Top 12 Plumber Helper Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the competitive field of plumbing, standing out requires more than just technical know-how. Highlighting the top plumber helper skills on your resume can significantly enhance your marketability, showcasing your ability to support complex plumbing tasks with proficiency and adaptability.
Plumber Helper Skills
- PEX piping
- PVC/CPVC
- Soldering
- Brazing
- Pipe threading
- Hydro-jetting
- Drain cleaning
- Leak detection
- Fixture installation
- Welding
- Blueprint reading
- Trenchless technology
1. PEX piping
PEX piping is a flexible, durable plastic tubing used for water supply lines in plumbing, known for its ease of installation and resistance to scale and chlorine.
Why It's Important
PEX piping is important because it is flexible, easy to install, resistant to scale and chlorine, doesn't corrode or develop pinholes, and has fewer connections and fittings, reducing the chances of leaks.
How to Improve PEX piping Skills
To improve PEX piping installation and maintenance, follow these concise guidelines:
Use a Compatible Tool: Ensure you're using a PEX expansion tool or crimping tool that matches the size of the pipe and fittings for a secure connection. PEX Tools Guide.
Cut Cleanly: Always cut PEX tubing straight with a specifically designed PEX tubing cutter for a clean cut, minimizing leaks at connections. PEX Cutting Tools.
Avoid UV Exposure: Protect PEX pipes from UV light exposure during installation, as it degrades the material. Cover exposed piping or use UV-resistant sleeving. PEX UV Resistance.
Support Properly: Support PEX tubing at appropriate intervals with clamps or hangers to prevent sagging and reduce the risk of damage. Follow manufacturer guidelines for spacing. Supporting PEX Tubing.
Keep Away from Chemicals: Ensure PEX piping is not exposed to harmful chemicals, including petroleum products and pesticides, which can damage the pipe. PEX Chemical Compatibility.
Expansion and Contraction: Accommodate for the expansion and contraction of PEX piping due to temperature changes by allowing some slack during installation and using expansion loops. Expansion and Contraction.
Inspect Regularly: Regularly check PEX installations for signs of wear, damage, or improper installation, and make corrections as needed to ensure longevity and reliability. PEX Maintenance Tips.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the reliability, durability, and performance of PEX piping systems.
How to Display PEX piping Skills on Your Resume
2. PVC/CPVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a versatile, lightweight plastic piping material used for various plumbing applications, notably for cold water supply and drainage. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is similar to PVC but has gone through a chlorination process, making it more durable at higher temperatures and suitable for hot and cold water distribution.
Why It's Important
PVC/CPVC is important because it is durable, resistant to corrosion and chemicals, easy to install, and cost-effective for plumbing applications such as water supply and drainage systems.
How to Improve PVC/CPVC Skills
Improving PVC/CPVC installations as a Plumber Helper involves focusing on proper handling, cutting, joining, and maintenance practices:
Cutting: Use a sharp ratchet-type cutter for clean, square cuts. Avoid using saws which can leave jagged edges, potentially compromising the joint integrity.
Deburring: Always deburr and chamfer the pipe ends after cutting. This removes sharp edges and facilitates a better fit and seal. Deburring Tool Guide
Cleaning: Clean both the pipe and fitting with a CPVC/PVC cleaner before applying primer and cement. This step removes dirt and oils, ensuring a stronger bond. Proper Pipe Preparation
Priming: Apply primer to both the pipe and fitting to soften the material and enhance the chemical weld. Make sure to use the correct primer for your material (CPVC or PVC). Primer Application
Cementing: Use the correct cement type for your application (PVC or CPVC specific) and apply it evenly without excessive buildup. Join the pipe and fitting with a twisting motion to ensure even distribution. Solvent Cementing Guide
Supporting and Hanging: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for support spacing to prevent sagging or stress. Use clamps and supports designed for PVC/CPVC to avoid damaging the pipe. Supporting PVC/CPVC
Expansion and Contraction: Accommodate for thermal expansion and contraction in longer runs using expansion joints or loops. Thermal Expansion in Plastic Piping Systems
Inspection and Testing: After installation, inspect for any visible signs of improper fitting or cementing. Conduct a pressure test to ensure there are no leaks. Pressure Testing Pipelines
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the quality and longevity of your PVC/CPVC installations.
How to Display PVC/CPVC Skills on Your Resume
3. Soldering
Soldering, in the context of plumbing, is a process used to join metal pipes and fittings together by melting solder (a metal alloy) around the joint. This creates a strong, watertight seal.
Why It's Important
Soldering is crucial for a Plumber Helper because it securely joins metal pipes and fittings, ensuring leak-proof and durable water, gas, and heating system connections.
How to Improve Soldering Skills
Improving soldering, especially for a plumber helper, involves mastering a few key practices:
Clean thoroughly: Ensure both the pipe and fitting are clean and free of oxidation. Use a wire brush or sandpaper for cleaning.
Apply flux: Apply soldering flux evenly around the areas to be soldered. Flux helps prevent oxidation and improves solder flow.
Heat evenly: Apply heat evenly around the fitting, not directly on the solder. This allows the solder to flow naturally into the joint through capillary action.
Apply solder: Touch the solder to the joint, not the flame. When the temperature is right, the solder will flow into the joint.
Cool naturally: Avoid using water or wet rags to cool the joint. Let it cool naturally to avoid creating weak spots.
For further improvement, consider these resources:
- Copper Development Association for comprehensive guidelines on copper soldering.
- PlumbingHelpToday for tips and tricks specifically tailored to plumbing soldering.
- YouTube tutorials for visual learning and demonstration.
Practice regularly to improve speed and efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards.
How to Display Soldering Skills on Your Resume
4. Brazing
Brazing is a metal-joining process where a filler metal is heated above its melting point and distributed between two or more close-fitting parts by capillary action, creating a strong, leak-proof joint upon cooling. For a plumber helper, it's a method commonly used to join copper pipes and fittings in plumbing systems.
Why It's Important
Brazing is important for a Plumber Helper because it allows for the strong, leak-proof joining of metal pipes and fittings, essential for reliable and durable plumbing systems.
How to Improve Brazing Skills
Improving brazing techniques, particularly for a plumber helper, involves focusing on key practices that ensure strong, leak-proof joints. Here's a concise guide:
Cleanliness: Ensure both the metal surfaces and filler material are clean and free from oxidation. Use a wire brush or sandpaper for cleaning.
Proper Fit and Alignment: Parts should fit together snugly with minimal gaps. This ensures the capillary action can effectively draw the filler material into the joint.
Correct Flux: Apply an appropriate flux to the joint area to prevent oxidation during heating. Flux also improves the flow of the filler material.
Adequate Heat: Use a torch with the right size tip to evenly heat the joint to the correct temperature. The filler material should flow towards the heat source.
Appropriate Filler Material: Choose a filler material compatible with the base metals and suitable for the intended service environment.
Safety: Always wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Practice: Skill in brazing develops with experience. Practice on scrap pieces to perfect your technique before working on actual projects.
For further reading and detailed guides, consider exploring resources through reputable sites such as:
- The American Welding Society (AWS)
- Copper Development Association Inc.
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
How to Display Brazing Skills on Your Resume
5. Pipe threading
Pipe threading is the process of creating spiral grooves on the end of a pipe so it can be joined with other pipes or fittings through a screw-like connection, ensuring a tight seal.
Why It's Important
Pipe threading is crucial for creating secure and tight connections between pipes, allowing for the safe and efficient transport of water, gas, or other fluids without leaks.
How to Improve Pipe threading Skills
Improving pipe threading involves a combination of using the right tools, techniques, and maintenance practices. Here’s a concise guide:
Select the Correct Die: Choose a die that matches the pipe material and size. This ensures clean and accurate threads.
Apply Cutting Oil: Use cutting oil to reduce friction and heat, improving the die's lifespan and thread quality. Here's a guide on selecting cutting oil.
Secure the Pipe: Firmly clamp the pipe in a vise to prevent movement while threading.
Use a Pipe Threading Machine: For consistent and precise threads, a threading machine is ideal. Here’s an overview of how to use a pipe threading machine.
Clean the Die and Pipe: After threading, clean the die to prevent residue build-up and clean the pipe threads to remove any metal filings or cutting oil.
Inspect Threads: Ensure threads are clean and without burrs. A thread gauge can help verify accuracy.
Practice and Training: Finally, consistent practice and proper training can significantly improve threading skills. Consider resources like Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association for training opportunities.
By following these steps and continually practicing, you can significantly improve your pipe threading technique.
How to Display Pipe threading Skills on Your Resume
6. Hydro-jetting
Hydro-jetting is a plumbing method used to clean and clear clogged or slow sewage lines by using high-pressure water streams to remove blockages and build-up inside pipes.
Why It's Important
Hydro-jetting is important because it efficiently clears and cleans pipes by removing blockages and build-up, ensuring smooth and optimal functioning of plumbing systems.
How to Improve Hydro-jetting Skills
Improving hydro-jetting involves optimizing water pressure and flow, selecting appropriate nozzle types, and ensuring regular maintenance of the hydro-jetting equipment. Follow these concise steps:
Optimize Water Pressure and Flow: Adjust the water pressure and flow according to the pipe size and the type of blockage. Higher pressure is not always better; find the right balance for effective cleaning without damaging pipes. Understanding Water Pressure.
Select Appropriate Nozzles: Use the correct nozzle for the job. Different nozzles are designed for different types of blockages and cleaning tasks. Matching the nozzle to the job improves efficiency and effectiveness. Jetting Nozzles Guide.
Regular Maintenance: Perform regular checks and maintenance on your hydro-jetting machine. Clean and inspect hoses, nozzles, and the pump to ensure they’re in good working condition, which prevents breakdowns and maintains performance. Maintenance Tips.
By focusing on these aspects, you can significantly improve your hydro-jetting process, ensuring safer, more efficient, and effective pipe cleaning.
How to Display Hydro-jetting Skills on Your Resume
7. Drain cleaning
Drain cleaning involves removing clogs and blockages from plumbing to ensure water flows smoothly through pipes and drains, often using tools like plungers, augers, or hydro-jetting equipment.
Why It's Important
Drain cleaning is crucial to prevent blockages, reduce odors, and avoid water damage, ensuring smooth and efficient plumbing system operation.
How to Improve Drain cleaning Skills
To enhance drain cleaning as a Plumber Helper, focus on these concise strategies:
Understand the Cause: Identify what's causing the blockage (e.g., hair, grease, objects). Knowing the cause helps in choosing the right approach.
Use the Right Tools: For manual cleaning, rely on plungers and hand augers. For severe clogs, consider power augers or hydro-jetting tools. Always wear protective gear.
Chemical Cleaners with Caution: Use chemical drain cleaners sparingly, as they can damage pipes. Opt for enzyme-based cleaners for a safer option. Good Practices.
Regular Maintenance: Prevent clogs by routinely cleaning drains with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. This natural method is safe and effective. Maintenance Tips.
Professional Development: Keep learning about new tools and techniques in plumbing. Online courses and plumbing forums can be valuable resources. Plumbing Education.
Safety First: Always prioritize safety by wearing gloves and goggles, especially when using chemical cleaners or power tools.
By focusing on understanding, choosing the right tools, cautious use of chemicals, regular maintenance, continual learning, and prioritizing safety, you can significantly improve your drain cleaning effectiveness.
How to Display Drain cleaning Skills on Your Resume
8. Leak detection
Leak detection is the process of identifying and locating leaks in plumbing systems to prevent water waste, damage, and costly repairs.
Why It's Important
Leak detection is crucial because it prevents water damage, saves water, reduces water bills, and avoids potential health hazards by stopping mold growth.
How to Improve Leak detection Skills
To improve leak detection as a Plumber Helper, follow these concise steps:
Visual Inspection: Begin with a thorough visual inspection of pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Look for signs of moisture, corrosion, or damage.
Listen for Leaks: In quiet conditions, listen for the sound of dripping or running water in walls, floors, and ceilings to pinpoint leaks.
Use Dye Tests: For toilets, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak. Learn more about dye tests.
Employ Pressure Tests: Close all taps and monitor the water meter for any changes. If the meter changes, there may be a leak. Pressure test techniques.
Thermal Imaging Cameras: These can identify differences in wall temperatures, indicating potential leaks. Thermal imaging for plumbing.
Acoustic Leak Detectors: Use these devices to detect the sound frequencies made by leaks in pressurized pipes. Understanding acoustic leak detection.
Electronic Leak Detection: For difficult-to-locate leaks, electronic detectors can sense moisture levels behind walls and under floors. Guide to electronic leak detection.
By combining these methods, you'll enhance your leak detection skills effectively.
How to Display Leak detection Skills on Your Resume
9. Fixture installation
Fixture installation involves setting up and connecting plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and faucets, to a building's water supply and drainage systems, ensuring they function properly.
Why It's Important
Fixture installation is crucial as it ensures the proper and efficient operation of plumbing systems, prevents leaks and water damage, and guarantees safety and comfort for users.
How to Improve Fixture installation Skills
Improving fixture installation as a Plumber Helper involves mastering a few key steps and familiarizing yourself with the best practices and tools of the trade. Here are concise tips to enhance your skills:
Understand the Basics: Ensure you have a fundamental understanding of plumbing systems. This Old House offers a great starting point for beginners.
Use Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality tools and know how to use them correctly. Home Depot’s Tool Guide is an excellent resource for finding the right tools for fixture installations.
Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for each fixture. This ensures you're using the correct installation technique and tools.
Practice Measurement and Marking: Accurate measurement and marking are crucial for proper fixture installation. Family Handyman’s guide provides practical tips on how to do this effectively.
Learn to Seal and Tighten Correctly: Proper sealing and tightening prevent leaks. Understand the use of thread tape and wrenches to ensure a tight fit without damaging parts. Ask the Builder has useful tips on using plumbing tape.
Stay Updated with Codes: Plumbing codes ensure safety and efficiency. Familiarize yourself with local plumbing codes to ensure compliance. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is a resource for codes and standards.
Seek Feedback and Continuous Learning: Always ask for feedback from experienced plumbers and learn from each installation. Additionally, online resources like PlumbingHelpToday provide valuable insights and tips for continuous improvement.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your fixture installation skills as a Plumber Helper.
How to Display Fixture installation Skills on Your Resume
10. Welding
Welding is the process of joining metal parts together using heat and/or pressure, often employed in plumbing to securely connect pipes and fittings.
Why It's Important
Welding is crucial for a Plumber Helper as it allows for the durable joining and repairing of metal pipes and fittings, ensuring robust, leak-proof connections essential for efficient and reliable plumbing systems.
How to Improve Welding Skills
Improving welding skills, particularly for a Plumber Helper, involves practice, understanding the basics, and learning from experienced welders. Here are concise tips:
Practice Consistently: Regular practice enhances your welding technique. Focus on different welding positions and metals. MillerWelds provides practical guides.
Understand the Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of welding, including types of welds, welding safety, and equipment handling. Start with American Welding Society (AWS) Learning for foundational knowledge.
Learn from Professionals: Seek mentorship or attend workshops. Experienced welders can offer valuable insights and tips. Consider joining forums or communities, such as WeldingWeb, for advice and support.
Safety First: Always adhere to safety protocols. Proper gear and understanding safety guidelines are paramount. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides comprehensive safety tips.
Use Quality Materials and Tools: Invest in good welding tools and materials. High-quality equipment can significantly affect your welding quality.
By focusing on these areas, a Plumber Helper can significantly improve their welding skills, contributing to better job performance and safety.
How to Display Welding Skills on Your Resume
11. Blueprint reading
Blueprint reading for a Plumber Helper involves interpreting and understanding detailed technical drawings and schematics of plumbing systems. This skill enables the helper to identify the layout and specifications of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing components as designed for installation or repair in buildings.
Why It's Important
Blueprint reading is crucial for a Plumber Helper as it enables them to understand precise layouts, specifications, and locations for plumbing installations and repairs, ensuring accurate, efficient, and code-compliant work.
How to Improve Blueprint reading Skills
Improving blueprint reading skills, especially for a Plumber Helper, involves developing a strong foundation in understanding symbols, scales, and the layout of plumbing systems on construction drawings. Here's a concise guide to enhance your blueprint reading capabilities:
Learn the Basics: Start with understanding the fundamentals of blueprints, including types of views (plan, elevation, section), scales, and the meaning of different lines (solid, dashed, etc.).
Familiarize with Plumbing Symbols: Memorize common plumbing symbols for fixtures, pipes, and fittings. This Basic Blueprint Reading for Plumbers course can be a good starting point.
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, practice improves proficiency. Regularly review actual plumbing blueprints or exercises found in resources like Plumbing Blueprint Reading to familiarize yourself with various layout configurations.
Take a Course: Consider enrolling in a course specifically designed for plumbing professionals. Websites like Udemy or Alison offer relevant courses that can help improve your blueprint reading skills.
Utilize Online Resources: Explore online tutorials and videos. YouTube, for example, has several instructional videos on blueprint reading tailored to plumbing. Channels dedicated to construction and plumbing education can be particularly useful.
Join Forums or Groups: Online forums or social media groups for plumbing professionals can be invaluable. They provide an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice on interpreting complex blueprint details.
Remember, improving blueprint reading skills is a gradual process that requires patience and continuous learning.
How to Display Blueprint reading Skills on Your Resume
12. Trenchless technology
Trenchless technology refers to methods used for installing or repairing underground pipes, conduits, or cables without digging long, open trenches. This minimizes surface disruption, making it a less invasive and often quicker option for plumbing and utility work.
Why It's Important
Trenchless technology is important because it allows for the repair or replacement of underground pipes with minimal digging, reducing disruption to the surface, saving time, and cutting down on repair costs.
How to Improve Trenchless technology Skills
Improving trenchless technology, particularly for a Plumber Helper, involves focusing on innovation, training, and equipment optimization:
Innovation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in trenchless methods through resources like the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT). Embracing new techniques can enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
Training: Invest in specialized training programs to gain expertise in trenchless repairs and installations. The International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) offers resources and training opportunities that can be invaluable.
Equipment Optimization: Regular maintenance and upgrading of trenchless equipment are crucial. Utilize suppliers with a focus on the latest trenchless technology advancements, such as TT Technologies, to ensure the equipment is in top condition and incorporates the latest tech improvements.
By focusing on these areas, a Plumber Helper can significantly contribute to improving trenchless technology practices.
How to Display Trenchless technology Skills on Your Resume
