PLUMBING

About Plumbing


Plumbing is a vital skilled trade that supports public health, safety, and everyday comfort. Plumbers install, maintain, and repair systems that deliver clean water, remove waste, and support heating and gas services in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their work ensures that water systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable codes and standards.


Modern plumbing requires strong problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. Plumbers inspect systems, diagnose issues, and perform repairs or upgrades to maintain proper function. Because plumbing systems are essential to daily life, plumbers are often called upon to address urgent issues and restore safe operation quickly and professionally.


Plumbing is well suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, independent problem-solving, and contributing to the safety and well-being of others. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are important for success in this field. With solid foundational skills and professionalism, plumbing offers a respected and reliable career path within the skilled trades.


Examples of

Plumbing Skills


Students develop practical plumbing skills commonly used in residential, commercial, and facilities environments, including:


  • Safe and proper use of common tools and job site safety practices
  • Cutting, fitting, and joining pipes
  • Installing, testing, and repairing plumbing systems
  • Installing plumbing fixtures and appliances
  • Applying water-conservation and green building concepts
  • Reading plans or blueprints to support system layout and installation
  • Understanding basic material needs and project considerations


What Plumbing Work Includes:


Plumbing professionals work in both indoor and outdoor environments, depending on the project and setting. Work may involve residential homes, commercial buildings, or larger facilities. Because plumbing systems often involve water, plumbers may work in damp or confined spaces and must follow strict safety procedures.


The work is hands-on and physically active, often requiring bending, crouching, lifting, and extended periods of standing. Plumbing also involves independent problem-solving, as plumbers frequently assess issues, determine solutions, and complete repairs or installations with attention to detail and safety.


Opportunities in a Plumbing Career


Plumbing professionals are in steady demand due to ongoing residential construction, system upgrades, maintenance needs, and increased focus on water efficiency. Because nearly every building relies on plumbing systems, opportunities exist across a wide range of environments and regions.


Plumbers support the installation and maintenance of water supply systems, drainage and waste systems, gas lines, water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances. As buildings continue to modernize and prioritize conservation, skilled plumbing professionals remain essential to safe and efficient operations.


Potential Careers


With training, experience, and continued skill development, individuals with plumbing skills may pursue roles such as:


  • Plumber or Plumbing Technician
  • Plumbing Maintenance Technician
  • Plumbing Installer
  • Plumbing Supervisor or Foreman
  • Service or Facilities Technician

Average Pay Rate


Earnings in the plumbing field vary based on experience, job responsibilities, employer, and geographic location. Nationally, individuals entering plumbing-related roles typically begin at entry-level hourly wages, with opportunities for steady increases as skills, reliability, and responsibility grow. In South Carolina, starting wages may be slightly lower than the national average, with growth as plumbers gain experience across residential, commercial, and facilities-based projects.


More experienced plumbing professionals may earn annual salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to $65,000 or more, depending on specialization, scope of work, and location. Plumbing offers a skilled trade career path where strong technical skills, problem-solving ability, and professionalism can lead to long-term employment opportunities and consistent wage growth.