Im about done working new construction plumbing, im going for my masters in july and idk if my body can take this any longer, doing service teaches you more about how appliances work and how to diagnose what's actually going on, new construction is just litterally laying out and hauling ass to get a BOAT load of work done on a very unrealistic schedule, commercial new construction is a little different because you get some extra man power but as the journeymen its all on YOU to make sure everybody on your crew is listening and matching schedule
New subscriber here right this minute!! I was searching videos on how to change my toilet tank flapper valve and yours was one of them. What a fantastic video you made for that. Just wanted you to know I appreciate you helping us homeowners out here and I am now a subscriber and will be following along for other projects. Thanks again and like I said, new "subscriber", gave it a "like" and consider this part of my "Hello Mr./Mrs. Algorithm… Whoever you are"!!! 😂😂😂
Great video Roger. I always appreciate you saying get up early each day and study for 30 minutes to an hour. Most people don't realize that if you took 30 minutes a day and studied and learn your craft, that is a total of about 180 hours a year. . Thanks for all your videos Roger.
I’m an apprentice in a high demand area, I’m finished with school so I have some certifications and endorsements that make me qualified to work on my own. I made 86,000 this year as an apprentice.
@@RogerWakefield St Louis. I should clarify by own my own I mean I can work without journeyman supervision. Ultimate goal is to own my own shop and provide great services to my customers and generational income for my family.
@@LioGoldenberg-saless no I’m an apprentice, I said that in my original comment. I started in 2018, I was a helper/pre-apprentice for a little over a year then got my apprenticeship started in 2020, finished my education early back in January.
I am a new union apprentice. I want to set myself up for success. Not only monetarily but having career opportunities. But my biggest passion is hospitals. Fixing, building, maintaining, Etc. I feel like this is the biggest change to MY community I can do. And I want to change my community for the better and have a decent living style. I know business. I have taken college and switched majors enough to know business and other things but not much to show it since I kept switching majors. I somehow gotten a tc in business specialist for example. What do I do to set myself up for success in the us system.
Hey Roger, I’m 35 and I’m currently a strength and conditioning coach and realized I cannot move up in the company I work for. Long story short if I leave my job, I’m getting out of the strength and conditioning field. I wanted to get into a trade either electrician or plumbing, but starting as an apprentice I’ll be taking a significant pay cut. Oh and I’m getting married soon. I spoke with my significant other and she’s supportive of me going into a trade but I feel like taking a step backwards is really scary because we both want to start our family. If you have any advice I would appreciate it.
Don’t think of it as taking a step back. I just finished my apprenticeship, half of the year I was an apprentice and half the year I was a journeyman and I finished the year off at 130k. Good luck!
@@JustinPridon do you do a apprenticeship as a union or non-union also how did you start the apprenticeship I’m young and really confused on which direction I should take
Fantastic video, Roger! I wanted to express my appreciation. As an aspiring 17 year old, definitely wanting to get into the trades, particularly plumbing. Your insights are truly helpful. Is there anything you think I can do to stand out?
Don't stop learning...people get a license and set themselves on autopilot...make it your mission to outperform everyone else...be the best and take pride in your work
I love the idea of specialization. I learned when I played HS football that for me to get on the field I had to do things (play tight end, the least sexy possibly most dangerous position) that the other kids weren't willing to do. Most people fear what they don't know and that's how opportunities present themselves. A question I have is how do you find out what you can specialize in? I'm not a plumber yet but I have my aptitude test with UA in maybe 3 weeks and I'm trying to think maybe 10-15 years down the road and what can I do to set myself apart.
Look at what other companies are specializing in, or lack there of, and do it better than them...I was not the first company to specialize in slab leak dection...but I do it better than most other companies...whatever you like and want to specialize in, do it better than everyone else.
Been in the plumbing trade for almost 5 years but never really knew about licensing and registration but really need to get with the program. How does one register? Currently living in California near Sacramento area.
Hey Roger. I have watched your videos for a few years and now I have a question and need guidance. My washer is on the north side of the house with the plumbing in the wall. Most winter at least once my pee trap freezes in the crawl space. The trap is right against the blocks on f the house foundation. How far can I move the trap to keep it from freezing away from the blocks.
You cannot simply move the p trap but keep everything else where it is (ie the laundry tray) So basically if you want to move the ptrap in towards the house several feet, you’ll need to relocate the entire laundry tray, which would include moving your hot & cold water lines over and also possibly making a new new roof penetration to move the vent over, unless you can re vent in the attic above the laundry room. The easiest thing to do if your trap seal freezes would be to dump a few cups of steaming hot water and wait for a little bit for it to clear up.
You cannot simply move the p trap but keep everything else where it is (ie the laundry tray) So basically if you want to move the ptrap in towards the house several feet, you’ll need to relocate the entire laundry tray, which would include moving your hot & cold water lines over and also possibly making a new new roof penetration to move the vent over, unless you can re vent in the attic above the laundry room. The easiest thing to do if your trap seal freezes would be to dump a few cups of steaming hot water and wait for a little bit for it to clear up.
Bro bro I got something you forgot to suggest. Having the right channels subscribed on UA-cam. There’s a lot of great plumbers who regularly post on UA-cam. Learning the old tricks just as learning the new ones is important like you mentioned in number 11 seek guidance. Just it’s faster to learn if you follow and subscribe to the right channels.
@@RogerWakefield that’s a great question. I am subscribed to a lot. Some handymen, electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC guys, and more but the straight plumbers that I can name off is : you, @theplumbersplunger, @PlumbHero, @theconservativeplumber, @hydronyc, @ColeMetge, theplumberlorian, and a few others sorry if I’m subscribed and missed your channel 😅.
What’s a way to do this without having to drive and go to peoples houses? Like can I start in commercial plumbing? I don’t like driving and I’m scared of going to peoples houses because of dogs.
So he admits plumbers can struggle financially but then downplays it with a plethora of excuses. He also conveniently ignores those who are the best of the best and yet quit the industries or who get killed or injured in those industries. He downplays how difficult and expensive it is to get into trades as well as no less expensive they are. My husband tried to get into those trades and he was appalled at how not only how expensive many of the surrounding vocational/trade schools were - but that most aren’t willing to train as Roger otherwise implies. He also attacks those who get injured or killed on the job and who weren’t clumsy. Lastly, he doesn’t mention the corruption within the unions he defends. Anyone who tries to leave said unions have gone through a tone of legal and financial problems caused by those corrupt unions. Bottom line - plumbing is expensive, it’s backbreaking, it involves being around toxic and dangerous environments, corrupt unions, etc. If you got injured or had loved ones killed via plumbing or who have worked for years and never made it in that industry or who realized it wasn’t for you nor made you happy - by all means speak out the truth. We need truth tellers.
Yep, you definitely want to get in with the grumpy old guys! They will teach you so much!
Im about done working new construction plumbing, im going for my masters in july and idk if my body can take this any longer, doing service teaches you more about how appliances work and how to diagnose what's actually going on, new construction is just litterally laying out and hauling ass to get a BOAT load of work done on a very unrealistic schedule, commercial new construction is a little different because you get some extra man power but as the journeymen its all on YOU to make sure everybody on your crew is listening and matching schedule
Just finished my plumbing apprenticeship with the UA and journeyed out. Now im learning pipe fitting
My son went into pipefitting...he loved it, good luck to you! Keep those welders busy
Great video Roger! Keep up the hard work.
Thanks brother... have a great Christmas
@@RogerWakefield Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
New subscriber here right this minute!! I was searching videos on how to change my toilet tank flapper valve and yours was one of them. What a fantastic video you made for that. Just wanted you to know I appreciate you helping us homeowners out here and I am now a subscriber and will be following along for other projects. Thanks again and like I said, new "subscriber", gave it a "like" and consider this part of my "Hello Mr./Mrs. Algorithm… Whoever you are"!!! 😂😂😂
Great video Roger. I always appreciate you saying get up early each day and study for 30 minutes to an hour. Most people don't realize that if you took 30 minutes a day and studied and learn your craft, that is a total of about 180 hours a year. . Thanks for all your videos Roger.
Absolutely...and not enough people do it...there's a reason the trades are dying...there's no pride
Just the video I need
I’m an apprentice in a high demand area, I’m finished with school so I have some certifications and endorsements that make me qualified to work on my own. I made 86,000 this year as an apprentice.
That's awesome! What part of the country are you located in
@@RogerWakefield St Louis. I should clarify by own my own I mean I can work without journeyman supervision.
Ultimate goal is to own my own shop and provide great services to my customers and generational income for my family.
That’s awesome man how many years of plumbing did it take you to start making this much and are you currently a journeyman?
@@LioGoldenberg-saless no I’m an apprentice, I said that in my original comment. I started in 2018, I was a helper/pre-apprentice for a little over a year then got my apprenticeship started in 2020, finished my education early back in January.
Hi Roger!
Is it okay to start plumbing apprenticeship at 35 years old?
I am a new union apprentice. I want to set myself up for success. Not only monetarily but having career opportunities. But my biggest passion is hospitals. Fixing, building, maintaining, Etc. I feel like this is the biggest change to MY community I can do. And I want to change my community for the better and have a decent living style. I know business. I have taken college and switched majors enough to know business and other things but not much to show it since I kept switching majors. I somehow gotten a tc in business specialist for example. What do I do to set myself up for success in the us system.
Great Video! Awesome Information!
Hey Roger, I’m 35 and I’m currently a strength and conditioning coach and realized I cannot move up in the company I work for. Long story short if I leave my job, I’m getting out of the strength and conditioning field.
I wanted to get into a trade either electrician or plumbing, but starting as an apprentice I’ll be taking a significant pay cut. Oh and I’m getting married soon. I spoke with my significant other and she’s supportive of me going into a trade but I feel like taking a step backwards is really scary because we both want to start our family. If you have any advice I would appreciate it.
Don’t think of it as taking a step back. I just finished my apprenticeship, half of the year I was an apprentice and half the year I was a journeyman and I finished the year off at 130k. Good luck!
@@JustinPridonI call bs, apprenticeship lasts 4 years (8000 hours) before you can even get licensed as a journeyman…
@@JustinPridon do you do a apprenticeship as a union or non-union also how did you start the apprenticeship I’m young and really confused on which direction I should take
@@JustinPridon how'd you do it?🙏🏽 I wanna start now
Fantastic video, Roger! I wanted to express my appreciation. As an aspiring 17 year old, definitely wanting to get into the trades, particularly plumbing. Your insights are truly helpful. Is there anything you think I can do to stand out?
Don't stop learning...people get a license and set themselves on autopilot...make it your mission to outperform everyone else...be the best and take pride in your work
I love the idea of specialization. I learned when I played HS football that for me to get on the field I had to do things (play tight end, the least sexy possibly most dangerous position) that the other kids weren't willing to do. Most people fear what they don't know and that's how opportunities present themselves.
A question I have is how do you find out what you can specialize in? I'm not a plumber yet but I have my aptitude test with UA in maybe 3 weeks and I'm trying to think maybe 10-15 years down the road and what can I do to set myself apart.
Look at what other companies are specializing in, or lack there of, and do it better than them...I was not the first company to specialize in slab leak dection...but I do it better than most other companies...whatever you like and want to specialize in, do it better than everyone else.
@@RogerWakefieldawesome, thank you so much for replying. I'll definitely take this advice to heart.
Been in the plumbing trade for almost 5 years but never really knew about licensing and registration but really need to get with the program. How does one register? Currently living in California near Sacramento area.
I would look at your california plumbing website or state board website...they'll have the answers you need.
@@RogerWakefield okay thank you
You need to join UA local 447 brother
Hey Roger. I have watched your videos for a few years and now I have a question and need guidance. My washer is on the north side of the house with the plumbing in the wall. Most winter at least once my pee trap freezes in the crawl space. The trap is right against the blocks on f the house foundation. How far can I move the trap to keep it from freezing away from the blocks.
You cannot simply move the p trap but keep everything else where it is (ie the laundry tray)
So basically if you want to move the ptrap in towards the house several feet, you’ll need to relocate the entire laundry tray, which would include moving your hot & cold water lines over and also possibly making a new new roof penetration to move the vent over, unless you can re vent in the attic above the laundry room.
The easiest thing to do if your trap seal freezes would be to dump a few cups of steaming hot water and wait for a little bit for it to clear up.
You cannot simply move the p trap but keep everything else where it is (ie the laundry tray)
So basically if you want to move the ptrap in towards the house several feet, you’ll need to relocate the entire laundry tray, which would include moving your hot & cold water lines over and also possibly making a new new roof penetration to move the vent over, unless you can re vent in the attic above the laundry room.
The easiest thing to do if your trap seal freezes would be to dump a few cups of steaming hot water and wait for a little bit for it to clear up.
Bro bro I got something you forgot to suggest. Having the right channels subscribed on UA-cam. There’s a lot of great plumbers who regularly post on UA-cam. Learning the old tricks just as learning the new ones is important like you mentioned in number 11 seek guidance. Just it’s faster to learn if you follow and subscribe to the right channels.
That’s a great tip! Who all do you watch?
@@RogerWakefield that’s a great question. I am subscribed to a lot. Some handymen, electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC guys, and more but the straight plumbers that I can name off is : you, @theplumbersplunger, @PlumbHero, @theconservativeplumber, @hydronyc, @ColeMetge, theplumberlorian, and a few others sorry if I’m subscribed and missed your channel 😅.
I watch all those guys every once in awhile...they have great content
What’s a way to do this without having to drive and go to peoples houses? Like can I start in commercial plumbing? I don’t like driving and I’m scared of going to peoples houses because of dogs.
Is that a joke lol 😂😂😂
Dogs are not the reason you should be scared of other peoples houses 😂
@@Car-editzz-sq1qk Nope I hate dogs I have autism and can’t stand dogs running up on me and touching me.
Then i would look into new construction or commercial...
So he admits plumbers can struggle financially but then downplays it with a plethora of excuses. He also conveniently ignores those who are the best of the best and yet quit the industries or who get killed or injured in those industries. He downplays how difficult and expensive it is to get into trades as well as no less expensive they are. My husband tried to get into those trades and he was appalled at how not only how expensive many of the surrounding vocational/trade schools were - but that most aren’t willing to train as Roger otherwise implies. He also attacks those who get injured or killed on the job and who weren’t clumsy. Lastly, he doesn’t mention the corruption within the unions he defends. Anyone who tries to leave said unions have gone through a tone of legal and financial problems caused by those corrupt unions. Bottom line - plumbing is expensive, it’s backbreaking, it involves being around toxic and dangerous environments, corrupt unions, etc. If you got injured or had loved ones killed via plumbing or who have worked for years and never made it in that industry or who realized it wasn’t for you nor made you happy - by all means speak out the truth. We need truth tellers.
Toilet log this year?