Skills
Plumber Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in plumbers, and how to build and show them.
What skills do plumbers need?
Plumbers need technical skills such as reading plumbing plans, plumbing code knowledge (ipc/upc), and soldering, brazing and joining pipe, plus people skills like problem-solving and customer service. They also use tools such as Pipe wrenches and basin wrenches and PEX crimp and expansion tools.
Technical (hard) skills
- Reading plumbing plans
- Plumbing code knowledge (IPC/UPC)
- Soldering, brazing and joining pipe
- Drain cleaning and diagnostics
- Water heater installation
- Pressure and leak testing
People (soft) skills
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Reliability
- Clear explanations to homeowners
Tools, equipment and technology
- Pipe wrenches and basin wrenches
- PEX crimp and expansion tools
- Propane torch and soldering supplies
- Drain snakes and sewer cameras
- Pipe cutters and threaders
- Pressure test gauges
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how plumbers put their skills to work:
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Reading plumbing plans” and “Plumbing code knowledge (IPC/UPC).”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “problem-solving,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as Journeyman plumber license near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our plumber glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Plumber training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.