Plumber

Plumbers install and repair water and heating systems in residential households and commercial properties.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a plumber, you'll:

  • install and repair water, heating and drainage systems
  • cut, shape and join pipes and fittings
  • service gas and oil-fired central heating systems and radiators
  • respond to emergency call-outs, like broken boilers or blocked drains
  • fit weather-proof materials and flashings to roofs, chimneys and walls

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a plumber to be a green job, you could:

  • install solar powered hot water systems
  • replace old copper piping and joints with recyclable components
  • fit heat pumps in households to reduce reliance on fossil fuels

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work at a client's home, at a client's business or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be cramped, at height and outdoors some of the time.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Most relevant

  • Mathematics - Plumbers use maths constantly – calculating pipe lengths, water pressure, flow rates, and heating loads. They also need to measure accurately, work out material quantities, and read technical drawings with precise dimensions.
  • Physics - Plumbers need to understand how water pressure, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer work to install and repair heating and water systems effectively. Knowledge of how gases behave is also essential when servicing boilers and gas-fired heating systems.
  • Design and Technology - Plumbers work with tools and materials every day – cutting, shaping, and joining pipes and fittings to create functional systems. Understanding how to read technical plans, select appropriate materials, and solve practical construction problems is central to the job.
  • Engineering - Plumbers install and maintain complex building services systems including central heating, water supply, and drainage. Understanding engineering principles helps them design efficient pipe layouts, troubleshoot mechanical faults, and work with renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar thermal systems.

Also relevant

  • Chemistry - Plumbers benefit from understanding how different materials react with water and each other – for example, why certain metals corrode or why limescale builds up in pipes. This knowledge helps when choosing the right materials and diagnosing problems in water and heating systems.
  • Environmental Science - Plumbers increasingly work with green technologies like solar-powered hot water systems, heat pumps, and recyclable piping materials. Understanding energy efficiency and environmental impact helps them advise customers on reducing their carbon footprint.
  • Business - Plumbers often become self-employed or run their own businesses, which means quoting for jobs, managing finances, and building a customer base. Understanding how to market services, handle invoicing, and manage day-to-day business operations is important for success.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

You could complete a college course which may help you to find a trainee position with a plumbing company.

Courses include:

  • plumbing studies
  • plumbing and domestic heating
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

You can apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to learn the skills needed to become a plumber. Apprenticeships include:

  • Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician
  • Building Services Engineering Craftsperson
  • Gas Engineering Operative

You could also do a Low Carbon Heating Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to become a heat pump engineer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

You may be able to start as a plumber's assistant or 'mate' and train on the job to qualify.

You'll usually need some GCSEs, including English and maths, along with good practical skills.

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got qualifications and several years' experience from related industries, like building services or heating and ventilation engineering.

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering for professional development training and industry news.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a plumber from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and Go Construct.

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