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Plumber - Pipefitter
General Job Description
Plumbers and pipefitters are often considered to be one
trade since little difference exists between their work.
However, some craftsworkers specialize in one field or
the other, especially in large cities.
The work of pipefitters differs from that of plumbers
mainly in its location and the variety and size of pipes
used. Plumbers work primarily in residential and
commercial buildings. Pipefitters generally work in
large industrial concerns, such as oil refineries,
refrigeration plants, and defense establishments, where
more complex systems of piping are used. Plumbers
assemble, install and repair heating, water and drainage
systems, especially those that may be connected to
public utilities systems. Some of their jobs include
replacing burst pipes and installing and repairing
sinks, bathtubs, waterheaters, hot water tanks, garbage
disposal units, dishwashers and water softeners.
Plumbers also may work on septic tanks, cesspools, and
sewers. During the final construction stages of both
commercial and residential buildings, plumbers install
heating and air-conditioning units and connect
radiators, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures.
Sometimes plumbers have to cut holes in walls, ceilings,
and floors. For some systems, they may have to hang
steel supports from ceiling joists to hold the pipe in
place. To assemble a system, plumbers cut and bend
lengths of pipe, using saws, pipe cutters and
pipe-bending equipment. They connect lengths of pipe
with fittings, with the method depending on the type of
pipe used. For plastic pipes, plumbers connect the
sections and fittings with adhesives. For copper pipe,
they slide fittings over the end of the pipe and solder
the fittings in place with a torch.
After the piping is in place, plumbers install the
fixtures and appliances and connect the system to the
outside water or sewer lines. Finally, using pressure
gauges, they check the system, to insure the plumbing
works properly.
Working Conditions
Because plumbers and pipefitters frequently must lift
heavy pipes, stand for long periods, and sometimes work
in uncomfortable or cramped positions, they need to have
physical strength as well as stamina. They also may have
to work outdoors in inclement weather. In addition, they
are subject to possible falls from ladders, cuts from
sharp tools, and burns from hot pipes or soldering
equipment.
They generally work a standard 40-hour week, including
evenings or weekend work, as well as be on call.
Maintenance workers may spend quite a bit of time
traveling to and from work sites.
Job Outlook
Employment of plumbers and pipefitters is expected to
grow about as fast as average for all occupations
through the year 2008. However, job opportunities for
skilled plumbers and pipefitters are expected to be
excellent, as growth in demand outpaces the supply of
workers trained in this craft.
Job Duties
Plumbers perform some or all of the following duties:
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Read
blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine
layout of plumbing system, water supply network and
waste and drainage systems
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Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or
industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
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Locate
and mark positions for pipe connections, passage
holes and fixtures in walls and floors
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Cut
opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and
pipe fittings
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Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and
power tools or machines
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Join
pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement
or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
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Test
pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
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May
prepare cost estimates.
Requirements to Practice
The occupation of plumber is regulated in British
Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Where it is not regulated,
neither a formal certificate nor formal apprenticeship
is required to practice the trade. However, trade
certification is available but voluntary in
Newfoundland, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories,
Nunavut, and the Yukon.
Salary and Wages
The starting salary for most new plumbers is roughly
$12.00 Canadian per hour. This equals $1,920 per
month. Plumbers who are loyal and continue to work for
the same employer should expect their wages to increase
by 15-20% per year. Within five years, it is very
likely that your salary could reach $40,000 Canadian
dollars. If your spouse finds a part time or full-time
job, she may be able to earn between $500-$1200 per
month as well. There are service jobs in restaurants,
factories, hotels, and grocery stores where your wife
may enjoy working.
Health and Disability Insurance
Health insurance is provided by each provincial
government and is available to all new permanent
residents. Employers also offer company insurance for
your family that usually includes short-term and
long-term disability insurance, dental and eye insurance
and extra medical insurance that covers prescription
drugs. Please note that although each province provides
health care, they do not cover the cost of prescription
drugs. This is why having a company medical plan is so
important. Usually your employer will pay for half the
cost of your private insurance. The cost per family is
usually around $100 Canadian dollars (the employer will
also pay around $100 on your behalf for a total
insurance cost of $200 per month).
Cost of Living
Most machinist jobs will be located in small rural
communities with populations between 300 – 5000 people.
Housing rentals usually cost between $300-400 per month
for a 100 square meter apartment. Food usually costs
roughly $300-400 per month for a family of three
people. You will be required to pay government taxes of
between 15-20% per year. Taxes will be automatically
deducted from your pay cheque each month.
You will also receive roughly $1,700 per year if you
have a child less than 18 years old. This is called the
Government Child Tax Benefit Plan. You will also
receive a GST rebate each year of roughly $250. In
total, you should receive around $1900-2000 per year in
refunds from the government.
Requirements for Immigration
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Married
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28-44 years of age
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Trade Certification as Plumber
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At least 9000 hours of certifiable work experience
as a plumber
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Preferably college degree or technical high school
degree or higher
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Good Knowledge of English
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6 + years of work experience as plumber
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Must be currently working in this occupation
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May be required to take written and practical test
in Philippines
Please note that applicants may be required to take a
written and practical test in the Philippines. The cost
of this test is roughly $600-1200 Canadian dollars.
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