Hello Roger, my name is John. I am 4 weeks into plumbing school. Thank you so much on your insight. Your passion is truly unmatched. Like anything, the cream of the crop rises to the top. Hard work and dedication, one flush at a time.🔧
I am a female but I love seeing how plumbers do so many things different. I know the basics of pvc, pex, cober, and galvanize. I have a masters in social work, I went the wrong route!
You mentioned two books you'd suggest people get, but then they didn't come up again. I would really like to know what reading material is TRULY worth it.
Hey Roger I just want to say thanks for your videos. I was blessed with the opportunity to get into a company starting at $20 an hour not even going to school. He even pays me time and a half which comes to $33 an hour and I get at least 6 to 10 hours a week and overtime.I don't have plans to go to school. I'm 42 years old and by the time I get home I am just whooped. I think I was put on my own van a little too early but I've been doing well. I was with another plumber for about 6 months and picked his brain as much as I could while watching your videos. I actually taught him a couple things. I've always been mechanically inclined pretty much a jack of all trades master of none because I never studied one trade in particular. Now that I am studying just plumbing on my own accord that is . I am advancing very fast. My boss put me on my own van and after 6 months gave me a $2.50 raise. He pays my health insurance lets me take home a 2019 Dodge ProMaster 2500 and use it on my own time. I know I saw a video of your saying that if a company puts you on a truck in less than a year then get out of there. We don't advertise at all and are constantly swamped. I do between 4:00 and 6:00 service calls a day and there not just installing faucets but installing water heaters removing galvanized pipe and replacing it with PVC replacing sections of cast. I do all the things you say in this video and I think that's why my boss's company is so successful. He's been in business for 35 years and has never advertised. He said this is the least experienced crew he's had but the best crew he's had. We all get along none of us have egos we all listen to each other I mean when we're all on a job together that is. Me and my one partner I wish we were still together don't even have to talk to each other we just know each other's next move. I kind of wish I did pick a trade when I was younger but I never thought about a career. I found the Lord 3 years ago and have been so blessed since then. Have you ever thought of doing an online plumbing class? I would pay for the videos. I really don't believe that going to school is a must at least not in my case. I'm always trying to learn more things such as code and I'm pretty much getting the terminology down so I don't feel like an idiot when I walk into the supply house. When I was 19 I bought my first house and got it my bathroom and replumbed it from the basement up getting rid of all of the lead, installed new copper I even relocated the toilet and sink. I did that all by Google and that was in 2000. I've always had the mindset that if I could learn it I could do it. I'm now learning heating and I'm already going out on my own heating calls even diagnosing the problems. My boss was with me for one day and gave me a rundown on everything and I called on real quick. I would never be able to learn that in a classroom. In any case I feel like a sponge and can't get enough information. I am constantly spending my paycheck on new tools. Thank God I am single. I just want to say thanks again for your videos they help way more than you can imagine. I would really pay for extra content on school like videos which they pretty much already are. I would love to see some more HVAC videos if you do any.
Thanks for the perspective Roger! I really appreciate your insight. It's easy to get wrapped up in your own world and forget to take a step back to see things through the lense of coworkers and customers. Being a millennial, I take for granted my instant access to information, and often don't value that as much as I should. I always look forward to your videos!
Roger I have learned so much from you just watching a few videos on UA-cam. Thanks for the great information that you give out about being a plumber and what can help us become better plumbers. Keep it up with the videos I'm learning alot
Very glad that you brought up study time, this has been my favorite video so far because it really is the best thing to get every individual ahead. When you work hard and people do notice you might just find yourself receiving a raise instead of asking for one. A good company or owner will invest in a person who takes the trade to heart and want to build that plumber within his own company. I would not be where I am without the support of these individuals and the mentoring from the guys I worked under. Illustrated code books with commentary cost more but you will gain from it ten fold, it gives reason to why some of the codes exist and has some history lessons as well (2015 UPC illustrated) You rock
Im currently working as a skilled labor in a company that's doing industrial plumbing and construction. Ive been working with this company for almost 2 years and Ive learned a lot. Some of the things I do are pipe fitter, machine operator, mechanical side of plumbing, excavating, forming for concrete, finishing concrete, etc. Theres not a thing I cant do with a little guidance if needed. We mostly do water Towers, water treatment factories, waste water management systems. Ive been seriously thinking about becoming a "regular " residential plumber. Do you think my skills and knowledge could transfer? And if I apply somewhere is my experience worth anything? Plus I have a lot of my own tools and Im a hard worker. Im 24 and Im looking to build a career, my company is just giving me empty promises so far and a tap on the back for job well done. Love your videos. Thanks for all the info and effort you put in this channel.
Nick you are in the perfect spot to transition to plumbing another key thing is what area of the country are you in to do plumbing? The most in demand areas for the trade i would say are New York San Fran and Boston but really any densely populated area take the plunge. the best way is to work for a big company for 5-7 years and get the experience
@@mikeb12879 thanks for the reply. Im located on eastern shore ( ocean City Maryland) but the company that im interested in has jobs in 600 mile radius. They're up grow in company started in 2003 and now they have about 200 employees and 37 fleet trucks. I don't know if you're familiar with the area, if you are give me an advice on what pay should I ask for ( they pay hourly) . I always low balled myself when getting a job,Im just tryingto stay humble and learn, but my supervisor told me to shoot high .
Nick as a laborer you will always be paid for your hard work. As a skilled tradesman you will be paid for your knowledge and skills that you bring to the job. You should make the change ASAP!!!
I would like to see a video on how a plumber may maintain their health as they age, especially their lower back and knees. These seem to be chronic problems which may cut a plumber's career short as well as impacting their quality of life.
Emotional Idiot integrity and respect have to be part of the training because most parents aren't teaching it at home like it needs to be for customer service.
Just a question about my attire i have been working in trenches doing stormerwater pits water lines and i just get coved in mud everyday of the week the only time i look presentable is in the morning and even then i might wear the clothes from the day before because i know I'm going in trenches, What should i do is what I'm doing wrong?
I have never had to "ASK" for a raise before. I think my boss is a "squeaky wheel gets the grease" kinda dude. It's been two years since I started, I get complemented on my work habits and great attitude but I'm cautious about the $ conversation??
I actually mentioned that in my interview and told my boss I would never ask for a raise. 6 months later I had $2.50 more an hour added to my paycheck and I've only been there for 8 months. I have a feeling in another 6 months to a year I'll see another 2.50 or so.
Great video and great advice. Keep up the good work and getting the message out. And I agree completely, it doesn't matter if you are a green apprentice or a master plumber with many years in the trade. Always keep learning.
Roger Wakefield the fact that I think just like what you were talking about professionalism, respect, cleanliness, caring about your customers needs not just their money. knowledge of the industry, building value in your service, all these things i stand on but one thing did stand out the fact that I need to be studying every day 15 to 20 minutes that’s huge and I know that you’re right that could set me apart
Well I'd like to think I'm hard working I study while I'm still going to work about 4 hrs a weekday and 8 on the weekends while still waiting for the rep to get back to me about joining the union
Hello Roger, my name is John. I am 4 weeks into plumbing school. Thank you so much on your insight. Your passion is truly unmatched. Like anything, the cream of the crop rises to the top. Hard work and dedication, one flush at a time.🔧
I am a female but I love seeing how plumbers do so many things different. I know the basics of pvc, pex, cober, and galvanize. I have a masters in social work, I went the wrong route!
You mentioned two books you'd suggest people get, but then they didn't come up again. I would really like to know what reading material is TRULY worth it.
Yes I am also interested in the two books. Thank you for your videos Rodger.
Hey Roger I just want to say thanks for your videos. I was blessed with the opportunity to get into a company starting at $20 an hour not even going to school. He even pays me time and a half which comes to $33 an hour and I get at least 6 to 10 hours a week and overtime.I don't have plans to go to school. I'm 42 years old and by the time I get home I am just whooped. I think I was put on my own van a little too early but I've been doing well. I was with another plumber for about 6 months and picked his brain as much as I could while watching your videos. I actually taught him a couple things. I've always been mechanically inclined pretty much a jack of all trades master of none because I never studied one trade in particular. Now that I am studying just plumbing on my own accord that is . I am advancing very fast. My boss put me on my own van and after 6 months gave me a $2.50 raise. He pays my health insurance lets me take home a 2019 Dodge ProMaster 2500 and use it on my own time. I know I saw a video of your saying that if a company puts you on a truck in less than a year then get out of there. We don't advertise at all and are constantly swamped. I do between 4:00 and 6:00 service calls a day and there not just installing faucets but installing water heaters removing galvanized pipe and replacing it with PVC replacing sections of cast. I do all the things you say in this video and I think that's why my boss's company is so successful. He's been in business for 35 years and has never advertised. He said this is the least experienced crew he's had but the best crew he's had. We all get along none of us have egos we all listen to each other I mean when we're all on a job together that is. Me and my one partner I wish we were still together don't even have to talk to each other we just know each other's next move. I kind of wish I did pick a trade when I was younger but I never thought about a career. I found the Lord 3 years ago and have been so blessed since then. Have you ever thought of doing an online plumbing class? I would pay for the videos. I really don't believe that going to school is a must at least not in my case. I'm always trying to learn more things such as code and I'm pretty much getting the terminology down so I don't feel like an idiot when I walk into the supply house. When I was 19 I bought my first house and got it my bathroom and replumbed it from the basement up getting rid of all of the lead, installed new copper I even relocated the toilet and sink. I did that all by Google and that was in 2000. I've always had the mindset that if I could learn it I could do it. I'm now learning heating and I'm already going out on my own heating calls even diagnosing the problems. My boss was with me for one day and gave me a rundown on everything and I called on real quick. I would never be able to learn that in a classroom. In any case I feel like a sponge and can't get enough information. I am constantly spending my paycheck on new tools. Thank God I am single. I just want to say thanks again for your videos they help way more than you can imagine. I would really pay for extra content on school like videos which they pretty much already are. I would love to see some more HVAC videos if you do any.
This is what everyone should strive for nothing but excellent work and an excellent attitude
Thanks for the perspective Roger! I really appreciate your insight. It's easy to get wrapped up in your own world and forget to take a step back to see things through the lense of coworkers and customers. Being a millennial, I take for granted my instant access to information, and often don't value that as much as I should. I always look forward to your videos!
Kyle Fogle thank you again. I always appreciate your comments and valuable information!
Couldnt have said it any better brother Im also young and often unaware of my resources this UA-cam channel is a treasure.
I'm in plumbing school right now, and i'm going to share this video with my whole class.
Awesome! Let me know what they think
@@RogerWakefield yes sir, will email you and tell you how they felt.
Great video. This has put me back on track appreciate you Roger.
Just finishing up my 1st year of apprenticeship and I am still on the honey moon phase according to a lot of guys haha i just love what i do 👌🏻
Hi Roger I am Shannon a plumber for about 20 year now I really like my work I do
This is a great video for anyone in the plumbing trade.
I'm glad you liked it, are you a plumber?
@@RogerWakefield Yes for 21 years in the plumbing trade and love every minute of it.
That's awesome, what is your favorite part?
Roger I have learned so much from you just watching a few videos on UA-cam. Thanks for the great information that you give out about being a plumber and what can help us become better plumbers. Keep it up with the videos I'm learning alot
Thank you Roger we really need this
Very glad that you brought up study time, this has been my favorite video so far because it really is the best thing to get every individual ahead.
When you work hard and people do notice you might just find yourself receiving a raise instead of asking for one. A good company or owner will invest in a person who takes the trade to heart and want to build that plumber within his own company. I would not be where I am without the support of these individuals and the mentoring from the guys I worked under.
Illustrated code books with commentary cost more but you will gain from it ten fold, it gives reason to why some of the codes exist and has some history lessons as well (2015 UPC illustrated)
You rock
I love the UPC Study Guide and the IPC Study Companion. Both have great illustrated manuals. Thank you for commenting @Jfurman!
Im currently working as a skilled labor in a company that's doing industrial plumbing and construction. Ive been working with this company for almost 2 years and Ive learned a lot. Some of the things I do are pipe fitter, machine operator, mechanical side of plumbing, excavating, forming for concrete, finishing concrete, etc. Theres not a thing I cant do with a little guidance if needed. We mostly do water Towers, water treatment factories, waste water management systems. Ive been seriously thinking about becoming a "regular " residential plumber. Do you think my skills and knowledge could transfer? And if I apply somewhere is my experience worth anything? Plus I have a lot of my own tools and Im a hard worker. Im 24 and Im looking to build a career, my company is just giving me empty promises so far and a tap on the back for job well done. Love your videos. Thanks for all the info and effort you put in this channel.
Nick you are in the perfect spot to transition to plumbing
another key thing is what area of the country are you in to do plumbing?
The most in demand areas for the trade i would say are New York San Fran and Boston
but really any densely populated area
take the plunge.
the best way is to work for a big company for 5-7 years and get the experience
@@mikeb12879 thanks for the reply. Im located on eastern shore ( ocean City Maryland) but the company that im interested in has jobs in 600 mile radius. They're up grow in company started in 2003 and now they have about 200 employees and 37 fleet trucks. I don't know if you're familiar with the area, if you are give me an advice on what pay should I ask for ( they pay hourly) . I always low balled myself when getting a job,Im just tryingto stay humble and learn, but my supervisor told me to shoot high .
@@MeatloafPunisher 22/hour
dont even blink on that
@@mikeb12879 thanks
Nick as a laborer you will always be paid for your hard work. As a skilled tradesman you will be paid for your knowledge and skills that you bring to the job. You should make the change ASAP!!!
Thanks Roger, this was very inspiring as a first year apprentice !
Roger your way of teaching is so easy and understandable
To be the best we must always take pride in our work.
I would like to see a video on how a plumber may maintain their health as they age, especially their lower back and knees. These seem to be chronic problems which may cut a plumber's career short as well as impacting their quality of life.
a huge concern
Bikram Yoga
Ethan Klivans it's just like any other career or profession. You have to exercise and stretch to keep from hurting yourself!
It's inevitable. If you plumb, your body will wear out. No stopping it. The sad truth.
What about crawspace work or underwater welding if u want it young u sacrifice your youth
See you at the flow expo Roger. I appreciate your guidance.
I wrote down ur points and will use them as a reminder in my career thank you!
this is so good!! im glad i stumble on roger! i am trying to get a plumbing job and its hard so this is getting me excited to keep going!!
I want to be a plumber but my teacher is saying that I'm not putting in the work but I'm trying
I work in new construction plumbing and I pull up in crocs on a job site all day everyday
Gracias roger
@Fello Gutierrez de nada...
Ooooh yeah Roger! That was a good one man. It motivated me a lot. Time to organize the truck! Haha. What were the books you would recommend?
Thank you for giving me some insight to my trade. I hope I will be able to apply what has been said in this video and be the best I can be.
My dream job
I can't tell if 9:00 was intentionally kept in or not. Regardless it made me laugh. Great video Roger. I love how you emphasize integrity and respect.
Emotional Idiot integrity and respect have to be part of the training because most parents aren't teaching it at home like it needs to be for customer service.
@@RogerWakefield For some it is instinctual but yes it should be talked about.
@@jaycub4711 we are in complete agreement. What are the other important things that apprentices should be taught?
@@RogerWakefield How to deal with poop!
@@jaycub4711 I just try my best to keep it off me...
I LOVE THIS VIDEO!
Thank you! 😎
Solid info, thx
Just a question about my attire i have been working in trenches doing stormerwater pits water lines and i just get coved in mud everyday of the week the only time i look presentable is in the morning and even then i might wear the clothes from the day before because i know I'm going in trenches,
What should i do is what I'm doing wrong?
Much respect
Josh McFate thank you. Where are you located?
Florida
I have never had to "ASK" for a raise before. I think my boss is a "squeaky wheel gets the grease" kinda dude. It's been two years since I started, I get complemented on my work habits and great attitude but I'm cautious about the $ conversation??
I actually mentioned that in my interview and told my boss I would never ask for a raise. 6 months later I had $2.50 more an hour added to my paycheck and I've only been there for 8 months. I have a feeling in another 6 months to a year I'll see another 2.50 or so.
Great video and great advice. Keep up the good work and getting the message out. And I agree completely, it doesn't matter if you are a green apprentice or a master plumber with many years in the trade. Always keep learning.
James Cunningham the correct education is a game changer!
What books should I read?
K Young this is one of my favorites! amzn.to/2RgYEn5 Let me know what you think!!!
Great to hear all the secrets! :)
One of your best!!
Made's Plumbing thank you very much. What did you like best about it?
Roger Wakefield the fact that I think just like what you were talking about professionalism, respect, cleanliness, caring about your customers needs not just their money. knowledge of the industry, building value in your service, all these things i stand on but one thing did stand out the fact that I need to be studying every day 15 to 20 minutes that’s huge and I know that you’re right that could set me apart
Great video 🙌🏾
Well I'd like to think I'm hard working I study while I'm still going to work about 4 hrs a weekday and 8 on the weekends while still waiting for the rep to get back to me about joining the union
Thanks for great video
Glad you enjoyed it
@@RogerWakefield Do u have your own website? So I can ask some questions when I have them
rogerwakefield.com
10 minutes early is still 5 minutes late. 15 minutes early is on time
Don’t just learn how to, learn why!
What are the two books you recommended on reading to be a better plumber?
Hat? U mean hardhat? Haha xD
4 year degree sir found out i wqs a tqctile lerner 😂
You have two ears and one mouth...omg, I am so using that from now on
Thanks Rog. Needed this as a 3rd year kinda losing the respect for it.
First! Haha.
Sudo thank you as always!
Not the smartest peanut in the turd 😆