What Does A Plumber Do?

WHAT DOES A PLUMBER DO?

Published: Dec 01, 2025 - The Plumber installs, maintains, and repairs plumbing systems to support efficient water, gas, and drainage operations across various facilities. This role involves reading blueprints, identifying and resolving plumbing issues, and performing precise installations in accordance with safety and regulatory standards. The individual exhibits technical expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering dependable and high-quality workmanship.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Plumber

1. Plumber Duties

Plumbing Maintenance: Repairs, maintains, and operates all plumbing equipment and fixtures, fresh water systems, sewer systems, storm drains, fountains and water features throughout the park
Material Handling: Assist with collecting materials, parts, and equipment as directed under supervision
Water Analysis: Conduct water analysis, make adjustments and additions to maintain the water balance of the fountain and water features in accordance with corporate and local authority regulating requirements
System Operation: Operate, maintain and repair the potable and non-potable water system and associated equipment
Equipment Maintenance: Assist in maintenance and repair of all kitchen plumbing equipment, restroom equipment and fixtures, convenience fixtures and related building mechanical equipment throughout the park
Gas Maintenance: Assist with maintenance and repair gas distribution system and associated equipment
Record Keeping: Maintain a record of activities performed during shift, log activities, complete and submit required work order documentation
Facility Maintenance: Assist with the general maintenance of park facilities

2. Plumber Details

Room Cleaning: Make beds and clean rooms (furniture, white goods, all interior surfaces, windows)
Pipe Repair: Maintain and repair damaged/broken pipes and clogged drains
System Installation: Install underground sanitary, drainage, and water supply piping systems
System Inspection: Inspect plumbing systems in mining facilities to identify issues and initiate repairs
Tool Utilization: Utilize hand tools in fitting of valves, couplings and components for tanks, pumps, or other plumbing systems around the mine site
Pipe Assistance: Assist pipefitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of pipe fixtures for water and air systems
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with general contractors and other professionals
Resource Management: Managing the effective use of available resources, including own time, in support of the delivery of the Fixed Plant Maintenance
Team Contribution: Contributing to an effective team/crew
Performance Development: Ensuring own work performance meets all role requirements and taking appropriate professional development actions

3. Plumber Responsibilities

Pipe Measurement: Measures and determines the proper piping, valves, and fittings required for the job
Pipe Insulation: Insulates water and fuel pipes and measures required cuts, threads, reams, etc.
System Installation: Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing piping systems and equipment
System Verification: Verifies the correct operation of all associated Utility Systems
Route Preparation: Cuts route openings, places hangers for correct pitch and elevation, and installs braces and supports
Pressure Testing: Installs and performs pressure tests for the operation of new, repaired, and modified components, valves, and controls
System Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, inspect, and test a variety of complex equipment and systems involving new and existing utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment

4. Plumber Job Summary

Plumbing Maintenance: Maintain, repair and do preventative maintenance on all plumbing, including all equipment, appliances, and minor repairs to the steam distribution
HVAC Maintenance: Maintain the HVAC system
System Drainage: Maintain and drain the roof vent and wastewater system
Water Distribution: Maintain chilled and condenser water distribution
Steam Maintenance: Maintain heating water and steam distribution
Preventive Maintenance: Do all preventive maintenance as scheduled by the Engineering office
Code Compliance: Maintain all distributions according to the OBC and the local authority
Fire Assistance: Assist with any Fire and life system issues
Potable Maintenance: Maintain potable hot and cold water distribution

5. Plumber Accountabilities

System Maintenance: Repairs and maintains water piping, soil waste, vent piping, plumbing systems for toilet rooms, labs, mechanical rooms, kitchens, distilled, demineralized water distribution systems, and safety eye wash and deluge shower piping systems
Drainage Repair: Repairs and maintains underground subsoil drainage, sewer, acid waste piping, dilution basins and campus water main distribution systems
Fixture Repair: Repairs and replaces damaged plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs
Pipe Connection: Connects the same to outlet/inlet pipes by fitting gaskets, couplings, traps, and valves
Fixture Installation: Installs new, removes or reworks existing stone bench tops, stone work surfaces in fume hoods, all types of sinks, service trim, and accessories thereof
Drain Cleaning: Opens clogged drains with a plunger or a snake
Leak Inspection: Routinely inspects connections and other system parts for leaks and corrosion
HVAC Operation: Operates, maintains, installs, troubleshoots, and repairs HVAC equipment, water, soil and drain piping
Work Independence: Works independently under the guidance of the Area Supervisor and/or Working Foreperson
Material Estimation: Estimate materials needed and accurately record time and materials expended
Customer Support: Provides responsive customer support with emphasis on customer satisfaction
Customer Assistance: Assists and advises customers and provides follow-up on progress and status of work

6. Plumber Functions

Plumbing Installation: Maintain, repair, replace, and/or install plumbing, piping, and plumbing fixtures related to city and non-potable water and sewage throughout the park
System Maintenance: Responsible for the interior and exterior of the park, as well as main sewer lines, building sewer lines, drains and clean-outs, grease traps/pits, manholes and lift stations
Problem Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot malfunctions and solve most problems with minimal supervision
Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety and handling procedures as well as state and federal regulations
Site Plumbing: Carry out plumbing duties on sites
Technical Service: Provide a technical engineering service with the minimum of supervision to the Servest FM client in respect of mechanical servicing, repairs, maintenance and installation
Asset Maintenance: Undertake the service and maintenance of other assets/trades that were deemed competent to do so
Contractor Monitoring: Undertake contractor control duties on behalf of the client, including monitoring of contractors and their workmanship, so that relevant standards are met
Performance Evaluation: Evaluate performance and ensure the proper servicing and maintenance of equipment under contract to the company is carried out

7. Plumber Job Description

Plumbing Maintenance: Inspects, installs, repairs, and replaces pipes, fittings, and plumbing fixtures to maintain heating, cooling, water, sewer, gas, and drainage systems.
Pipe Fitting: Cuts, bends, threads, and fits pipes with adjoining pipe assemblies.
Leak Repair: Caulks leaks and opens clogged drains.
Fixture Installation: Installs sinks, showers, toilets, water heaters, and related plumbing fixtures.
Work Inspection: Inspects completed work to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and local building codes.
Cost Estimation: Estimates time and material costs on plumbing projects.
Material Procurement: Requisitions new plumbing supplies and equipment.
Surface Restoration: Replaces tile, re-plasters, or paints walls through which holes have been made to gain access to plumbing.
Work Documentation: Documents all work in the CMMS system.
Employee Training: Attends training programs (classroom and virtual) as designated.
Safety Compliance: Complies with all company safety and risk management policies and procedures.
Incident Reporting: Reports all accidents and injuries promptly.
Safety Participation: Participates in regular safety meetings, safety training, and hazard assessments.
Procedure Adherence: Performs all work in accordance with established safety procedures.

8. Plumber Overview

System Maintenance: Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair drainage and irrigation systems, sewage disposal systems, and other waste lines.
Leak Repair: Clear plumbing stoppages, repair fittings and valves, line breaks, and leaks.
Plumbing Inspection: Inspect plumbing installations and conduct required tests to ensure jobs are completed.
Blueprint Reading: Read blueprints and review project plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and standards.
Pipe Cutting: Cut and thread pipes.
Trench Digging: Dig trenches for irrigation systems.
Metal Joining: Perform soldering and brazing work for plumbing installation and maintenance repairs.
Parts Management: Order necessary parts and supplies and maintain required records.
Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, make recommendations, and perform required repairs.
Work Documentation: Maintain job status updates through the online work order system.

9. Plumber Details and Accountabilities

Material Estimation: Performs preliminary work such as estimating materials required and locating and marking areas where work is to be done.
System Control: Installs, repairs, or replaces sprinkler system controls, including diagnosing system problems related to control valves.
Valve Replacement: Replaces main sprinkler system electric valves and components such as isolation valves and pipe connections.
Fixture Installation: Installs piping and fixtures for lawn sprinkler systems, wash basins, bathtubs, century tubs, water closets, urinals, water cooling units, grease traps, and garbage disposal units.
Valve Installation: Installs and repairs main valves in accordance with specifications and blueprints.

10. Plumber Tasks

Task Prioritization: Recognizes priorities and reacts promptly to urgent requests and occurrences.
Plumbing Layout: Independently plans, lays out, and assembles plumbing equipment.
Material Identification: Identifies appropriate materials for various plumbing applications, including laboratories, patient care areas, medical gas systems, and dental gases.
System Installation: Installs plumbing system parts that carry water, gas, air, storm, and sanitary sewage.
Fixture Installation: Installs traps, lavatories, and other types of plumbing equipment.
Preventive Maintenance: Performs a variety of preventive maintenance duties in the repair, alteration, and modification of mechanical equipment.
Task Execution: Accomplishes assigned tasks by written or oral work order requests independently and promptly.
Code Compliance: Maintains and installs plumbing and piping systems that meet VA, Federal, State, and local plumbing codes.
Specification Interpretation: Interprets specifications and drawings to maintain, diagnose, repair, and construct plumbing systems.
Tool Accountability: Responsible for accountability of tools, materials, and test equipment.
System Calibration: Maintains, adjusts, and recalibrates timers and computers on lawn sprinkler systems.
Record Maintenance: Maintains daily and monthly logbooks for all water temperature recordings for review.
Independent Operation: Performs all tasks with little or no advice from a supervisor and any other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.
System Testing: Performs tests after completion of installation, seating, hookup, and other procedures to ensure proper operation of equipment.

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