Do modern plumbers trained nowadays know any more than a copper pipe and a compression fitting ?

Question

Last century the term 'plumber' was a highly skilled trade, with the artisans doing such things as lead roofs etc.
Has the role been dumbed down whilst keeping the name the same ?

Oooops !. 'dumbed down' was not meant to be a slight against plumbers over any other trade, or occupation, sorry.
I chose plumbing as the subject matter not because of an opinion against plumbers - it was just the first trade I picked upon !. (I plumb with copper, I dress lead roof's so its a slight against myself as much as anyone!)

Answer 1

I would hope that you understand that residential plumbing is one thing, Commercial and Industrial piping is another thing. Plumbers/Pipe fitters do not general go in to a chemical plant, nuclear plant, or any other industrial setting and glue PVC or use compression fittings. Plumber/Pipe fitters and Welder in these settings are usually very skilled. Unfortunately some people in DIY situations can not even glue PVC pipe properly. The cost of materials is a factor in what is used. Do to the cost of copper, and the cost of oil (which is used to make PVC pipe), you may start seeing pipe called PEX.

Answer 2

Sigh,,, "righty tighty, lefty loosey" is a tongue in cheek term.

I suggest,,,as a GC that technology certainly has taken us into the PVC era. Does that promise "better"??? Time is the teller of the tale.

It,,, or any trade should still be regarded as one that takes education, skill, and hopefully a professionalism, in a contractor, that gives a customer the "best"

I couldn't stay in business if I was a Pirate, or an irresponsible contractor,,,and STAYING is my prime goal.

"DUMBED DOWN" is a slight,,, not meaning any offense to you,,,but It might also be rampant in the white collar world as well.

The issue is more about specializing,,,IE: If I contract a job that needs mutiple trades to complete,,,with quality as the result,,, I'll likely SUB out those tasks to others who also specialize.

YOUR Lead roof example: Though a Plumber may know wiring and codes, I'd not expect them to also WIRE a project, I had contracted.

Again with no offense meant,,, Might you ask a "Stall Mucker" to install the plumbing for watering the horses? Perhaps, but hopefully not.

Answer 3

Wow, hang on Jon.

Copper pipe and compression joints are for expert plumbers.

Modern plumbers use pushfit, reducing the skill to that of the first day you put the round peg in the round hole on your babies toy.

Only a joke, please don't shout. I know a couple of plumbers, both very expereinced and great at what they do. I would never use a "modern" or new plumber or spark, the skill is about experience.

Answer 4

I think it has been dumbed down considerably, but, mainly from improved technology. What we used to think was for `Do it Yourselfers` is now de riguer for many tradesmen, pushfit being a good example !

You soon find out who is a good plumber or not when you need a bit of leadwork doing.

Answer 5

With all the training one can get from books, internet, home improvement stores, I very seldom have to call a plumber and pay those outragous rates. ....And I like working with the PVC pipe awhole lot better than copper!

Answer 6

If you ask me modern day plumbers only know how to cut & glue Plastic Pipe. if the run into a repair on a lead waste or water line they are lost.

Answer 7

I actually read an article about a state government ordering the plumbing union to lower its testing standards to allow more minorities into the trade.

Answer 8

Copper pipe yeah but what's that other thing ! regards Pete the plumber.

Answer 9

Obviously, the faster they can complete a job, the quicker they can get to another job. The more jobs they do in a day, the more service calls they can charge for. They are using the newer technology to aid them in being more efficient.

Answer 10

Plumbers need to know three things:

1. Sh*t runs downhill.
2. Payday is on Fridays.
3. The boss is an asshole.