Plumbing is a highly lucrative profession in the US. In almost every state, plumbers can get jobs easily and work on various plumbing-related tasks. Similarly, the money these people make is higher than average.
There is a demand for plumbing in all states. Some states even have a license reciprocity agreement with others. It means these states are welcoming licensed plumbers from the outside.
Plumbing is one of the best career choices for most people. Apart from the high pay and demand, there are other advantages of being a plumber.
For example, plumbers can earn while learning the trade, making it easier to avoid student loans. Similarly, plumbers have more job security and advancement opportunities.
Despite its advantages, plumbing can also have some disadvantages. These are things that plumbers must accept when working in their profession. For some aspiring plumbers, these disadvantages may be a dealbreaker, though.
Why should people not choose plumbing as a career?
Being a plumber can be a challenging task. On top of that, some things make choosing plumbing as a career unacceptable for many.
Among the top reasons people should not work as a plumber, the top five include the following.
Schedule
Plumbers have to work long hours to complete their work. Sometimes, the work may require them to be available even outside the regular hours.
Usually, plumbers work 8-hour shifts. However, in emergencies or other situations, the working time may increase by several hours. For most people, the long and irregular hours of work can be a disadvantage.
Plumbers do get the benefit of earning overtime on these hours. However, for plumbers with families or other commitments, the schedule can be a huge reason why they won’t choose plumbing as a career.
Outside the irregular hours, plumbers may also need to work on holidays or weekends, which adds to the problem.
Physically demanding job
There is no doubt that plumbing is a physically demanding job. Most states require plumbers to have good physical health before getting their licenses.
There is a reason behind why that is so. Plumbers need to work their feet, crawl or fit into cramped spaces, hunch and bend during their day. They also need to carry heavy equipment or apply force to most of their tools.
Therefore, plumbing may not be a wise career choice for people who can’t bear the stress that comes with the physical demand.
The physical aspect of the business can also add to medical bills for people with preexisting health conditions. On top of that, it can create problems such as back or leg pain. Similarly, it can even add to the costs of keeping fit.
Occupational risk
The physically demanding job for plumbers also comes with occupational risks. Plumbers have to work in harsh conditions and come in contact with harmful materials.
This risk can cause many health problems and increase their medical bills. Plumbers work closely with chemicals, sparks, falling objects, gases, molds, etc.
Many companies provide insurance for plumbers while they work. However, that does not mean that plumbers won’t face the risk.
These risks can result in physical injuries. These include physical injuries, reaction to chemicals, hand tool injuries, loss of hearing or sigh, exposure to biohazard materials, etc. For most plumbers, the occupational risk is a reason why they don’t choose plumbing as a career.
Lengthy process
Journeymen and master plumbers can earn a significant amount of money with the experience they have. However, the licensure process is lengthy.
Most plumbers have to go through several years of apprenticeship programs to get there. On top of that, they have to suffer low income during these years, adding even more problems to the process.
Once plumbers go through the apprenticeship, the process does not end. In most states, plumbers also have to work through several years of journeyman license experience.
The whole process of getting a master plumbing license can be lengthy and time-consuming. During the same time, plumbers can get far in other career paths.
High stress and pressure
Plumbing is a highly stressful job. There are many reasons why it is so. As mentioned, plumbers have to work during unpleasant hours, go through physically demanding work, and even face risks. These can all add to the stress and pressure that plumbers bear.
The lack of predictability that comes with the trade makes it even more stressful for professionals.
On top of that, clients and employers want quick results. It is because the demand for plumbers is significant. Therefore, plumbers can’t take much time on a single task.
Every job may have tight deadlines too, which plumbers must. In emergencies, the stress will be even higher. All of these can add to the stress of the job.
Conclusion
Plumbing can be a highly beneficial job. However, it may also come with some problems. These problems may cause people to avoid choosing plumbing as a career.
There are many reasons why it is so. Among those, the most prevalent include scheduling, physical demand, occupational risk, lengthy process, and high stress and pressure.