The occupational title “Plumber” defines persons having the knowledge, training and abilities to install, repair and maintain a variety of piping systems, plumbing, fixtures and other equipment generally associated with, but not limited to, water distribution and wastewater disposal.

People in this occupational group are employed by maintenance departments of manufacturing, commercial, health care and educational facilities, by plumbing contractors, by plumbing service companies or they may be self-employed. They may specialize in the installation of piping systems in a wide variety of settings, such as residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings, as well as in the repair and maintenance of existing systems.

In the accomplishment of their job functions, plumbers may perform all or some of the following duties: installation of drainage, waste, vent piping and private sewage disposal systems, installation of water distribution systems, plumbing fixtures and appliances, installation of hydronic heating and cooling systems, installation of natural and liquefied petroleum systems, inspection, maintenance and repairs of plumbing systems and installation of specialized piping systems. In some jurisdictions, other trades perform the installation and maintenance of hydronic heating and cooling systems. Similarly, some jurisdictions have enacted specific legislations requiring additional certification for the installation of natural and liquified petroleum gas systems and private sewage disposal and septic systems.

To perform their job duties effectively and efficiently, plumbers need to know all applicable codes, regulations and laws and of a wide variety of piping systems and plumbing components.