What does a Journeyman Plumber do?
A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects. They handle the maintenance and replacement of fixtures and identify the source of failure to adjust pressure and seal connections as needed. A journeyman plumber must be able to detect irregularities immediately and provide estimate costing to the customers for repairs.
Journeyman plumber responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real journeyman plumber resumes:
- Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
- Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, soldering and brazing.
- Install and join copper, PVC, black iron and cast iron pipe and fittings below grind and above grind.
- Work on sanitary sewer, rain leaders, and condensate lines using cast iron, PVC, and copper pipe.
- Replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, gas and electric, filtration systems, dishwashers, and service piping to structures.
- Perform complete plumbing installations from rough-in to finishing according to Minnesota codes.
- Skil at brazing copper lines.
- Well verse in state laws and codes as well as OSHA requirements.
- Ensure all county, state, federal, and OSHA regulations compliance.
- Operate hangers, sky and boom lifts, electric chain falls, ladders and tools.
- Repair and install dishwashers, garbage disposers, hot water dispensers, washers and dryers.
- Organize marketing plans using print ads, television, and radio for HVAC dealers and contractors.
- Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, beveling machines and round-up clamps.
- Install and repair HVAC window units, belts, drinking fountains, water heaters, boilers, sinks and faucets.
- Water closets, urinals, lavatories, kitchen sinks, bathtubs shower stalls repair, sale, removal and replacement.
Journeyman plumber skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Journeyman Plumbers are proficient in Plumbing, Hand Tools, and Work Ethic. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Journeyman Plumbers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Plumbing, 20%
Installed, troubleshot and delivered proper & successful installation of plumbing requirements for commercial construction project.
- Hand Tools, 19%
Install cast iron pipes for drain, sewer waste and vent lines using basic hand tools and cast iron bands.
- Work Ethic, 12%
Have received several accommodation letters pertaining to my work ethic and expertise.
- Drainage Systems, 6%
Installed fresh air and ventilation systems, hot and cold water supply lines, waste and drainage systems.
- Customer Service, 5%
Provided excellent customer service and advised appropriate services to customers.
- Pipe Fittings, 4%
Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
"plumbing," "hand tools," and "work ethic" are among the most common skills that journeyman plumbers use at work. You can find even more journeyman plumber responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a journeyman plumber to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "plumbers must be able to direct workers, bid on jobs, and plan work schedules." Journeyman plumbers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "led by example to coach underachieving co-workers in customer service and communication. "
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling journeyman plumber duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "plumbers must be able to maneuver parts and tools precisely, often in tight spaces." According to a journeyman plumber resume, here's how journeyman plumbers can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "required to have hands on knowledge of all common plumbing machines, electric tools, and hand tools. "
Mechanical skills. journeyman plumbers are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to journeyman plumber responsibilities, because "plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters choose from a variety of tools to assemble, maintain, and repair pipe systems." A journeyman plumber resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "assemble and install plumbing and mechanical components and accessories from rough-in to finish in residential, commercial and industrial settings. "
Troubleshooting skills. A big part of what journeyman plumbers do relies on "troubleshooting skills." You can see how essential it is to journeyman plumber responsibilities because "plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters find, diagnose, and repair problems." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical journeyman plumber tasks: "experienced in back flow installations and maintenance, and experience in hydronic hvac maintenance/troubleshooting valves ec. "
The three companies that hire the most journeyman plumbers are:
- UMC Moving
48 journeyman plumbers jobs
- Bath Fitter28 journeyman plumbers jobs
- American Leak Detection13 journeyman plumbers jobs
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Compare different journeyman plumbers
Journeyman plumber vs. Mason
A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, journeyman plumber responsibilities require skills like "plumbing," "hand tools," "work ethic," and "strong work ethic." Meanwhile a typical mason has skills in areas such as "masonry," "scaffolding," "safety regulations," and "dump truck." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that masons earn slightly differ from journeyman plumbers. In particular, masons are 2.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a journeyman plumber. Additionally, they're 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman plumber vs. Carpenter helper
A carpenter helper is responsible for assisting carpenters with the construction duties, performing construction tasks as needed, and ensuring the completion of the project timely and efficiently. Carpenter helpers maintain the construction tools and equipment, including cleaning the materials before and after every use and inspecting for any possible defects. They also help with measuring surfaces to establish reference points for the installment of systems and other construction materials. A carpenter helper must have excellent communication and organizational skills, having the initiative to perform heavy-duty tasks under minimal supervision.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real journeyman plumber resumes. While journeyman plumber responsibilities can utilize skills like "plumbing," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "drainage systems," carpenter helpers use skills like "safety rules," "scaffolding," "door frames," and "reference points."
Carpenter helpers may earn a lower salary than journeyman plumbers, but carpenter helpers earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $38,276. On the other hand, journeyman plumbers receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $57,788.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Carpenter helpers tend to reach similar levels of education than journeyman plumbers. In fact, they're 1.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman plumber vs. Trim carpenter
A Trim Carpenter is a specialized worker whose task is to install and carry out repairs on molds and trim found on doors, windows, baseboards, and other ornamental pieces. He's also called a Finish Carpenter because his/her job also entails carrying out "finishing," generally making a carpentry project look detailed and defined in appearance, shape, and texture. Aside from leveling and trimming of windows and doors, you will also have to create pieces of customized woodworks that can serve as accessories for wooden fixtures.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a journeyman plumber is likely to be skilled in "plumbing," "strong work ethic," "drainage systems," and "customer service," while a typical trim carpenter is skilled in "window sills," "safety rules," "scaffolding," and "custom cabinets."
Trim carpenters earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $48,114. Journeyman plumbers earn the highest pay from the construction industry, with an average salary of $57,788.Most trim carpenters achieve a similar degree level compared to journeyman plumbers. For example, they're 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman plumber vs. Pipe fitter
A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.
Types of journeyman plumber
Updated January 8, 2025
