Ever heard the story about the exploding pressurised water tank, or the washing machine that gushed gallons of soapy water all over the floor? There are so many things that can go wrong with modern plumbing systems and this is why a fully qualified, experienced plumber is worth his or her weight in gold. The best way to avoid a plumbing disaster is to find a tradesperson you trust or to learn all the necessary skills yourself.
Entry-level plumbing courses, run by accredited centres, can give you an introduction to the subject, or train you up with a recognised industry qualification, such as City & Guilds. Taking a course is an excellent idea for any homeowner as it enables you to judge whether a plumber’s work is any good, and gives you the confidence to tackle jobs yourself. It may even inspire you to take plumbing up as a new career; you can earn a decent living and run your own business.
There are also many useful courses for fully qualified plumbers, providing skills in new areas, such as renewable engineer and gas training courses. Checking the qualifications held by a plumber is very important when it comes to hiring him or her. There is a huge difference between having a simple heating and ventilation qualification and a full City & Guilds Plumbing and Heating 6189 certificate, for example.
The conclusion is that ‘knowledge is power’, whether it is your own ability to judge the skills of others, or the increased earnings that well-trained plumbers can demand.