Plumbers install, maintain and repair plumbing systems of all different types and sizes. A job can range from fixing a broken sink in a residential home to designing an entire waste disposal system for newly-constructed industrial facilities. If a plumber is a self-employed contractor, they own their own company and can choose which jobs to accept, leading to a great deal of variety both in terms of schedule and the types of tasks being performed. For plumbers employed as part of a construction company or a large maintenance team, their schedule and tasks can be much more predictable and regular. A plumbers tasks can including:

• Designing a plumbing system for residential, commercial and industrial properties
• Submitting blueprints, drawings and other official documents to appropriate authorities
• Fixing broken systems and components, such as clogged drains and cracked pipes
• Reading blueprints and technical drawings to determine piping layout
• Installing new plumbing systems, fixtures, fittings and components
• Coordinating with municipal officials to ensure proper water flow and waste disposal
• Inspecting plumbing systems and proposing maintenance and repair plans
• Be on-call to address emergency situations

To become a plumber, you must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, complete a certificate program with an accredited school and pass required courses, complete a multi-year apprenticeship with a licensed plumber before successfully gaining admission to an accredited provincial trade organization such the Ontario College of Trades. Trade certification is required in many provinces, but not all. Aspiring plumbers should also confirm the regulations of their provincial/territorial jurisdiction.

Plumbers work primarily in the construction and engineering sectors. They can work on all types of construction sites, and be collaborated with residential, commercial, industrial and civil engineers. Construction firms and government agencies often recruit for qualified plumbers.

The long-term employment outlook for plumbers is considered to be fair across most of the country. Plumbing systems will continue to require installation, maintenance and repairs performed by experience and qualified individuals. The number of people seeking to enter the profession over the next 10 years is predicted to be roughly equal to the number of available jobs, meaning there will be competition for job roles.

A plumber works at any location with a plumbing system and piping. This includes residential homes, commercial offices, industrial properties, construction sites, apartment buildings, factories, manufacturing plants, retail stores and more. They can work for larger companies or be self-employed.

According to the CNP code (national classification of occupations), here are the additional titles for a plumber:

• Apprentice-pipefitter-plumber (at the start of their career)
• Apprentice installer of heating devices (at the start of their career)
• Plumbing-heating mechanic
• Heating and plumbing device installer
• Pipefitter
• Pipe-plumber or pipe-plumber