Been learning for over a year in the field now. Truth about plumbing is it sucks, it’s hot, you’re dirty all the time, it smells, there’s bugs, but if you like seeing it all come together in the end and you feel the gratitude of doing a good job on someone’s home fixture, it’s all worth it.
Some wonderful advice here. Must watch. Know yourself before you jump in the trades. Especially those over 30 and career swappers. There's unprecedented turnover happening in the trades because people are changing careers for the money. Expect your brain, your mind and your body to be stretched to the extreme. This is not easy.
Thank You! I work as a stationary engineer and I am in charge of the grease trap pumps.. let me tell you that smell is nasty! You will not want to eat fried foods again! However I wear the respirator, gloves and go to it! Out of 25 guys, I’m the only one they depend on. And know how to rebuild them. They squirm. However come lay-offs I’ll still be wrenching away thanks to these pumps...I like the plumbing aspect and I also do the nasty toilets! But hey! Just do it with a respirator! And Ppe.
I’ve been a line cook since I was in high school I’ve been a laborer for concrete companies then I started digging up sewers for a trenchless company got hooked up with a better bigger company that does all aspects mostly residential service, I have been installing and running calls for them for about a year now it’s a love hate relationship but in the end it’s all I can think about plumbing has literally taken over my mind I just can’t turn it off
Your doing an awesome thing here, I've been plumbing residential/undergrounds some commercial things Well rounded 4 1/2 yrs. It was more Fear of the unknown then anything when starting out working an school.
Plumbers are the coolest and smartest people on this planet I know this because I'm planning on becoming a plumber. After I get my GED within a few months. I can't wait. I'm excited about starting a career in something I'm passionate about. I love your channel Roger.
This is very good advice. Who you learn from really dictates how your career is going to go. If you have a j man that says " that'll work" or "its good enough" and you have that attitude, you won't go far. That's from experience. Work hard, show up on time and always try to do nice work. There is time when there's lots of work and guaranteed there will be slow times. Who do you think the company will keep the guy that does half ass work or they guy who does nice work? I got in when there was a boom and learnt from alot of half assers. Habits are hard to break and I had to experience that.
Hey Rodger, I’m 33 and will be moving to Rapid City in August and starting a new career in plumbing. The plan is to attend a plumbing technology program at the technical college and then get hooked up with a great company. The 12 month college program counts as a full year towards my apprenticeship. Any advice on this plan of action?
plumber here of 15 years in Canada and the only problem i have encountered is the lack of governing body to over see that work is being done by a properly trained and licenced plumber to many fly by night plumbing companies or contractors doing shotty plumbing work without a licence
Western wa service plumber here.. working at one of the larger shops in my area, I chose the service route because I love doing different things every day and diagnosing issues 👍 long days and on call shifts are a big downside though but it is what it is
And don’t waste time, you only need 4yrs or 8,000hrs to get your license, after 4 yrs you become a master apprentice or master helper if u don’t passed the test!
I have been a plumbing service technician for a year after going through an extensive 8 month apprenticeship with a company. Great career opportunity for anyone thinking about it. 1st year of service I made almost 200k take home. When going through your apprenticeship pay attention to everything you are seeing and dont be afraid to ask questions
School of hard knocks here, learned working for a bigger company, that didn’t train well. Trained how to clean drains but not plumb. Most of what I learned there was watching a dude who was 65, do his thing, and then him telling me to get after it. Moved to a much smaller company, literally 4 of us. I’ve learned 100x more than with the big company. Btw, I’m repair side. Did a job for a dude the other day that owns a carpet cleaning/disaster cleaning business. He was telling me he had a customer ask him to suck water from under his crawl space and lay sand. Owner told him no and to never call again. Crawl space was about 2 ft tall. It was rather nice down there lol.
In new construction right now, but crawling under trailers not fun. Do not like service, on call sucks. want to build. been apprentice now for 9 months. going to class two nights a week for journeymen plumbing in 4 years. Florida.
I’m currently in a small service company who promised to send me to school for plumbing. I hate flushing drains and snaking I want to get into new construction but I want my resume to be beefed up will I be an asset to new construction plumbers if I’m coming from the service end?
The issue you had with your employee who is scared of heights got me thinking. I'm very interested in getting into plumbing, but I am also terrified of heights. How often do plumbers work on roofs?
I have 10 years as a plumber and I have learned new construction, and service. I started doing new construction however the housing market is not stable enough and I didn’t want to be out of work so I learned service so now I do new construction, remodels and service. The moment you think you know it all. You know nothing
Rodger , josh here...I'm in my 23rd year, more less the owners right hand man, i run work, bid work, do invoicing etc.. I'm at a point in my career that I feel a lack of passion some weeks yet other weeks i love it...do u or have u ever went thru these cross roads and what was your remedies??? Thank u in advance sir
Would you recommend bringing spare clothes for these type of dirty jobs? Read a story once that you can price gauge extra if the job is that bad. True?
Yes. When I first started plumbing I was terrified the first time I got a roof. I shit you not I was on the roof for 15 minutes scared stiff bc I didn't trust the ladder. 2 years later I have never fell off a ladder or roof and have only seen somebody do it done one time. Just be careful and you will be fine.
Depends on if you’re interested in doing residential or commercial, service or new construction…residential you’re less likely to deal with heights, commercial…not so much
@WICKEDLEE LOOPY It can be tough. Commercial might be a little easier but the trick is to learn to work smnarter not harder. That's been tough for me...
You said a mouth full on that one, i live in s.w. florida and the heat (9 months out of the year) is so bad i had to get out of the trade, 56 years old, just couldn't do it any more, im sure different regons are different but down here it really is a younger mans trade👍.
If they love new construction stay with it forever. There are so many different things to do in plumbing we can all find a happy place? Are you wanting to get into service or just wanting out of construction?
It’s mainly out of curiosity. I love new construction but I know plumbers who say troubleshooting is where your plumbing skills are really put to the test, implying that service is for the real plumbers. I know that’s ridiculous but it does trigger my curiosity lol
Been learning for over a year in the field now. Truth about plumbing is it sucks, it’s hot, you’re dirty all the time, it smells, there’s bugs, but if you like seeing it all come together in the end and you feel the gratitude of doing a good job on someone’s home fixture, it’s all worth it.
Some days are like that, some days are really bad... I love this trade!!!
Some wonderful advice here. Must watch. Know yourself before you jump in the trades. Especially those over 30 and career swappers. There's unprecedented turnover happening in the trades because people are changing careers for the money. Expect your brain, your mind and your body to be stretched to the extreme. This is not easy.
Your brain!? Come on this is not rocket science!
Thank You! I work as a stationary engineer and I am in charge of the grease trap pumps.. let me tell you that smell is nasty! You will not want to eat fried foods again! However I wear the respirator, gloves and go to it! Out of 25 guys, I’m the only one they depend on. And know how to rebuild them. They squirm. However come lay-offs I’ll still be wrenching away thanks to these pumps...I like the plumbing aspect and I also do the nasty toilets! But hey! Just do it with a respirator! And Ppe.
NICKLE& DIMEz I love your attitude. It all washes off! Where are you located?
Roger Wakefield Thank you, I’m in Nevada.
I’ve been a line cook since I was in high school I’ve been a laborer for concrete companies then I started digging up sewers for a trenchless company got hooked up with a better bigger company that does all aspects mostly residential service, I have been installing and running calls for them for about a year now it’s a love hate relationship but in the end it’s all I can think about plumbing has literally taken over my mind I just can’t turn it off
Your doing an awesome thing here, I've been plumbing residential/undergrounds some commercial things Well rounded 4 1/2 yrs. It was more Fear of the unknown then anything when starting out working an school.
Plumbers are the coolest and smartest people on this planet I know this because I'm planning on becoming a plumber. After I get my GED within a few months. I can't wait. I'm excited about starting a career in something I'm passionate about. I love your channel Roger.
Hey man how is it going I got 3 months left too! Im I’m your same shoes you said rn
This is very good advice. Who you learn from really dictates how your career is going to go. If you have a j man that says " that'll work" or "its good enough" and you have that attitude, you won't go far.
That's from experience.
Work hard, show up on time and always try to do nice work. There is time when there's lots of work and guaranteed there will be slow times. Who do you think the company will keep the guy that does half ass work or they guy who does nice work?
I got in when there was a boom and learnt from alot of half assers. Habits are hard to break and I had to experience that.
Enjoy the videos ,you have a way to say someone is stupid but, you still look professional .keep it coming mr.Wakefield
Hey Rodger, I’m 33 and will be moving to Rapid City in August and starting a new career in plumbing. The plan is to attend a plumbing technology program at the technical college and then get hooked up with a great company. The 12 month college program counts as a full year towards my apprenticeship. Any advice on this plan of action?
plumber here of 15 years in Canada and the only problem i have encountered is the lack of governing body to over see that work is being done by a properly trained and licenced plumber to many fly by night plumbing companies or contractors doing shotty plumbing work without a licence
Western wa service plumber here.. working at one of the larger shops in my area, I chose the service route because I love doing different things every day and diagnosing issues 👍 long days and on call shifts are a big downside though but it is what it is
@Getz Money are the paychecks nice though?
Usually they are 👍
@Getz Money my paychecks and benefits improved... That's why I stayed! Are you near Seattle?
The Expert Plumber yes sir, I service Seattle and surrounding areas
So it's best to get in shape before getting in the trade I pretty much got my license just got do my math and reading
And don’t waste time, you only need 4yrs or 8,000hrs to get your license, after 4 yrs you become a master apprentice or master helper if u don’t passed the test!
Manuel Gonzalez lol master helper ?
After 4 years you become a Journeyman Plumber if you can pass the test...
Nobody wants to teach the apprentice anything more then how to carry someone’s tools or where the shovel is in the van.
Lol
What steps do you take to protect yourself in the event that you have to climb under a house and potentially interact with raw sewage?
You can lay down plastic and wear protective clothing but you can't always avoid these issues or stay clean.
Im currently a automotive mechanic and thinking about becoming a plumber. So tired of the flat rate pay
UPC Code is accepted around the world.Get a study guide,code book
And keep it as part of your arsenal!
I am a Tradesman Plumber out in Plano, TX. Got in the trade when I was 17.
Do you plan on getting your Journeyman License?
The Expert Plumber Yessir. I will have my Journeyman at 21 years old.
I have been a plumbing service technician for a year after going through an extensive 8 month apprenticeship with a company. Great career opportunity for anyone thinking about it. 1st year of service I made almost 200k take home. When going through your apprenticeship pay attention to everything you are seeing and dont be afraid to ask questions
Do plumbers see snakes when going under a house often?
School of hard knocks here, learned working for a bigger company, that didn’t train well. Trained how to clean drains but not plumb. Most of what I learned there was watching a dude who was 65, do his thing, and then him telling me to get after it. Moved to a much smaller company, literally 4 of us. I’ve learned 100x more than with the big company. Btw, I’m repair side. Did a job for a dude the other day that owns a carpet cleaning/disaster cleaning business. He was telling me he had a customer ask him to suck water from under his crawl space and lay sand. Owner told him no and to never call again. Crawl space was about 2 ft tall. It was rather nice down there lol.
Dirty truth. If you have a bad back or knees don’t expect to do it and not be in a lot of pain the rest of your life. I can relate…
In new construction right now, but crawling under trailers not fun. Do not like service, on call sucks. want to build. been apprentice now for 9 months. going to class two nights a week for journeymen plumbing in 4 years. Florida.
@vinrod34 keep up the great work brother. This is a great career to be in. What's your favorite part of construction?
If you only do new buildings then I assume you don’t have to deal with crawling under a house, bugs and raw sewage bursts.
@sydney dubbe there are times in new construction that you get into bad locations. Just not nearly as often. Are you in plumbing yet?
How do I prepare mentally and not be grossed out by sewages?
great video, love the new studio
I am glad that you like it @Jeremy Vest. I have a great UA-cam advisor!!!
I’m currently in a small service company who promised to send me to school for plumbing. I hate flushing drains and snaking I want to get into new construction but I want my resume to be beefed up will I be an asset to new construction plumbers if I’m coming from the service end?
The issue you had with your employee who is scared of heights got me thinking. I'm very interested in getting into plumbing, but I am also terrified of heights. How often do plumbers work on roofs?
Comercial all the time residential not much.
I have 10 years as a plumber and I have learned new construction, and service. I started doing new construction however the housing market is not stable enough and I didn’t want to be out of work so I learned service so now I do new construction, remodels and service. The moment you think you know it all. You know nothing
What other types of plumbing are apart from service and new construction ?
Thanks.
Rodger , josh here...I'm in my 23rd year, more less the owners right hand man, i run work, bid work, do invoicing etc.. I'm at a point in my career that I feel a lack of passion some weeks yet other weeks i love it...do u or have u ever went thru these cross roads and what was your remedies??? Thank u in advance sir
How do you feel about it nowadays?
Would you recommend bringing spare clothes for these type of dirty jobs? Read a story once that you can price gauge extra if the job is that bad. True?
Always bring spare clothes especially if you're a helper
In the service industry you always want a set of spare clothes. Everything, including boots.
What would be the best way to start if I just wanted to skip the school part if there’s a way
I’m 17 and will be graduating high school in June. I am looking to get into the trade.
It's a great trade to get into. What part of the world are you in?
I’m in New York on Long Island
What tips would you give someone like myself looking too have a career in plumbing?
Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching!
I mean fear of heights is something you can get over right?
Some can and some can't. Do you have a fear of heights?
Yes. When I first started plumbing I was terrified the first time I got a roof. I shit you not I was on the roof for 15 minutes scared stiff bc I didn't trust the ladder. 2 years later I have never fell off a ladder or roof and have only seen somebody do it done one time. Just be careful and you will be fine.
Roger, question for U... Do U have a CCCDI License??
I want to do a good paying job like this but too am afraid of heights, do you think i could handle it?
Depends on if you’re interested in doing residential or commercial, service or new construction…residential you’re less likely to deal with heights, commercial…not so much
I would prefer going into the union. I'd like to become your apprentice. How do I get over there?
They do the same in Electrical also bring a lot of guys in just to get a job done and let them go 🙄🙄🙄 I'm glad I made it. Lol
@joseph diggs, if you work harder than the rest of the people on the job you will almost always have a job. Are you in the IBEW?
Do you get paid weekly or prejob
I hate heights and spiders 🕷
Being over 40 , you learn pretty quick that it's a young man's game. You don't want to be working on your knees on the ground fixing pipes @60
@WICKEDLEE LOOPY It can be tough. Commercial might be a little easier but the trick is to learn to work smnarter not harder. That's been tough for me...
You said a mouth full on that one, i live in s.w. florida and the heat (9 months out of the year) is so bad i had to get out of the trade, 56 years old, just couldn't do it any more, im sure different regons are different but down here it really is a younger mans trade👍.
How long do you reckon an apprentice should stay with new construction before giving the service side a shot?
If they love new construction stay with it forever. There are so many different things to do in plumbing we can all find a happy place? Are you wanting to get into service or just wanting out of construction?
It’s mainly out of curiosity. I love new construction but I know plumbers who say troubleshooting is where your plumbing skills are really put to the test, implying that service is for the real plumbers. I know that’s ridiculous but it does trigger my curiosity lol
You should say don’t get flush so I don’t have to come looking for you in a different attitude
You're cool and all but do plumbers really wear watches?
No idea how I've ended up here lol
Well I hope you enjoyed the video.
@@RogerWakefield I did!!
Not mad that you did tho !😍
@@jdcisneros9023 aw thank you!!!
Wow. Are those things real??