What Plumbing REALLY IS And Why I QUIT! (Expectation VS Reality) | GOT2LEARN

[@MrMandud3]

Cheap labor isn't skilled and skilled labor isn't cheap

[@Got2Learn]

😉

[@TheCaptainCraptastic]

Stealing this quote.

[@Ace-ls6yl]

Union strong!

[@DaBriars]

Wow That’s one to remember Thanks 🙏

[@greyfox78569]

In all my life I have never seen a skilled worker. Just ones that take pride in their work, and those that avoid work. Cheap labor will always avoid working.

[@akabacon8374]

Became a master electrician at 25. 20+ years later, people still think I only change light bulbs. A long while back I had a customer say to me "what will you do when LEDs take over the market, they will put you out of business". I told him, "If customers knew how to change light bulbs, I would already be outa business, that'll be $150"

[@oldironsides3992]

Solid burn my brother

[@urhorsin_1124]

😂😂😂😂

[@alexandrepiche1104]

hahaha nice

[@EyalSoha]

Sure you know how to wire a home but do you know how to use a broom? 😆

[@saedsaed2978]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@vinnygoombatts1458]

Been a Plumber 20 years plus. I do mainly small to medium size jobs. Very little commercial work. I stick with residential work, much easier for the same money or even more sometimes. Work alone most of the time, and hell even have the homeowner help me...they love it and they PAY ME WHEN I'M DONE!! I watch my plumber friends fight with contractors, builders and other companies about all kinds of issues. I don't know why they do it. I go to work when I want, charge what I want and do it they way I want. PERFECT!!

[@crosslink1493]

Not a plumber, but about 10 years ago I hired one to change out my 25 y.o. water heater that was located in an awkward spot. His helper didn't show up that day, but I offered to help him out with moving the old and new water heaters and getting retrieving tools he needed. He thanked me when he was done, and I mentioned I'd call him back to replace my water line shut off at the house; I showed him where it was and he said "I'll do it now, no charge". Took him less than 1 hour to install a new one (valve, copper tubing, and a few connectors)! Great guy, had him back for a few other jobs.

[@vinnygoombatts1458]

@@crosslink1493 Sounds like a good guy. I tell my plumber buddies, I get invited to weddings and funerals!! I'm not kidding, I try to always give them the best service and it takes so little to go the extra mile. It's worth it. I had one customer wait a year for me and would not call anyone else.

[@mischievousjr.9299]

@@vinnygoombatts1458 Daamn, sounds fantastic! That statement is inspirational since being helpful when needed and doing a bit more always seems to be a great feeling. God bless 🙏

[@veltonmeade1057]

I have a 1958 single-level brick ranch home, no basement, with the master bath, hallway bath, and kitchen having access to the same incoming piping. In June 2020 I ripped out all of the old drywall, cleaned up the internal walls, bought a new sink, porcelain tiles, hardware, etc. My plumber rebuilt my hallwall bath in Sept 2020 with pex piping, installed new hardware, toilets, and sinks into my hallway and master baths. Everything works perfectly. I got this guy through a friend, he is Ukrainian, hardworker, on time every morning, and it took two weeks to do the work. Not sure why but I have noticed that I do not have to clean my master bathtub as often as when I had the old piping. Not sure if the pipes were original from 1958, but the tub would need cleaning every 4. But I haven't cleaned the tub since the week of Thanksgiving - last fall, and as of today, there is no grime. I didn't think that new incoming pipes would be so effective. His price was $4,000 for the job and I tried to give him more, and he wouldn't take it, lol. I felt bad, he was worth more.

[@Silver77cyn]

How many years of experience would you say is enough to start your own plumbing business?

[@coopermackey4938]

One thing that will shock you about working in homes is how many people living in a normal clean neighborhood are hoarders..

[@Got2Learn]

100% agreed Copper!!

[@mostrandomguyable]

So many hoarders. Don't forget crazy cat lady's

[@AlanML602]

Broooooo this kills me 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffm2787]

Yep, it's amazing when you drive by an open garage door and realize they have it stacked to the ceiling, makes you question the rest of the place. Yes they are often nice homes with well kept landscapes.

[@GravityEnforcer]

Preach Brother! Preach!

[@roberthamilton9245]

This is why we as plumbers charge what we do having to deal with other people's crap!

[@Got2Learn]

Affirmative.

[@carlodanese9120]

@Joe M glad I don't live in your country, that fare is incomprehensible. Here is 50€/h

[@plumbersasacracker7906]

Amen to that brother!

[@cuckingfunt9353]

@@Got2Learn What about the life expectancy of a plumber. Here in the UK it is one of the lowest of any trade, under 60 average

[@Got2Learn]

😲😲😲

[@dhollm]

This is also another way of saying "this is why plumbers are so valuable"!

[@Got2Learn]

Very, yes.

[@peyvandmanavipour396]

all trades are valuable if they know what they are doing, but the fact is there are so many crappy contractors out there working(fucking up) for cheap and when you quote customers they always say elsewhere is cheaper... duh, feel free to try them, I do HVAC btw

[@kimclark4258]

Additionally, there is a stigma against "blue collar" workers, where if you are smart, you are expected go to college, and if you aren't as smart, you might go to a tech school and then use your hands and back to make a living. Initially, I had went to college, finished my undergrad, and entered the workforce earning less than ten dollars per hour. I can tell you that in this profession, it's very hands-on, you need to be smart enough to solve sometimes obscure problems that you cannot see, and clients are often grateful for professional solutions to problems that they have lived with for years. The compensation is much greater than ten dollars per hour; self-employed plumbers in the US have the potential to bring home a six-figure income.

[@DoctorMangler]

I got into old steam systems 20 years ago and it's been very rewarding. New boiler installs also using the Raypack boilers, great alternative to water heaters in commercial and larger residential now with the increasing prices on water heaters. When we need heavy lifting we call for lifting and hauling services, they're insured for it, we don't want to bust a nail.

[@DoctorMangler]

@@kimclark4258 Fuck em.

[@andrewspencer5287]

Been in the plumbing game for 4 years now, I’ve done everything so far from service, to residential to large commercial. I do love it but the work is a killer for the most part, a task is almost never easy, customers always expect a task to be quick and cheaper than it really is. Customers fighting with you over the price even when you tell them what it will be b4 hand and also that your not the company you just work for it. One thing I’ve learned is to always wear safety goggles, just my personal experience, I’ve had a few eye injuries, one of even when I was wearing safety goggles. I wear my knee pads all day long. Its good for your back. It’s almost never east going into crawl spaces or addicts, underneath decks. Garages, you alway have to move peoples shit to get to the task and work on it. I will stick with it and have made it my career. It’s hard ass work. A job is never easy, always an obstacle to climb around. For all you young plumbers out there just getting started, some you might laugh but your safety is everything. Protect your eyes, your mouth, your ears, wear your knee pads, goggles, ear plugs. Learn how to use all your tools the right way. This shit no joke. Protect yourself now so in 20 or 30 years you don’t have extra health problems. My previous bosses father was killed from asbestos poisoning. I’ve seen guys fall off of scaffolds and ladders. There’s so many dangers in this trade. But if you love, stick with it, keep yourself safe, and I promise it will benefit you in the long run. I’m on a good track to save up and buy my own home in a few years down the road and my girl thinks is sexy that I’m a plumber. Work can get frustrating sometimes but at the end of the day it always feels good to complete a task the right way. And having a good teacher helps.

[@rooftopvoter3015]

Same thing in auto repair. Loads of Internet experts who know more than you; if that is the case, why are they not repairing their own vehicle??

[@volvo09]

It's better than being stuck in a cubicle all day. I used to work in an office (took the job 15 years ago because I wanted to fix things (physically fix, not just click buttons) but over the years the company got rid of everything physical... we didn't, and couldn't, touch anything anymore, it was all either subbed out to warranty repair, or replaced. the most physical the job got was installing a computer, the rest of it was clicking buttons. Couldn't take it anymore... quit. But if you work for yourself you can pick your customers... if they seem weird from the start, just don't take the job. Obviously that doesn't get all of them, but when someone is calling you on a Thurs or fri evening for some install before a "super important event" they are throwing on the weekend you can tell they want it done and done ASAP. may not be the best choice! haha

[@johnleeyingzhang3504]

Way to go man. Good job

[@corysturgis6660]

Safety, safety safety. No pay is worth your life or lifetime injuries. Don't let dumbasses cut safety corners

[@eragonthedragon967]

Jesus, ive worked 3 years, and havent seen anyone getting major injuries yet, safety routines and checks are so important, especially when you're working in dangerous environments like this. Worst injury ive seen, was when someone accidentally stabbed himself in his upper thigh, right by his crotch. He bled alot, but used tape over it and said it would be fine. The day after he told me the doc had mouthed him superhard lmfao Take care everyone! Always be on the safer side of things

[@Justice4300]

I’ve been plumbing for 12 years now. I’m a service tech. I drive around all day fixing peoples problems. I usually have a helper and it really helps when we have to carry and toilet/water heater and etc. to me crawling under small houses is the worst part. But sometime under a house is cleaner then the actual customers house even with the spiders and bugs. But if your not careful. Plumbing can really damage your body if you don’t take proper care of it. Thanks for this video.

[@christheother9088]

I'm a retired handyman. I agree there is no fun to be had underneath a sink. I recall a garbage disposal falling on my head once. And as a handyman people are expecting to pay a lot less than standard plumber rates. I ended up working for a lot of slum lords and those tenants never clean anything, ever. Disgusting. And if you ever need to knock out wallboard or ceiling, as a handyman you are going to be doing the wallboard work too. I don't miss it.

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

This is why i went from drywall repair to plumbing, electrical......and drywall repair! Lots more money, less travel and happier customers since everything is done in one trip by one crew.

[@Bapuji42]

Drywall repair is my favorite tbh.

[@MCMXI1]

I'm not a tradesman but I know that the Trades built this country. I'd rather hang with you guys than 95% of college graduates. Thanks for doing the real work.

[@mitchjohnson4714]

Oh yeah. I'd take tradesmen any day.

[@SMD1999]

Man stfu

[@goober2964]

Without the college graduate to design and create such things so that you do have a trade are those who helped build the country to begin with. It all starts with an idea. If there is no invention of toilet, there is no trade. Make sense?

[@nkystevep7007]

I am a college grad and hate my job. I remember sitting at my desk at the office looking out the window at the lawn service guy cutting the grass wishing it was me doing that instead of what I was doing which ironically was paying invoices for trades.

[@clayfree7428]

Goober... And if this invention is not installed, serviced or repaired.....the invention goes away..... Make sense? Your point? It all works together...

[@stelth4162]

I've been plumbing for 37 years now. A lot of what he says is true, but there is also a lot of interesting stuff going on. It's plumbers who install the oxygen, medical compressed air, vacuum and other services in hospitals and labs. I'm a commercial/industrial new construction foreman, and we do some pretty technical stuff (and also install toilets and whatnot). I'm working on a hospital project right now, and there are a lot of regulations to comply with. We also weld plastic pipe together, doing socket and butt fusion of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVDF, and other plastics. I'm in my 60's, and I still jump into the trench with a shovel, help hang cast iron pipe, and whatever else needs to be done.

[@Mickymaxywonder]

U legend thank u for your service. #HERO #INSPIRATION

[@markwhite5344]

Yeah plumbing is so technical and I absolutely love this trade. It’s hard work but there are so many different areas of plumbing you can get into as a career.

[@clemmonswest262]

The guy who thought plumbers install toilets all day has no life experience

[@Got2Learn]

👍☝

[@waterheaterservices]

As a certified master toilet technician I approve of this message.

[@salans8232]

Very true....

[@markw2266]

Sure he does, just ask him. I've been in a trade for 40 years. It's really hard on your body. Of course the argument will be made that "you should have gone to college". It doesn't change the fact that trades are dangerous and physically demanding. The biggest challenge for me is ignorant people who think nothing should ever break, my product should last forever, and I want it fixed now for less.

[@losferwords100]

That's the modern man for you. Never picked up a hammer in their life and doesn't even know how to change the oil in their car. The majority of the modern population is completely clueless when it comes to anything mechanical. At least it means job security for the rest of us.

[@Gh0zT-777]

We are the people who bring CLEAN WATER and LUXURY to society.

[@jgdooley2003]

The supply and use of clean water and the proper disposal of sewage was first formulated by the Victorians in the 1850's after a series of disastrous epidemics in London and other big cities. This public work alone contributed to extending average lifespans by 20-30 years. A huge public health advance.

[@Snikern]

@@jgdooley2003 there you go !

[@jakeb.4225]

​@jgdooley2003 I think that the Romans, who were well known for having indoor plumbing, would have a bit of an issue with your statement. After all, the word plumbing comes from Latin, aka ancient Rome

[@Kikilang60]

When I was much younger, I work for a guy, who did electrical, and plumbing work. The plumbing, was only on new home constructions, and in the summer. The plumber I never worked with. He also did electrical work, which was almost exclusive new homes, but not always. I knew nothing, and did mostly scut work, but they did show me things, because they just needed more hands. I did very basic work, and the guy who owned the company, inspected everything. The on site foreman cut corners, and showed me how to do everything the wrong way. The older guys, told me the right way. The guy who owned the company would make inspections, and ask who did that? That's how you got in trouble. The foreman, on the other hand, would yell at you, if you didn't cut corners. You had to accept being yelled at, if you were not fast enoough, even if you took time to do the right thing. Because I did the scut work, everyone else would leave, while I cleaned the place up. We were working on rewiring a house. The house was set on a concert slab, with a little space to crawl around underneith. Everyone left, and I had to crawl around under the house gathering up the junk, they just left behind. It was a tight fit, and I had to breath in, everytime I squeezed past beam. while cleaning up, I could see the junction boxes, didn't have the wires clamped down. One of the old guys told me, "Everytime you make a mistake in wireing, you kill someone." They had shown me how to hook up all the wires in a junction box. I assumed the foreman didn't do the juncthion boxes correctly, because they could not be inspected. First, I fixed one. Then I fixed another. It was summer, and hot, but not as hot as it was that day. One box. lead to another, then there was the police screaming at me, "What are doing." Some one called the cops, because they thought I was a vandal. When I got out, it was full night, and the police took me in. The guy who owned the company came to the police station. I explained what I was doing. I don't think, anyone believed me, but I was taken back to my car. The next day at lunch, the old guy who owned the company showed up. He wanted me to show how none of the junction boxes were clamped down. The guy was in his mid sixties, or more. Still, we both got under the house. He was actually surprised the junction boxes were not locked down (except the ones I did.). The old guy was really pissed, and he started smack things. Then he got stuck under the house. I crawled out, to get help. The foreman laughed, and so did the other people. They were all talking, and they drove off. I thought they went to get help. I went back under, and told the guy, help was coming. It was quite a while, and no one was coming. We were both sweeting so much under the house, our clothing was soaked. I went and got a scissor jack out of my car. I started jacking up the beam, and the old guy kept telling me not to. He didn't want to damage the house. I didn't listen, he was little funny in the head at that time. The heat was getting to him. After I lifted the beam, I had to put both feet on the old guy, and grip the wood above me to push. It took all my strength to barely move the guy. I was getting pretty dizzy myself, but we both got out. Outside, we had nothing to drink, except old ice water from a cooler. After we felt a little better, we checked the house, and I hadn't caused damage. We got in his truck, and her starte driving around. He was checking all the bars. We found the foreman's truck, and we went inside. The foreman was drinking with all his pals. The old guy started yelling at the foreman. Then I found out the foreman was his own son. His own son, left his father stuck under a house, so he could go drinking. The bar threw us all out, and I was fired on the spot. I was about ten miles from my car, and twenty miles from home. I was closer to my car, so I walked to that, and went home. If you've never been in tight space, in the middle of summer, you don't know how close we both came to dying.

[@johnnycash4034]

You're a hero for saving a life.

[@f1reguy587]

How did you get fired? That’s unusual...

[@hardrock1826]

Kiki Lang Yeah, you are lucky, you could have died from Heat Stroke. I know what that is like. I was working on a Space Pak A/C Unit, installed in an attic. The temperature was well over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit, after being in there for about a half an hour I passed out. Another guy in the crew saw right away as he was down in a hallway on the ladder peeking up to check on me periodically, as a safety measure. It took a couple of guys to drag me out, get me outside and they hosed me down with the cold water from the garden hose. I recovered quickly but I was in excellent shape and just young then. I found with experience I was able to avoid mishaps of that kind, that were health threatening.

[@Kikilang60]

@@f1reguy587 I like to complain, but honestly. We finished the job, and ran out of work. I shouldn't complain.

[@thebruce9042]

I can't believe that old fart owner, whose life you most likely saved, didn't at least give you a ride back to your car.

[@TheSonofabiscuit]

Remember this when you're whining about how expensive skilled tradesman are.

[@Tm87414]

I rather reset a toilet with some poop in the bottom than replace a sewer ejector pump lol. But the worst smell would be a grease trap

[@Got2Learn]

100% agreed 🤮

[@ccerbo2373]

YES! No one expects grease to smell that bad but let me assure you it does!!!!!!!

[@plympytheplumber4605]

You got that one right!

[@Got2Learn]

Thank you so much, and keep up the hard work!

[@donaldlee6760]

When you replace a sewage pump is the pit always filled to the lid? I'd assume if there was a secondary float alarm the pit would not yet be full. The reason I'm asking is because my home has a sewage pit on the lower level bathroom and the float failed in the on position. Of course when I opened the pit to fix it myself the pit was nearly empty. Ended up costing me $25 for a new float.

[@johnkovac9613]

My father was a plumber. When he first started he was told to fix a toilet in a bar. When he got there it filled to the brim with sh*t. He mentioned to the owner he would fix it after the owner emptied it. The owner said that was the plumber's job. He walked away from that job. Later in his career he got into commercial and industrial work. Not easy but at that point he had helpers to deal with the heavy lifting.

[@alecthenice8115]

The trades are not for the faint of heart. Keep up the good work boys

[@Got2Learn]

Absolutely!

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

As a former trade worker, I'm glad to never do trade jobs including plumbing, being an electrician, or HVAC technician ever again. Sometimes, money is not good enough and worse, sometimes, even with those trade jobs, you are not compensated enough if you develop or sustain a serious or life-threatening on the job site injury. I was never compensated when I sustained an injury to my head when leaving the job site, and I was not permitted to work until I had paid out of my own pocket for my own medical treatment and the irony was that I still wasn't making enough. In the end, I was forced out and I'm so blessed and glad that I was. I since have sought out being self-employed, and it was a miracle! ^_^

[@alecthenice8115]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 I agree. Distribution of profit is antiquated. Imagine if software engineers got paid hourly

[@bloqk16]

Plumbers are a braver breed than I am. Aspect of plumbing that had me concerned was going into the crawl space under the house: Dark, dank, dirty, with unseen vermin that can bite. Black Widow and Brown Recluse spiders were always a concern.

[@Rms317]

Plumbers and indoor plumbing are the the single biggest advancement in disease prevention in human history. It’s a hard job, and the people who do it deserve respect ✊

[@veltonmeade1057]

I agree a 1000%. It's a hard job and I respect them.

[@ajaysidhu471]

Cheers m8

[@Remrie]

Anytime I meet a young person entering the workforce, I will always tell them "Nobody will ever pay you enough to blow out your back. They won't be there when you are older and they won't care. Be sure to do a good job, but never more than just that. If something says team lift, rely on your team to lift it. Because, when you are disabled and can no longer work, you will need a copy of your own death certificate in order to qualify for disability."

[@jimmyc4493]

Plumbing can definitely be hard today, especially if you're working with cast iron pipe. But we have nothing on the old timers pouring lead joints in hub pipe and hand threading galvanized pipe. Those guys were some real men.

[@Got2Learn]

I have much respect for the old timers.

[@Gh0zT-777]

We still hand thread homie lol

[@jimmyc4493]

@@Gh0zT-777 In certain situations I'm sure, but not the entire job. Unless you felt like skipping the gym that day and wanted a full body workout.

[@jimmyc4493]

@@Gh0zT-777 And I don't mean screwing pipe together, I'm talking about using a pipe threading machine as opposed to a ratchet and die and pipe vice.

[@thatguyagain2693]

I have said multiple times that there is is no way I would have been a plumber in the old days. Those guys had it waaayy harder than we do now. Technology is a wonderful thing.

[@joboxer1704]

been plumbing for 10 years, started when i was 18. mainly residential new construction and service. currently working for a company full time and also trying to build my own cliental after work. its a lot of fun when you have the experience to go out on your own, knowing youll make just as much as you make in your normal day, in 2-3 hours.

[@paulc2548]

Maybe it is just me. I would be embarrassed to let people see my unclean bathroom. I cleaned my bathroom before having it renovated by the professionals LOL... much like I brush my teeth extra long, floss extra hard, and rise my mouth before heading to the dentist for teeth cleaning appointment.

[@Got2Learn]

Not everyone has tgat in tgem heheee 😬

[@Gaby83]

for real, how the hell would someone leave shit in the toilet, I would scoop that by hand if necessary and bag it, I would die of embarrassment if I would call the plumber and the toilet would be full of shit, ffs

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

Paul..... dirty is one thing, but if your pipes throw up from a major backup, you are sitting on a beach with a teasponn, trying to get rid of all the sand..... just a less smelly analogy

[@-Enrico]

Live in Florida, I was working as a roofer for a decade then turned plumber, within 2 years started my own buisness and I don't do any heavy lifting except for waterheaters, there are definetly awkward positions but way easier than roofing. Also when you own your own buisness you can pick and choose which jobs you want to do. I don't do anything that's too demanding or gross. If I see something that I don't want to do I don't do them. In Florida there is so much plumbing work to be had I turn down jobs everyday. It's an awesome trade that has changed my life for the better! God is good.

[@joshuashobe3251]

Amen!

[@La.Ron9]

I just moved out here, are you a contractor? I thought you needed a masters plumbing license to start your own business, or what's the process for that? I'm 21 and love the idea of being independent at 23.

[@-Enrico]

@@La.Ron9normally without military or a college degree (even an AA) you must work for a licensed plumbing contractor for 4 years before you can become a plumbing contractor and start your own business. With a AA or any degree or with some military experience you can do what they call the fast track - they knock up to 2 years off of your mandatory 4 years of on the job training. During your two years you can go to camtech or some other trade school to learn how to pass the test. You can do all that training early and even take the test the test is good for a couple years after you take it so it would be ready to be submitted for approval by the state right when you are done with the your 2 years on the job training - if you during that time also work hard and do side jobs you can start to build your customer base and buy the tools you'll need to keep expanding your abilities. Once you're done with your time you can super propel yourself to making over 100k a year. Treat people right, stay true & thank God for every good thing in your life because he is the provider of those things and you will be blessed and successful. The trades like plumbing is an awesome career choice. If you have more questions I'll answer them the best I can.

[@4G1O4]

U only worked for 2 years then started your own business?? Lol either you’re not a “real licensed plumber” or Florida is super lenient...

[@La.Ron9]

@@-Enrico Late, but I appreciate the information you gave me. What type of schools can I go to so I can fasttrack? I’m in the pensacola area and I honestly only have 2 years down here before I have to move.

[@shermanlarsen7840]

Never get into a social setting with 2 plumbers! The stories are endless. Started in ‘74, retired in ‘17. Loved most every uncomfortable minute! My story is better than your’s, until I’ve heard yours.

[@teecee8486]

I've been plumbing for 7 years now. I still love it. I've done service, new construction, and remodels. Been in every shitty situation. But I always feel good after a hard days work.

[@Got2Learn]

Cheers!!!!

[@teecee8486]

Thanks for your videos. I always watch!

[@Got2Learn]

My pleasure, please share if you don't mind!!!

[@teecee8486]

Will do 😁

[@Got2Learn]

🤟🤟🤟

[@roofimprove5410]

Getting through the first years is tough. But after mastering your trade, you can focus on a niche such as repair work or running a small contracting business. It will pay good and you’ll be able to afford a mortgage and raise a family, even in a state like California where the cost of living is high.

[@gary19222]

I have my own business and do mostly service/repair and light commercial work. I bought a little Ford transit connect that gets 23mpg. I rarely drive over 20 minutes and have no boss. I pick and choose the good customers and send the bad ones to the bigger companies. I honestly can say I don't feel like I can be more blessed!! Usually I leave around 8 and am home by 2. Never less that 500 dollars a day. Who can ask for more??

[@mrpopularfromdowntow]

@@gary19222 I'd love to pick your mind about entrepreneurialship sir

[@Silver77cyn]

I live in Cali and have started my plumbing apprenticeship, how many years of experience would you say is needed to make your own plumbing business?

[@roofimprove5410]

@@Silver77cyn In California, you have to have 4 years working as a journeyman. They will give you some credit toward the 4 years with the time as an apprentice.

[@Silver77cyn]

@@roofimprove5410 I'm working as an apprentice in an open shop company, does that mean that I have to work five years as an apprentice and four as a Journeyman to be able to qualify for the contractor's liscence?

[@zentagon2]

In sweden, the title "plumber" or it's name in swedish "rörmokare" was sort of eliminated about 10 years ago and was replaced with "VVS worker". The "VVS" stands for in swedish "Värme, Ventilation och sanitet", translated to english "Heat, Ventilation and Sanitation". This fits the work much better as you describe the different areas of work you are involved in.

[@kimclark4258]

In the US, HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) is typically a different credential than plumbing is. Some plumbers branch-out to become licensed with HVAC but it is not the norm in my area.

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

The municipal waste treatment plant trucks say "Gravity Systems" on them... talk about polishing a turd!

[@radchander]

The western counties’ message to rest of the world used to be “dignity of labor,” and used reward skilled labor forces well. They truly built the countries. Unfortunately that is disappearing. I think thanks to KZbin videos the healthy reversal of respect for trades is slowly returning

[@philfoster4298]

You didn’t mention snakes. Your lucky in Canada as poisonous snakes are not too common. Working on a drain line under a house in California with an audience of rattlesnakes sharpened my situational awareness skills.

[@Maine307]

I can understand. i did 20 yrs as a Marine infantry man.. got wounded at year 16, ( 2009 ) and finished at my 20yrs - then I decided to build my own own house in the wood of Maine... And as I was learning the Electric and plumbing stuff.. I REALIZED plumbing is NOT an older mans game.. you have to be young, in Shape and flexible. YOUR VIDEOS - Honestly helped me finish above code.!!! Many thanx!!!, and Please do not stop the videos!! .. and i will keep bugging you as a fan.. to do more PEX expansion Uponor videos!!!!! R/s Submitted - your neighbor to the south!

[@Got2Learn]

Hehehe you are right man...But yeah, I have a few PEX videos on the way, you're gonna love em', don't go too far man ;)

[@justinblake8826]

We are lowly individuals in the perception of the public , they don’t realize that every aspect of our career is protecting the customer and the rest of the community, kudos to all plumbers and future plumbers

[@TampaMaximumMike]

I found a similar experience working in the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration trade. The worst part is working for an employer that says yes to every job that comes along.

[@cecilbrisley5185]

Just try being the guy that owns the business. Say yes too much and you are swamped with work. Say no too much and you are losing money. Worrying about your guys and keeping them paid. You always end up saying yes too much. As you do it longer you get better at keeping a balance but if the decision is "too much or too little", too much is the better choice.

[@christian6455]

Didn't knew AC and refrigeration was hard

[@naughtiusmaximus1811]

@@christian6455 Lifting everything through a roof hatch in 100 degree weather on a 14-16 hour day is not fun. Keep in mind a roof is 15-20 degrees hotter than ground level, easily. That first hot weekend you're looking at 70-80 hours a week, sometimes multi hour drives inbetween. If you're in a place with mild winters you get a bit of a break if you're on top of maintenance. If not, most of the above while freezing instead of baking. Plus most people really have no idea what it is you actually do, like our plumbing cousins. Most of your work comes from fixing some other guy's hack job. Service work is like solving a puzzle every call. Lotsa fresh air, just you and your wits, and if you're good at it you get to be a hero 😀 Oh, and the wasps...

[@christian6455]

@@naughtiusmaximus1811 omg might as well do cabel or electric the tools still might be heavy but it not as bad as being a contractor. These blue collar jobs ain't no joke smh. Yall desev way more Love and Respect. Don't know why women look down on those type of careers.

[@christian6455]

@@naughtiusmaximus1811 the solving the puzzle is what gonna drive me crazy did you. Stop doing AC? Don't go into details with insects please

[@jacob-hu9bs]

I’m young, 21 years old and started my apprenticeship a year ago and man a days work beats me but I really enjoy plumbing

[@murkyturkey5238]

I’m 22 and started hvac about a year ago as well. It just depends on the day really, trades aren’t as brutal as people like this make it out to be.

[@murkyturkey5238]

@@jhonni7629 that’s true, depends on the company or what kind of work they do. Or like he said how he got injured and never fully recovered, that kinda sucks too

[@vinnygoombatts1458]

Just don't quit as young as you are. Keep going. It's going to pay off big in the end for you. You're starting at the perfect age.

[@jacob-hu9bs]

@@vinnygoombatts1458 yes sir, that’s what I’m hoping for

[@brett2396]

I stared my apprenticeship when I was 20, working on the last few months of my 5th year now. It's a grind but I'm seeing the benefits. I can keep pace on my own, even with my mechanics. The pay is amazing and I'm one of my bosses favorite workers. Hard work goes a long way, stick with it!

[@kartoffelsaek]

as someone who was alway way above average strenght, the lifting has been the worst for me. And i wish i took better care of my body in my late teens early twenties. All those times when i said "ah fuck it i can lift/pull/move that" has really fucked up my back, knees and shoulders. I still enjoy the work but these days i'm the "technical guy" in the company so i seldomly work with tools larger than they can fit in my pocket. So to all the young people out there, take good care of your body. You only have one

[@jgdooley2003]

This is a huge problem with many physical trades. By the time you hit 50 your body is no longer able to take the strain anymore. I knew guys who branched into clerk of works, inspection and test and training roles in building in order to be able to stay employed when they got older. With the modern trend towards later retirement in many countries the need for such transitions from physical work to admin and oversight roles will become more urgent.

[@mischievousjr.9299]

@@jgdooley2003 sheesh, I'm a younger lad, so I will most definitely take word and advice from the more Mature Tradesmen.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

I always ask new apprentices after a few weeks if this was what they thought they would be doing when they started plumbing. After 28 years, none of them have ever said yes. They always say they thought they would just be fixing toilets all day. LMFAO!

[@trainofthough0242]

I'm 31, been plumbing for a little over 10 years now. Mostly new construction and major remodels. It's a very hard job and you have to love it and make it your passion otherwise you'll be miserable. Even if you do love it, there are times where it's misery-inducing still. We've all been in those ratty, disgusting crawlspaces, kneeling on rocks with water and glue dripping all over you, crawling around in rat droppings and spiders. I've probably drilled 5000 holes in my life with a big, heavy drill and I don't want to do it anymore. I liked it for a period but I'm looking to get out of this field now and try something else that's a bit less taxing on the body. I did my time and I could always come back to it if I have to. Anything experience you get in the trades is incredibly valuable. Those are skills you can take into many other fields where you aren't doing such heavy manual labor. I wish plumbing was just installing toilets all day. That's easy, gravy work to me. Anybody could do that, there's so much more to plumbing that people don't realize. I've dabbled into all the different trades and plumbing is the hardest residential trade in my opinion between all the knowledge you need to know to do it and do it well and the heavy labor involved on top of that.

[@brendanlovestoeat]

How have you been doing? I’m going through the same situation, I’m 29 just got my journeyman license in summer but I woke up one day realized I just didn’t want to do plumbing anymore, I’ve been working at Amazon since quitting and the pay is less than half of what I could be making but I don’t think I could have kept plumbing even if the pay was good, it was physically demanding, always issues on jobs and I was just dreading showing up, but part of me still wants to get my masters so I can atleast pull permits but my passion for plumbing has definitely vanished and I’m still debating if I’m making the right choice.

[@trainofthough0242]

@@brendanlovestoeat Unfortunately still doing plumbing. With the economy the way it is, I can't afford to take a risk and take a pay cut right now and change careers. I am making the plans to change soon though. I was thinking of possibly going the inspector route. My town is always hiring new inspectors. All's I gotta do is take a few classes and pass an easy test and that's it, trade in the wrenches for a clipboard. I also got my guitar and music thing up and running and is actually pulling in income now but not enough to sustain me yet. That's really my passion and where I'd want to end up so I've been doing that on the side trying to continue building it. Until then, I'm still doing plumbing just no longer doing much new construction and remodels. I'm more into easy service work now. Sink drains, faucets, toilets, water heaters, stuff like that. I'm also just a journeyman but I could get permits pulled through my old boss if I had to. Since I don't do much requiring permits anymore, I don't really have to worry about that much.

[@mack2420]

I love your videos! You explain things so well. I’m not a plumber but I use to be a tradesman, I have the utmost respect for trades people, unless you’ve done it you have no idea. Someone actually said to me “your nothing but a blue collar worker”, that guy has no appreciation for what we do and he showed me how ignorant he was!

[@Got2Learn]

🙏🙏🙏😋

[@dustman96]

Being blue collar is far more honorable than being white collar.

[@ralphwaters8905]

I'm a DIY homeowner who had to replace 20-ft of 4" defective cast iron waste pipe because it split full-length along the top. It worked fine (like a rain gutter) for years, I'm sure, until a water shortage made us conserve. At this point it filled up with solid waste from the low end, and the liquid waste ran out the crack under the house (raised foundation, thank God). Eventually, when all 20-ft were full of sh1t and covered the last of the crack, we had a backup and the fun began. I had to crawl thru the raw sewage mud under the house to replace the pipe, and I took a photo of the old one on my driveway, with sh1t sagging out the end. When I tell people about this and show them the photo, I get 3 responses: (1) Oh gross, I can't believe you did that, (2) New respect that I do my own "real" man's work, or (3) laughter at my misfortune, which is my own personal favorite. That photo is a treasure to me now. 😁

[@2Ahthelphi]

I would be laughing, telling you how grows that is while giving you a fist bump lol We had to replace a 16" sewer main full of solid waste and thousands (THOUSANDS) of cockroaches

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

Don’t let anybody de-value you bro. Plumbing is a tough trade and there’s a reason why it’s expensive when you have to call one.

[@justincarawan-carawanco.pu1639]

Yeah, that's why I DIY my plumbing. It's slightly easier when you're slightly below-average height at 5'5". I do, however, consult with the experts in my family.

[@Kleiner_Lutz]

Recently had a customer who thought he'd do me a favor by letting me change a radiator. "You deal with drain pipes and clogged toilets all day, don't you?" - no sir, I don't

[@thedaffamily5020]

I'm a plumber here in the USA and Installation of toilets and faucets are the basic of plumbing, I been doing plumbing for the last four years and I love it. From my experience maybe 8 to 10 percent of my jobs are dirty work. I'm working for a company and at the same time building my own sewer, drain and plumbing company. So for me not to do the dirty work in the near future. I went to school and study a profession, now as a plumber I make almost 3 times as more money. Also I'm still going to plumbing school and training and learning in the field.

[@XSR_RUGGER]

I either hear, "You deal with crap every day?" Or "So, you install toilets and stuff?" Most people have no idea all that plumbers actually do. It is a day full of many different things and even within the trade there are subtleties. I was previously a strength coach and personal trainer for over a decade so you can guess who gets asked to do the heavy lifting. I don't mind it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get to ya. This was a great video.

[@Got2Learn]

Great comment, thanks so much man!!!

[@mattd3826]

Hey that's awesome man! I used to be a boxer, but I've been working in office jobs for several years. I been thinking about becoming a plumber, because i miss being in shape. Do you stay in shape from plumbing, or do you still have energy even to work out afterwards? Thanks!

[@XSR_RUGGER]

@@mattd3826 I usually workout before work. I get up at 5:30 get kids off to school and then get to the gym for about an hour to an hour and twenty minutes. My day is scheduled but it doesn't always go as planned so going to the gym after, for me, wouldn't be consistent. I play rugby so my workouts are geared toward that but if the workouts were for general health it would be a bit easier. Being fit absolutely helps with the crawling and carrying that goes along with plumbing lol.

[@blackened872]

I do electrical and I don’t envy the spaces you guys gotta get into. We gotta get into similar spaces and often the exact same spaces, but the material/equipment you guys gotta deal with makes it much more difficult.

[@foremanjacobmiller3589]

I do residential foundation repair, Crawlspace encapsulations, and basement waterproofing. There’s a decent bit of plumbing involved. We usually call in a professional plumber for pipes in our way etc. and we all have a huge respect for the plumbers while working w them and this video is a good explanation as to why...they have some shit to deal w that sometimes is worse than not good

[@hhhhhh3128]

I always ask the customer to clean his toilet if it is not. It is basic respect.

[@brianrobertson1211]

Working as a plumber for 5 years motivated me to go back to college.

[@Got2Learn]

🤣🤣🤣☝

[@FlorinBaci]

I started learning programiming 🤣

[@brianrobertson1211]

​@@Got2Learn Once a plumber always a plumber.

[@theberryfamily5824]

What did you study at college?

[@tylermitchell0107]

Did you not like being a plumber ?

[@christopherwilson2606]

Being on call is the worst part. Work 7am to 5pm. . . and get called back out at 9pm to replace a sewage ejector.

[@Got2Learn]

😔😔😔

[@deezworld2098]

On call is hell

[@artanndoni7048]

That sucks once I was called at 12 midnight to a high rise clapped the pinhole on the pipe and got home around 2:00 am. As soon as I got in the bed the front desk at the same building called and sad there is another leak on another apartment different issue. I wish he had called me 1/2 hour earlier when I was in the building. Went back again fixed the leak finished around 5:00 am and then slept 2 hrs in the truck. Started my day at 7:00

[@Got2Learn]

@@artanndoni7048 nicee

[@christopherwilson2606]

@@artanndoni7048 When I was first starting out and didn't have a family, I'd often find myself sleeping in my work truck because it didn't make sense to go all the way home before the next working day.

[@joejr9653]

I definitely prefer working in the cold. The heat is a total energy drain on your body.

[@Got2Learn]

Same!!

[@murkyturkey5238]

I feel like either way you get used to it but I would agree. Cold can wipe you out with the wind though

[@jasonschleman4291]

I've been doing plumbing in Tampa Florida for 28 years, we definitely know about the heat down here!

[@brett2396]

Agreed, I can usually stay warm just from working itself, good thick gloves and wool socks. The heat you can't do anything but try to drink a ton of cold water lol

[@kelleydaniels9498]

I live in southeast alaska. The worst by far is freezing rain. Just zaps all your energy and takes hours to warm up from. You can dress for cold but being wet and cold is terrible.

[@danieljohnson6684]

My worst job in apartment maintenance was a plumbing job. Got a call the toilet handle and set were broke. Got to the apartment and the whole seat was covered in her monthly present. She got mad when I just walked out. Made me think twice about my job choice. 85% of Americans can’t even plunge a toilet, guess it’s job security

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

As a former trade worker, I'm glad to never do trade jobs including plumbing, being an electrician, or HVAC technician ever again. Sometimes, money is not good enough and worse, sometimes, even with those trade jobs, you are not compensated enough if you develop or sustain a serious or life-threatening on the job site injury. I was never compensated when I sustained an injury to my head when leaving the job site, and I was not permitted to work until I had paid out of my own pocket for my own medical treatment and the irony was that I still wasn't making enough. In the end, I was forced out and I'm so blessed and glad that I was. I since have sought out being self-employed, and it was a miraculous blessing. I support those who quit plumbing and move on to better paying and more fulfilling jobs. ^_^

[@420connex]

I cry little inside when I demo old radiators the craftsmanship, also people stop painting them.

[@Got2Learn]

😪😪😪

[@cory3106]

Why do it then?

[@lukie4ever]

Same bruh that is just oof

[@brett2396]

Seriously at least not the threads

[@Ryg2008P]

Video summary: If you don't like a hards days work, where you'll be uncomfortable, don't be a plumber.

[@Got2Learn]

100%

[@Ryg2008P]

I crave it, makes everything that much sweeter on the days off haha

[@dkaloupis75]

A hards day work with everyday being under hard and harsh environments it is not an average plumber other than 1-1.000.000 unless you got no clue whatsoever to do that 365-24/7. Adios keyboard knowledgers.

[@Ryg2008P]

@@dkaloupis75 It's actually typical to get two or three of those jobs a day when you're an actual plumber. If your not in a harsh environment or uncomfortable at least once a day, you're a handy man

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

@Besa Bes Union commerical guys, bigger industrial turds

[@bhill777]

I’ve been plumbing 8 years on service. I’m a licensed backflow tester as well. I have trained several crew leaders. Me being abnormally skinny means I do brutal crawls on a regular basis where no one else could get too. The hardest part is the duality of mental and physical exhaustion being on service. I have been electrocuted several times, burned, and wrapped up in steel cables on occasion. I typically exceed 45hrs and up to 70hrs a week throughout the year. I have thousands of photos and videos reaching back several years of my work. Its a tough job but enjoyable at the same time.

[@Got2Learn]

Well said!

[@ACoustaDC]

Awesome attitude! Where do you live? If you are in AZ, you're hired!

[@NoName-zn1sb]

electrocute: Kill by electric shock

[@stanleydenning]

I worked as a plumber for a while. But after servicing a pre-main macerator at a prison. I quit. I puked for an hour. The smell hung with me for a week. I'll never be the same.

[@ascensionprotocols2879]

I'm a Canadian industrial instrument technician and have faced all the same issues EXCEPT the fecal stuff. I've got mad respect for you guys and what you go through. The guy that made the comment about toilets wouldn't last a week in the field. 👊😎

[@DragonBuilds]

Still sounds better than a desk job

[@purotito88]

Amen

[@SurfingTheGalaxy200]

Or a dead end warehouse job like Amazon , ups , fedex . Jobs dats modern day slavery.

[@MrLoowiz]

@@sasquatch7234 You can prevent it by doing functional exercises and knowing when to rest and not strain yourself. Regardless of the job, you'll only hurt yourself if you abuse it and go past your limits. Know yourself, and you can live a healthy lifestyle, even with heavy lifting jobs.

[@tweetybird9944]

I'm a plumber in New Zealand. I've been doing it for 15 years.I do alot of maintenance and all of the above. My knee's and back play up. And recently my neck has been playing up. But all in all it pays the bills. And it's help my family and i buy our first home.

[@stevenaguilera9202]

The first home you won't be able to enjoy because your body is all fucked up. The risk/reward does not seem to be worth it.

[@losferwords100]

The heavy lifting only becomes a headache when you're removing old cast iron plumbing; radiators, boilers, pipe, etc. Eventually in the future all of that will be replaced with modern material and equipment which is much lighter so the future plumbers will have a much easier time. We just happen to be in this career when it's transitioning so we're the guys with the job of tearing out. Which is why I think if you can focus entirely on new construction only, you'll have a much easier time and make more money rather than doing service work. Service work can be quick money especially if you live in a city where there's constant work, but it can also be a total nightmare. There's plenty of guys that do just run around all day installing toilets, faucets and other easy jobs and when you tell people you're a plumber, 90% of them will think that's exactly what all plumbers do all day. Those kinds of plumbers do exist but those are the older guys at the end of their career with enough steady customers that they can turn down jobs they don't want to do and just do light work and hand off all the dirty jobs to the rest of us. Which is why I don't really do service work anymore, more money in new construction and renovations and the work is less dirty and labor-intensive.

[@aamirtariq2207]

Definitely dealing with the nasty stuff is what gets me. hvac drains that have stagnant water with the slime all over the tray and pipes, as mentioned before by others, grease traps, and then of course toilets. busting up concrete with waste that had saturated the cavities around the drain from bad previous install, is not a fun job. Luckily we just have one facility to maintain, so we aren't encountering the real bad stuff actual plumbers do, but even the stuff we get here is enough to know that being a plumber is definitely tough and is not for everyone! Labor fields in general seem to be losing skilled people, it's a shame.

[@T.E.P.]

lol .... " it was either never cleaned, or never cleaned."

[@Got2Learn]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ronniejohnson317]

When I was a kid, my dad would rather do himself than pay someone. A little background , Dad had OCDs. Specifically, he didn’t want anything on his hands. So he would get me to do it. I learned plumbing, roofing, flooring, electrical, small engines and farming. Mom took care of everything in the house and Dad had the rest ( me). 11 years old , Mom comes home from work and I had the riding mower engine scattered around the carport. I have done a lot of plumbing. Gotta be tough to do it every day.

[@corysturgis6660]

Sounds awesome. Had similar stuff with my dad when visiting him. Best way to learn

[@offplanetevent]

I'm a retired plumber of 40 years. I worked the west Los Angeles area. I retired a millionaire thanks to the plumbing trade.

[@Got2Learn]

👌👌👌

[@lukewarme9121]

A millionaire in California isn’t that rich today.

[@offplanetevent]

@@lukewarme9121 I never said that I'm rich. I said...I retired a millionaire. All I know is that I don't have to work anymore.

[@everybodysMaster1]

@@lukewarme9121 California is the easiest state to become a millionaire but jesus christ do you pay for it.

[@everybodysMaster1]

@@Got2Learn what do you do now?

[@michaelslivensky8741]

I was a life safety installer, and can relate to all that you have said... People think that " I only changed smoke detectors all day long" but on the contrary, I got that wire there somehow. I worked side by side with plumbers, and HVAV dudes for 10 years, and we all had to endure the same horrible conditions.

[@Got2Learn]

Sad...

[@WEdHarris]

Great video and it really puts things in perspective! I have a great deal of respect for ALL TRADES! Generally speaking, they are the most down to earth, innovative, honest and hard-working folks I've known! I am a serious DIYer. I do all my own vehicle repair and maintenance, pulled and rebuilt car engines, customization, ran gas lines, plumbing, installed electric service panels, etc. However, I have always consulted trade professionals who were always willing to help. My guess is because they appreciated the interest and appreciation I genuinely have for what they do. I am a Maxillofacial and Dental Prosthetic Technician (Also a trade). I earn my living from making artificial eyes, noses, teeth, etc. There is nothing that will ever replace experience, knowledge, and pride in doing a job well and always, always extend the respect and appreciate the contribution everyone makes, whether it be housekeeping or brain surgery. It takes everyone to make this world a hospitable place to live. Thanks for the awesome video! Well done!

[@theondebray]

The majority of my plumbing work was sorting out problems, often problems that others didn't want to touch. I made a lot of friends out of my customers, and made a modest but adequate living. That's the reality - oh and steady hard work.

[@dbz4586]

If there's one thing I noticed, you'll always make good money as a plumber. I think it's a great job to do. Start an apprenticeship this week or next.

[@billymorgan7717]

This why I will probably only be a DYI guy. Some of this is for the pros.

[@MandenTV]

I’m from California, I can relate to the being in an attic on a hot summer day! Whenever we do a repipe, I’m always the only one up in the attic, be it running pex or soldering copper lines. Brutal work, but the pay is good and I can go home every day knowing that I made somebody a little happier and earned my money.

[@donthesheek]

Anyone who attempts to belittle a person based on their trade or otherwise is a jerk who needs to work on their character and personal short coming.

[@Got2Learn]

Well said.

[@glennsansoucie4739]

Working in the freezing cold it probably the worst thing for me. Especially with how much copper and pex we do. It’s either you don’t wear gloves and your hands are so numb you cant do anything quickly, or you wear gloves and you cant do anything precisely. Pick your poison lol.

[@bryanciacco4181]

I find it extremely disrespectful if you have to go near a toilet the customers didn't clean beforehand. Or a packed mechanical room they use as storage they don't clean out knowing we're coming. I'll literally just walk away. Also, trades ppl never get tipped! In fact the opposite. They're always trying to get deals when you know 100% they will gladly spend $300+ at a restaurant and tip 20% for 1hr. When we're at their houses for hours!

[@Chucknorris4946]

I didn't realize how much running a jackhammer went into plumbing when I applied. And the diversity of the field surprised me as well. One day we have to pipe burst a new sewer line and the next day we're replacing a gas line in the attic of another house and after that we're running copper water lines in a new dentist office. Wasn't expecting it.

[@joshuamclaren7529]

I always chuckle a little bit when i respond to people that I’m a plumber and the immediate assumption is that I install toilets or that I’m knee deep in crap all day

[@TheBanjoShowOfficial]

lol

[@joshcowart2446]

The smell generally doesn’t bother me. The one time I lost my lunch we were working in a very old neighborhood. It had recently been annexed so the city ran a sewer main out there. We were switching from a cess pool to city sewer. For those of you unfamiliar with cess pools/pits, it was the precursor to the septic tank. They didn’t use tanks. They’d basically dig a big hole about 10’ deep and then run the sewer into it and throw a lid on top. I assume the solids would be eaten just like a septic tank and the liquids leach through the dirt. The fact that they had this meant it was over 60 yrs old maybe more. I had just come back from lunch and I was just standing there spotting for the backhoe when he snagged the lid and pulled it off. A wave of sewer smell like I’ve never smelled before hit me and my aforementioned lunch break basically became a waste of time and money. As for cramped spaces, I had to pull a gas tite line through this ceiling at an old building downtown in my hometown. They’d build these old stores with like 20’+ ceilings then the back would be 2 stories for storage. The space was maybe 8” tall. I’m pretty skinny which always made me the prime candidate for tight spots. I had to crawl over these joists for probably 120’ or more to run this 1/2” gas tite from the front to the back. The joists were 24” centers and if I broke through the drywall it was 20’ drop or more. When I worked in my hometown which is a small town in west Texas. Most of the houses were old so they were almost all pier and beam and they didn’t think about repairs when designing the crawlspaces. Sometimes we had to dig as we crawled.

[@BCM82]

THANK YOU!!!, for explaining to the general population, what a plumber actually does on a day-to-day basis. Changing washers, toilets, faucets and clearing clogged drains is a handyman's job. Designing and installing all of the waste and vent piping, heating systems, domestic water and gas lines, in residential, commercial and industrial applications, is what a plumber actually does...That is one reason it takes a seven-year apprenticeship, under a Master Plumber, just to qualify to take the plumbers licensing exam.

[@Got2Learn]

Yw!

[@paulvild]

Dude, I feel for you. I think my back still hurts from lifting a 30+ year old hot water heater that I replaced at my home. I'm convinced it had 150 pounds of hard water deposit in it.

[@Got2Learn]

😆 you gotta be in shape man, it's nuts...

[@rtz549]

Friend of mine helps his brother plumb. At a dentist office working on the suction system. He asked him if that was the worst smell there is. He said no. At the morgue; the drain on the tables is.

[@pjmtts]

Dude I don’t know what the rules are in Iceland but here we don’t have plumbers clean poop off floors.... that’s when remediation companies and insurance are called.

[@kaspernielsen8542]

Im 25 and from Denmark and I spent 4 years in school to become a plumber. Last august I was finished with the education but I love plumbing so much so I just have to learn more and more all the time. That’s why I am going to study for another 2 years from now on so that I can start my own business. I hardly dont do any heavy lifting or awkward work positions since we only do new houses. And in the company I work for we can easily make $100/h. Sometimes even $200-400. Im so happy Im a plumber and from Denmark and can’t wait to see what the future brings :)

[@RGNHomeSolutions]

Plumbing can be a very rewarding career. The right person takes pride in their work and helps people in emergency situations. Let's make the trades great again!

[@tedspang1945]

I have over 30 years of experience in plumbing and everything you say is true, the major problem we have now is lack of talent coming from trade schools. I left a few years ago to get into HVAC, and haven't looked back since... Except here of course.

[@brayantavera3427]

So hvac less labor ?

[@Trevorious2010]

I gotta drop some weight fast, I'm about to start my pre apprenticeship training and I'm around the 330 lbs mark. I'm a damn hard worker and all but I really don't want to be limited by my size to the number of jobs I can work. :(

[@Got2Learn]

I have faith in you :)

[@nofurtherwest3474]

try the keto diet. and also walk and jog a lot, or ride bike or swim.

[@ronwest7930]

Make ur dinner a big salad and take it easy on the dressing. Skip breakfast. Think about what got you to where ur at in the first place.

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

Get it down to 190, or you will be working on your own plumbing

[@mindseven7217]

I ate one good healthy meal a day. Steak, chicken, vegetables, maybe a bit of rice. Did some exercise, it helped me out.

[@MrBigtime1986]

I'm in roofing and this is my last year doing it. One of the most common mottos is "your fired before you hit the ground" You have no workers comp in that job or health care insurance and the pay sucks as well.

[@Got2Learn]

😔

[@tyraelpl]

Im glad you found a nice comfy retirement here on YT so you can educate the next gen of plumbers and share your exp and knowledge.

[@Got2Learn]

Thanks 👍

[@kenmore01]

My job is similar. It's not plumbing, but plumbing is involved. It involves industrial instruments and requires all kinds of contortions, skills; Electrical and electronics, vacuum, mechanical, soldering etc. Usually, I break my skin and bleed all over. I certainly end up with abrasions all over my arms (some are still healing over a week later on my time off.) I end up with back breaking pain at the end of the day. I had to go to urgent care a few months ago to stop an infection from a bleeding wound near my elbow which opened over and over again and I was told can be very serious if the infection moves into the joint. It sucks and I do keep my eyes open for something better. I was without a job for years, so I can't afford to be too choosy. I appreciate the path you chose and I love your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@Jesse-gv9tf]

I'm not a plumber, but I pretend to be one. I manage all the maintenance in my buildings. I've changed toilets, I unclogged sinks, bathtubs, changed shower cartridge's, shower valves on the old style pfister models, changed gas boilers, changed thermal couplers, replaced direct vent wall heaters, even installed new williams direct vent wall heaters, installed new additional gas lines and even replaced entire water lines running multiple stories. I've done it all. The worst by far is carrying the toilet and lining them with the screws. They are heavy.

[@junkman007]

LoL yeah this is bang on. Working right now with a business that only does drain cleaning. Fairly straight forward. The cramped spaces, carrying heavy equipement in and out of buildings (sectional drain cleaner), and my favorite of all are the overly in your space customers. One wanted to be so helpful that they were trying to help flush the pipe in a boiler room with a hose... And proceeded to hose me down. Guess I'm luckily it was clean water, but all the same.

[@douglaughton7626]

I’ve been a plumber for 37 years. After the first 15 years, it gets easier. You don’t even give the awkward position or heavy weight a second thought. I live uk, it rains a lot! At least my work is mostly inside

[@Got2Learn]

Niceee

[@SoLowKaspar]

Im a property maintenance worker. I'm licensed in plumbing, electrical, and HVACR. All 3 of these. We are exposed to harsh environments. But plumbing is by far my most hated work area. I Honestly don't care about the toilets, waste, whatever. Its the water supplies. Dealing with a leaky valve is absolutely terrible for me. Most of the time. I opt in to just shut down the properties water supply and boiler rooms knock out about a 2'x2' hole in sheetrock and cut out a good chunk of piping to redo the leaky valve. They never come off as intended so I just skip unscrewing them or repairing the gasket and just replace part of the pipe and whole valve, every. time.

[@MJ-nn1ox]

you never see a poor plumber or electrician!

[@DrWhom]

it's because you (have to) give it up double speed quick if you can't hack it

[@patrickmurphy2443]

Ive seen many poor plumbers and electricians and I am a plumber companies don’t pay shit in PA

[@patrickmurphy2443]

@@frzspr1362 yeah fucking Government jobs companies hit over the head on rates like that numb nuts

[@aaddvvnnttrr5317]

I worked as a auto body repair tech for 15 years ticketed and now switches to learn another trade I love it , I enjoy the videos you make good work

[@Got2Learn]

Sweet man!

[@RhumRunner41]

Try doing all that on a moving platform. The now defunct Hull Technician trade in the Royal Canadian Navy did all that on a ship in calm and heavy seas, 24/7.

[@Gh0zT-777]

Much respect my brother!

[@KpxUrz5745]

Any handy homeowner who has done his share of plumbing knows that only on very few occasions is the project easy. I'm not a plumber by trade, yet I could write two books on many extremely difficult jobs, unbelievable surprises that always triple the labor, need to buy tools that I may never use again, inhumanly difficult physical conditions, need for parts that are not even made, and all-around filthy unpleasant tasks that were so repulsive that I cannot describe them here. I wouldn't wish plumbing on my worst enemy, and yet most plumbers charge FAR too much. The only multi-millionaire in my town is a plumber. I'm not kidding. Oh, I had to call Roto-Rooter once, he was here 3 weeks! The job was so difficult and nasty that he literally quit his career and the business after my job!

[@Got2Learn]

😀 all true!

[@MasatoKay]

God bless the plumbers out there, getting dirty and doing the jobs not everyone can do

[@Got2Learn]

;)

[@Futureawaits178]

Been Plumbing for 8 years now been a foreman for some highrises in Toronto i do alot of side work. These are all the worst things you've stated about the trade but i love my job and i wouldnt wish to do anything else theres so much to learn. You could not possibly learn everything there is in even 80 years of being in the trade. The new energy saveing and water saveing technologies that get released make the trade even more exciteing to lear. Plumbing is just the first step then the doors open to pipe fitting, gas fitting, welding not to mention the money is great

[@johnbrzenksforearm8295]

I find it amusing how many youtube plumbers there are now that PEX pipe and sharkbite fittings are readily available.

[@brandonmoon5388]

Ain't nothin wrong with PEX. But sharkbites.....

[@adamthevintagerazornerd2767]

I grew up with my dad being his plumber apprentice. The work we did was a little bit of everything from residential repair and rough ins, to commercial building work. I can't tell you how many concrete floors we busted up the old fashioned way or how many rotted out cast iron lines or fittings that had to be cut out, put in 5 gallon buckets and hauled up 2 stairways into the truck. The worst is roughing in a house main line in 85°F humid weather, no wind and in sand. My dad and I sweating buckets all day long with nowhere to get relief from the heat other than drinking warm botted water. My dad and I wouldn't take brakes either, there is no incentive to when your business plan is to do as many calls in a day as possible ( my dad ran his own company). On slow call days, we were fixing our personal vehicles all day as well so really, no days off either.

[@camraid9]

I have left plumbing after 17 years... Once you are skilled and keep upskilling, the job becomes reasonably comfortable, and you can decline horrible jobs if you really want, even though boss might be disappointed, he won't fire you because you otherwise are great. That said, my advise to people interested is, do as many jobs on the side for friends and family as you can, as early as possible. This is where you learn the most, battling by yourself. Have an experienced plumber you can call to ask questions. There is decent money to be had, and many worse jobs around than plumbing.

[@Got2Learn]

Well said

[@deanemerson4068]

Im a leak detection specialist for residential homes. I basically show up find hidden leaks in slab foundations without invasive demo. Mark it with blue tape. Charge $300 an hour then leave. If i want the repair i do it, if not i walk....easy and fun

[@Got2Learn]

Interesting.