Plumbing and heating duties?

[Mikey]

Hi. I have just landed a trainee plumbing and heating job but I haven't done any plumbing before whatsoever. The gaffer said that it will be mostly labouring at first so can anyone let me know what kind of labouring comes with a plumbing job? I don't want to stand around with nothing to do.. Cheers.

 

[hammers4spanner]

Humping and grunting
Lifting rads .boilers.drilling holes .patching holes.lifting floors .cleaning up wtc etc
Plumbing can be quite labour intensive

 

[Mikey]

Good good. So plenty to keep busy then?

 

[turnpin]

Hi Mikey as above but make sure you dont get caught playing with your phone until you have your own trainee ...lol regards Turnpin

 

[Reg Man]

Glad to hear your good news. Its mainly about looking busy without asking what to do next. Sure you will pick it up as you go along.

 

[supper plumb]

who you working for buddy??
it shows good steam to get stuff ready for the plumber Like if your handing rads get tools level ect use your head more then your mouth at the start asking too much too quick will only give the plumber the hump your a lab to start with then TRAINEE

 

[Dotty]

Personally I prefer to be asked questions, Also a very good idea to keep busy, even if it's only tidying up and driving the kettle at first. No one expects you to know what tools are required from the off.

Always ask questions.

 

[dontknowitall]

Always be polite to the customers too. You never know, but one day it could be the business is handed over to you and these will be the very same people you helped years ago.

More importantly, if you're not polite customers might take offence and your boss might start losing business which means you'll be out of a job.

Good luck though - plenty of common sense and eagerness to help are all you need - oh, (I'm sure you are clean) some body cleanliness too!!! :smile:

 

[Plum Bob 66]

Hi. I have just landed a trainee plumbing and heating job but I haven't done any plumbing before whatsoever. The gaffer said that it will be mostly labouring at first so can anyone let me know what kind of labouring comes with a plumbing job? I don't want to stand around with nothing to do.. Cheers.

Congratulations mate, that's great news. As you may have read previously on the forum these jobs are rare as rocking horse manure. Hope it's the start of a rewarding career for you !
Bob

 

[JBP Heating]

As an old boss of mine once said, "IF YOU'VE NOTHING TO DO, TIDY UP!". Just work hard, pay attention and ask loads of questions. You'll soon be doing more than just labouring.

Good luck.

 

[Barry98]

The 3 B's

 

[Simon F]

imagine you are watching a hospital drama, the surgeon asks for the scalpel or whatever,
he is expecting it quickly and the correct tool.
Application- become familiar with the different tools and where they are kept,
this will aid your duties as the gopher.

 

[Kyle87]

When I was on first job with my gas man a valve blew and water was gushing out into the living room. He was getting soaked.

Immediately I grabbed his towel and ran over to him. Wrapped it round valve which gave him time to get a tub under it. Then I quickly started moving customers photos out of the way which were getting wet.

He was impressed just because I did something. Rather that stand there and ask "what should I do?"

Be proactive and not standing round waiting for orders!!

 

[Plum Bob 66]

When I was on first job with my gas man a valve blew and water was gushing out into the living room. He was getting soaked.

Immediately I grabbed his towel and ran over to him. Wrapped it round valve which gave him time to get a tub under it. Then I quickly started moving customers photos out of the way which were getting wet.

He was impressed just because I did something. Rather that stand there and ask "what should I do?"

Be proactive and not standing round waiting for orders!!

It's good advice from an old hand ;-)

 

[Destroyer2813]

Try and pick up the names of things as quick as possible so you dont spend ages handing him the wrong tool when he asks for one, leave your phone in the van and most of all respect his customers and his tools

 

[dontknowitall]

It's good advice from an old hand ;-)

Old being the operative word ... :1eye:

 

[tamz]

All of the above then when you have nothing to do and are standing watching him think about what he is doing and what he'll need next and hand it to him before he asks.
I only ever had one laddie do that and he turned out to be the best of the lot.

 

[deandive]

Keep a speed fit cap in 22mm and 15mm in your pocket for when you cut a live pipe, your boss will be impressed when you dont flood a house yourself........................................ but even more so when you hand him a cap when he does it ;-)

 

[AWheating]

all you need to do is show willing and you will be fine, good luck.

 

[lame plumber]

turn up for work on time or better still 5 mins early.

 

[Boilerbud]

After a drain down never wait to be asked to bleed all the rads, all plumbers hate bleeding rads.

 

[Deleted member 32524]

Always have shifters and grips to hand. Tidy tools back in to box as you go if you are not using them. keeping the box as tidy as possible so you can quickly pick up what he needs. Pay attention and learn what tools he needs before he asks and have it ready. Save him time you make him more money, might even get a wee bung at the end of the week.
You sound like you have loads of enthusiasm and a keen thirst for knowledge. Keep that attitude up and you will be spot on.

 

[Kyle87]

It's good advice from an old hand ;-)

Young in the body, old in the head!!

 

[Alpha man]

Humping and grunting
Lifting rads .boilers.drilling holes .patching holes.lifting floors .cleaning up wtc etc
Plumbing can be quite labour intensive

And you forgot the most important one!! Tea making!!

 

[JeffD]

Always remember you'll always be learning in this game, don't care what anybody says you'll never no it all, updating all time

 

[hammers4spanner]

After a drain down never wait to be asked to bleed all the rads, all plumbers hate bleeding rads.

i dont complete opposite one of easiest parts of the job and usual promptly followed by going home