Plumbing is one of those things that seems like it shouldn’t be hard to learn. But after spending time on Craigslist looking for work as a plumber, we can tell you that’s one of the most common misconceptions about this profession.There are lots of different kinds of plumbing jobs for which it’s necessary to know not only what tools to use but also how they work together. Even more important is knowing how to fix problems that may arise when using those tools. In other words, plumbing isn’t just installing new fixtures; it’s about preventing damage and solving problems when things go wrong. If you are considering a career in plumbing, knowing the basics will give you a leg up on competition, especially when starting out in an industry notorious for its high turnover rate. Keep reading for advice on what to expect from plumbing school and how to prepare yourself to pursue this rewarding and challenging career path.

What is plumbing?

Plumbing is the art and science of designing and installing water and sewer systems in buildings. This includes everything from installing a water heater in your home, to installing a sewage pumping station on a highway or building a large commercial facility. Most buildings have some sort of plumbing system, even if it's just a simple kitchen sink and faucet.Plumbing can be broken down into different categories. These include the following:

• Water supply - Also known as the potable water system. This refers to the pipes that bring water from a water main into your house or building. The water main is a large pipe that connects to the property and brings in water from a source such as a nearby river or lake.
• Water distribution - Also called the "water service," this system brings water from the water supply into the building through smaller pipes.
• Water storage - This includes tanks and cisterns for people to store water for outdoor activities and emergencies.
• Water distribution - This system brings water from a main line into the building through smaller pipes. It delivers water to the rest of the house or building.
• Water waste - This system removes water from the building through a pipe called a "drain." It brings the waste water outside the building through pipes called "vent stacks."

The pipes that make up a plumbing system are made of different materials. Some examples include but are not limited to:

• Copper - Copper pipes are strong and durable but are expensive to install.
• Galvanized steel - These pipes are strong and cheap but need to be painted after installation and can rust.
• PVC - PVC pipes are cheap, easy to install, and resistant to damage. They come in many different diameters and shapes.
• Butt joints - A pipe with two pieces of pipe connected together with a small space between them called a "butt joint."
• T-fittings - A pipe fitting with several fittings attached together.

When a pipe becomes old, it can break or become damaged. If this happens, it’s called a plumbing emergency. When this happens, you need to know how to fix it. If you don’t, you might be responsible for replacing the entire pipe. This can be costly and inconvenient, especially if the break happens in a high-traffic area.Fortunately, there are some basic tools every plumber should have handy. These include:

• Tubing cutter - This tool is used for cutting pipe of a certain size. It’s great for fixing pipes that have sprung a leak or for connecting new pipes together.
• Bellows - A tool that can be used to force air into a broken pipe to force out water.
• Pipe wrench - A wrench that’s used to tighten or loosen fittings and cocks (the valves that control the flow of water in the pipe).
• Jig - A device used to mark where a pipe is to be cut in order to replace it with a new length of pipe.
• Junction box - A box that’s installed at the end of a pipe that connects two or more pipes together. You can access this box whenever you want to work on a specific part of the system.

How to fix a plumbing emergency

If a plumbing emergency happens on your property, the first thing you should do is shut off the water supply at the main waterline. If you can’t do this, shut off the water supply for the entire building. This will help prevent water damage to other areas of the building.Next, you need to determine what caused the problem in the first place. This will help you determine how to fix the issue.Water flow typically indicates an issue with the water supply. This may be due to a broken water main or faulty water pressure regulator. If the water flow is coming from a faucet or kitchen sink, the problem is usually a pipe break or a clogged pipe. If the flow is coming from a bathroom or laundry room, it's likely a clogged toilet.If the flow is coming from a faucet, turn off the water supply and use a pipe wrench to remove the faucet from the wall. Carefully remove the faucet, inspect the pipes behind it, and replace it if it’s damaged. If the faucet is clogged, use a plumber’s snake to clear the pipes. If the flow is coming from a toilet, check the toilet float for debris. If the float is dirty, flush the toilet and look for more debris in the bowl. If the float is clean, look for a clog in the sewer line.

Common issues to look out for

There are many different problems that can arise in a plumbing system. Before you start working on any project, make sure you know the common issues you might run into. These include the following:- Broken Pipes - Broken pipes can be a disaster. They need to be replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent flooding. You can purchase special pipe repair glue that you can use to repair broken pipes. If you don’t have the glue, you can use duct tape to cover the break.- Piping Burst - Burst pipes are dangerous and must be addressed as soon as possible. A pipe burst can cause a flood and result in thousands of dollars of damage.- Backflow - This occurs when water from a building’s pipes flows back into a city’s water system. It can happen when a building is directly connected to a city’s water system, but not properly connected to the water main. This can result in contamination of the city’s water supply.- Burst Sewer - This can occur when a sewer line is damaged and water flows into it. This can be extremely dangerous and can result in an expensive cleanup.- Dumpster Divers - This is when people dump trash and other debris into a sewer line. This can clog pipes and cause backups. It