I have a major injury on my arm, can i still get into plumbing?

[AbdulS]

Hello, i am new here and i am looking into becoming a plumber, however, around 10 years ago, my arm went through a window and caused severe damage to my nerves and my muscles, im somewhat recovered now, however my arm is only around 70/80% functional. I can do things like screwing things but trying to put a thread through a needle would be tough.

Im wanting to leave university so i am looking for advice from plumbers who have experience, is it critical that you have 2 full functioning arms, or is it possible to work with a fully capable one, and a support arm you can call it.

Thank you in advance for any help, anything is appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 120897]

It might be difficult if you can’t tighten a compression joint, or another thread, if you haven’t got the strength. Or perhaps there’s a few wires want to be secured into a terminal strip, which can be fiddly.

Is there a reason you’re choosing plumbing as a profession?

 

[SJB060685]

To be honest I think you will struggle. I’m 36 and have had chronic rheumatoid arthritis since birth. At my stage I struggle to even lift a full kettle of water now, let alone do anything intricate. There are times now where I think to myself why do I even bother continuing thinking about my trade. I suppose the only real answer is I know a lot about what I’m trained in and I was always passionate about mechanical and electrical engineering. Realistically I should think about things I can do, which is unfortunately not much. Probably not what you want to hear but it’s an honest response.

 

[Roy_66]

Silly question: Is your injured left or right and are you left or right handed? (Train the other hand if the wrong one. E.g. I was a desk worker when I had a job and as a right hander switched to left hand Mouse on the computer after abusing the right hand for years with too much work)

Why not try a few bits of test plumbing and see how you get on. Compression joint as above would be good to try. Perhaps make yourself a small test rig - is there simple project you would like to try?

Just wondering if a tutor at a local college might give you a quick session to help advise you

It might ultimately depend on how much cash you want to make, as I guess your work speed could be reduced, but you would get there.

If it's really what you want to do rather than a tedious desk job then give it a go, you can always change.

Can I ask what you studied at college and why that doesn't appeal?

Also do you have a long term prognosis from good physio & doctors (are you / can you get any improvement?)

Very best of luck,

Roy (amateur plumber and too old)

 

[king of pipes]

In reality it would be very difficult for you, plumbing is very very tough on the body heavy lifting is unavoidable I'm afraid heaving yourself up into a loft space takes two good arms , bending copper pipe also requires all your strength especially 90° bends in 22mm pipe , everything about plumbing is heavy all the kit required the radiators , boilers, the sanitary ware, shower glass to name a few it's not unusual to lift well above your capabilities and is very demanding on the body . Only you know what your capabilities are but I would be advising you to use your brain rather than your braun and find a career than won't damage your body further .
Regards kop

 

[exedon2]

When I was 19 out on motor bike had a car driver turn right in front of me.
Smashed knee cap broken collar bone dislocated shoulder.
The n h s succeed in not rebuild shoulder correctly.
Never had full use since but learnt to use other hand/arm you learn different techniques.
Still humping 230 odd kg combi's about on my own lol

 

[king of pipes]

When I was 19 out on motor bike had a car driver turn right in front of me.
Smashed knee cap broken collar bone dislocated shoulder.
The n h s succeed in not rebuild shoulder correctly.
Never had full use since but learnt to use other hand/arm you learn different techniques.
Still humping 230 odd kg combi's about on my own lol

I to carry injuries from broken bones in my 20`s a fall from height I busted my leg split my femur pushing it up into my pelvis , also broke my collar bone and damaged my spleen took two surgeries to patch me up, I'm 59 now and suffer pain from the past injuries and struggle on really hard day's at work kneeling all day plays me up , can you honestly say your pain free after a hard day ? Kop

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Edited for trying to be a smart erse.

 

[king of pipes]

I don’t know what a hard day is, long day certainly.

My post was directed to exedon2 bud carrying damage from past injuries makes our job much much harder , your type of work is still demanding both mentally and physically I know because I do it aswell . Kind regards kop

 

[Deleted member 120897]

My post was directed to exedon2 bud carrying damage from past injuries makes our job much much harder , your type of work is still demanding both mentally and physically I know because I do it aswell . Kind regards kop

I know mate, sorry, I was trying to be funny, but it has backfired.

 

[exedon2]

I to carry injuries from broken bones in my 20`s a fall from height I busted my leg split my femur pushing it up into my pelvis , also broke my collar bone and damaged my spleen took two surgeries to patch me up, I'm 59 now and suffer pain from the past injuries and struggle on really hard day's at work kneeling all day plays me up , can you honestly say your pain free after a hard day ? Kop

Very rare without some pain I added 2 prolapsed disks along the way .
Knees were really bad from years of first fixing but went back to cycling about 10 years ago has helped a lot.
I'm 70 soon and reckon this will be my last year on site.

 

[Roy_66]

Don't laugh (too much) but (mostly) desk jobs can be very bad for your health. Had to give mine up in the mid 50's. I have got some injuries from site work. You need a job that gives you enough time off to do other stuff to build your fitness. Don't ignore this.

Cheers,

Roy (amateur at everything)

 

[WC1]

Does anyone know the scene in Jaws where theyre on the boat and they show each other their scars?

 

[Retired-due-to-injury]

To be honest I think you will struggle. I’m 36 and have had chronic rheumatoid arthritis since birth. At my stage I struggle to even lift a full kettle of water now, let alone do anything intricate. There are times now where I think to myself why do I even bother continuing thinking about my trade. I suppose the only real answer is I know a lot about what I’m trained in and I was always passionate about mechanical and electrical engineering. Realistically I should think about things I can do, which is unfortunately not much. Probably not what you want to hear but it’s an honest response.

I also suffer from RA, have done since I was in my mid 20's. It's bloody painful when I have a flare-up, I had to retire from plumbing as it got to bad to work.

 

[Lou]

(Just bumping a few older threads, they will drop off what is new soon)

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