Plumber

The word plumber dates from the Roman Empire. In Roman times, some roofs were made of lead, or plumbum in Latin (hence the periodic table of the elements symbol of 'Pb' for lead). Lead roofs were waterproof, and the workers on such roofs were what are now called "plumbers". Roman baths later used lead for piping and for the main baths. Thus, a person with expertise in working with lead was known as a Plumbarius, eventually shortened to plumber.

Plumbers in the United Kingdom undertake the installation of domestic internal hot and cold water pipe work, sanitary fittings and related soil and waste pipe work systems. Domestic, commercial and industrial gas-fired (central) heating installation, servicing and repair works, and works related to all other gas fired appliances, although done by plumbers, may also involve other trades such as pipe fitters, gas fitters etc.

Oil fired heating appliance installation, servicing and maintenance works must be undertaken by OFTEC registered individuals and companies in order to operate in the UK. Air conditioning is a separate trade in the UK. Plumbers install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, waste water disposal, and venting in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.

Many plumbers begin their careers in plumbing as helpers to established plumbers; others enter formal training institutes. A plumber is a tradesperson who specialises in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage, drainage, or industrial process plant piping. Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed. A Master Plumber has demonstrated mastery of the trade of plumbing. The Master Plumber may have worked in a single area of the trade or may have experience in multiple areas of the plumbing trade.