A plumber is someone who specializes in the installation and repair of pipes which are used to carry water, gas, sewage, and wastewater. These pipes are often collectively referred to as “plumbing.” Members of this profession typically train as apprentices with qualified plumbers before striking out on their own; in some regions, plumbers must take licensing exams before establishing their own businesses. This ensures that they are familiar with prevailing health and safety codes, since poorly installed plumbing can have very serious consequences.

The word is derived from the Latin plumbum, for “lead.” Historically, all pipes and joints were made from lead, and plumbers were literally “lead workers” in addition to pipe-layers. Although lead piping has since been banned in most regions of the world due to health concerns, the plumbing profession retains its name. Since plumbers often delve into the depths of pipes to clear clogs or diagnose plumbing problems, the term “plumbing” is used colloquially to describe deeply digging for information. Incidentally, “plumb” as in “level” is also related to plumbum; workers used to dangle chunks of lead on string from frames and other structures to check to see if they were level.

When a new building is being constructed, a plumber is typically part of the construction crew. He or she determines where pipes should be laid, and takes care of the installation of these pipes. The plumber also typically connects the internal plumbing to external fixtures like sinks, showers, and washing machines. A plumber may also handle gas lines for heating and cooking, and some plumbers also pursue certification in heating and cooling systems as well. Often, a plumber works in concert with an electrician, a professional who specializes in electrical matters.

Plumbers also repair breaks and replace old piping. A plumber may be called to unclog a toilet, fix a leaky faucet, or to check on old pipes which may be warped or leaking. Some of these tasks can be accomplished by an amateur, but others do require a professional plumber, along with his or her specialized plumbing tools. Things like drains and repiping can also get quite complicated, and plumbers sometimes uncover unpleasant surprises like rot during their course of their work, which may necessitate getting another professional involved to fix the problem.