure gauges to determine whether the system is leaking.
Fixture Installation: Installs and repairs plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, commodes, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, and water softeners.
Fixture Welding: May weld holding fixtures to steel structural members.
Trade Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate with other trades to complete the plumbing scope of work within the project schedule.

8. Journeyman Plumber Essential Functions

Material Management: Manage materials to ensure the timely completion of the work scheduled.
Resource Optimization: Ensures optimal material consumption.
Customer Relations: Ensures the needs of general contractors, owners, and other customers, as well as entrusted employees, are met.
Project Support: Participates in the project management process by assisting the project manager and superintendent with problems or questions regarding assigned projects in an accurate and timely manner.
Team Building: Builds trust and cooperation.
Progress Reporting: Keeps the superintendent or project manager aware of all issues affecting production, schedule, cost, and relationships.
Team Coaching: Serves as a coach by monitoring lower echelon mechanics and helper production, and quality workmanship.
Employee Training: Continually provides training in areas needing improvement to ensure quality, production, and safety.
Safety Focus: Focuses on safety and safety practices first and foremost at all task inceptions.
Jobsite Coaching: Coaches personnel to focus on job-site training.
Meeting Participation: Attends all job site and office meetings related to assigned projects.

9. Journeyman Plumber Role Purpose

Form Completion: Fills out all forms, revisions, and requests for tools/equipment/material that are required for each project.
Skill Development: Strengthens skills to encourage improvement in other plumbers or fitters.
Process Improvement: Emphasizes commitment to continually improve company procedures and processes by the use and development of measurements, analysis, and subsequent changes to procedures in the best interests of the company.
Blueprint Reading: Reads blueprints and interprets specifications.
Work Planning: Plans work to make the most efficient use of assigned manpower and other resources.
Task Timeliness: Work performance is completed timely manner.
Work Inspection: Inspects work in progress and completed work to ensure conformance to contract and specification.
Field Fabrication: Performs field fabrication of plumbing and piping systems and sets up the specific task or job schedule.
Schedule Adjustment: Makes adjustments to work sequences to meet construction schedules, using his knowledge of equipment and lower-level personnel capacities.
Punch List Management: Corrects punch-list items and makes distribution.

10. Journeyman Plumber General Responsibilities

Form Completion: Fills out all forms, revisions, and requests for tools/equipment/material that are required for each project.
Skill Development: Strengthens skills to encourage improvement in other plumbers or fitters.
Process Improvement: Emphasizes commitment to continually improve company procedures and processes by the use and development of measurements, analysis, and subsequent changes to procedures in the best interests of the company.
Blueprint Reading: Reads blueprints and interprets specifications.
Work Planning: Plans work to make the most efficient use of assigned manpower and other resources.
Task Timeliness: Work performance is completed timely manner.
Work Inspection: Inspects work in progress and completed work to ensure conformance to contract and specification.
Field Fabrication: Performs field fabrication of plumbing and piping systems and sets up the specific task or job schedule.
Schedule Adjustment: Makes adjustments to work sequences to meet construction schedules, using his knowledge of equipment and lower-level personnel capacities.
Punch List Management: Corrects punch-list items and makes distribution.

11. Journeyman Plumber Key Accountabilities

Blueprint Reading: Read blueprints and Plumbing drawings to lay out the Plumbing systems
Pipe Installation: Cut, assemble, and install pipes and tubes with attention to existing infrastructure (e.g., electrical wiring)
Water System Installation: Install and maintain water supply systems
Leak Repair: Locate and repair issues with water supply lines (e.g., leaks)
Drainage Repair: Repair or replace broken drainage lines, clogged drains, faucets, etc.
Gas Line Installation: Install and maintain gas lines.
Sanitary System Installation: Install waste disposal and sanitary systems with well-functioning DWV systems
Plumbing Maintenance: Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in commercial and residential environments
Drain Cleaning: Perform drain cleaning on plumbing systems
Service Work: Perform minor to complex service work on plumbing systems
Specification Compliance: Work with blueprints and job specifications as they apply to the craft
Material Identification: Identify proper materials and quantities for new and existing projects
Equipment Maintenance: Keep company vehicle and equipment properly serviced, clean, and in good working order and condition

12. Journeyman Plumber Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Commercial Installation: Commercial plumbing installation from underground/rough-ins, stack out to trim outs on large-scale commercial projects, including schools, government projects, and healthcare.
Pipe Support Installation: Install hangers and supports for pipes, equipment, and fixtures before installation for water, gas, compressed air, chilled and heating water, or other liquids.
Blueprint Interpretation: Interpret blueprints and building specifications required for each job site.
Pipework Application: Use of copper, steel, cast iron, PVC, CPVC, PEX, etc, piping.
Equipment Setup: Set grease traps, decontamination tanks, oil interceptors, lint interceptors, and utility hookups, etc.
Trade Collaboration: Work alongside other trades on commercial construction sites.
Residential Plumbing: Rough and finish plumbing work for residential kitchen and bathroom renovation projects.
Plumbing Relocation: Plan and execute the demolition, relocation of plumbing for residential kitchen and bathroom projects, including waste and supply lines for kitchen and bathroom sinks, gas lines, toilets, showers, and bathtubs.
Inspection Oversight: Oversee city inspections.
Crew Management: Work with an assistant or manage a small crew over several simultaneous projects.
Safety Compliance: Adhere to Skylight standards for site safety, worksite protection, and cleanliness.
System Installation: Install sanitary waste/vent, domestic water, storm drain, plumbing fixtures/trim, and equipment (water heaters, sump pumps, etc.) in commercial facilities.
Hanger Layout: Layout and install hangers for system installation.
Project Execution: Projects include new construction and renovation in healthcare.

13. Journeyman Plumber Duties and Roles

Team Leadership: Lead a team of five plumbers in the installation of rough-in and trim plumbing.
PEX Installation: Install PVC drains, PEX water lines, perform tests on rough-in before cover up (NO copper lines, all to be cold expansion fitting PEX lines).
Fixture Installation: Install toilets, set bathroom tubs, roll-in showers, vanities, etc.
Code Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Work Compliance: Ensure that work is completed promptly and up to code.
Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret blueprints and technical plans, instructions, and specifications to determine work activities.
Customer Communication: Properly address customer needs through attentive listening and honest communication.
Safety Improvement: Provide appropriate suggestions related to improved safety, performance, and efficient operation.
Work Estimation: Accurately estimating additional recommended work and the time required to complete it.
System Verification: Complete all necessary start-up procedures and verify proper equipment operation.
Documentation Management: Complete all necessary paperwork.
System Maintenance: Installs, maintains, and repairs pipes and fixtures associated with water distribution and sanitation systems in residential and commercial structures.
Plumbing Repair: Remove/reset toilets/urinals, repairing/replacing faucets, showers, water heaters, stacks, water lines, drain lines, garbage disposals, flushometers, water service, sewer mains, etc.

14. Journeyman Plumber Job Description

Equipment Repair: Repairs and replacement of water heaters, pumps, and boilers.
Fixture Maintenance: Removal, replacement, and repairs on plumbing fixtures, including shower valves.
System Servicing: Clean, adjust, and repair water systems, and perform warranty services.
Emergency Response: Perform emergency repairs promptly and efficiently.
Customer Assistance: Assist with customers' queries respectfully.
Invoice Documentation: Fill out all necessary invoice documentation for each customer.
Code Compliance: Elaborate repairs to code safely.
Worksite Maintenance: Keep the area clean and organized.
Tool Maintenance: Maintain tools and equipment in good working order.
Team Collaboration: Promote safety, teamwork, and cooperation.
Professional Communication: Develop and maintain professional communications with co-workers and clients.
Project Troubleshooting: Facilitates and troubleshoots problems associated with a project.