Plumber Types: A Comprehensive Guide to Plumbing Specializations
Plumbing is far more than just fixing leaks—it's a highly skilled trade that keeps homes, businesses, and cities afloat. Whether you're considering a career in plumbing, hiring a professional, or just curious about the industry, understanding plumber types is essential.
This article provides a detailed, up-to-date guide on the nuances of the trade.We break down career levels, licensing requirements, salary expectations, and specialized fields like gasfitting and drainage. If you’re looking for the most accurate and relevant information on the profession, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
Plumber Types According to Their Role in the Plumbing System
Plumbing refers to the system of pipes, fixtures, and fittings that manage both the supply of clean water and the removal of wastewater from a commercial, residential or industrial building. Now, as a trade, It is divided into three main types:
1. Water Plumbing (Clean Water Supply)
Water plumbers work with potable (drinkable) water systems, ensuring that clean water flows safely to homes, offices, and industrial buildings. Their tasks include:
- Installing pipes and fittings for taps, showers, and appliances.
- Working on radiant heating systems, boilers, and water heaters.
- Ensuring safe water distribution from the mains supply.
2. Sanitary Plumbing (Internal Wastewater Removal)
Sanitary plumbing focuses on wastewater removal inside a building. Responsibilities include:
- Installing drainage pipes for sinks, toilets, and showers.
- Preventing backflow contamination and leaks.
- Connecting indoor plumbing systems to the sewerage network or septic tanks.
- Conducting backflow testing to ensure water safety.
3. Sewerage (External Wastewater Transport)
Sewerage systems handle wastewater disposal beyond a property. This involves:
- Installing and maintaining main sewer lines, underground pipes, and maintenance holes.
- Managing large-scale wastewater flow for municipal systems and treatment plants.
Key Differences:
- Water plumbing delivers clean water to a building.
- Sanitary plumbing removes wastewater inside a building.
- Sewerage transports wastewater away from the property through underground drainage systems.
Plumbing does not include drainage (stormwater systems) or roof plumbing (gutters and downpipes that handle rainwater runoff), as these fall under different categories of construction and maintenance.
Different Types of Plumbers in Related Trades: Gasfitting, Drainage, and Roof Plumbing
Even though they involve pipes, fittings, and fluids (or gases)—which makes them related to plumbing—they each require specialised skills, materials, and regulations that make them distinct from general plumbing work.
Here’s what they are and how they differ:
1. Gasfitting (Gas Pipe Installation & Maintenance)
Gasfitters install and maintain gas lines, appliances, and safety systems for:
- Heating systems (radiant heating, gas furnaces).
- Stoves, ovens, and hot water heaters.
- Industrial gas piping, including steam boilers used in radiant heating solutions.
2. Drainage (Underground Wastewater & Stormwater Systems)
Drainage refers to the underground pipe systems that transport wastewater and rainwater away from a property. It includes:
- Sanitary drainage – The external pipes that move sewage from a building to the sewer system or septic tank.
- Stormwater drainage – The underground network that carries rainwater from streets, driveways, and open land to prevent flooding.
Unlike sanitary plumbing, which only directs wastewater within a building, drainage focuses on what happens after the waste has left the property. Since drainage systems handle large-scale water movement, they require specialised installation techniques and materials, making them distinct from standard plumbing.
3. Roof Plumbing (Yes, Plumbing Goes Up to the Roof!)
Roof plumbing refers to the system that collects and directs rainwater off a building’s roof. It includes:
- Gutters
- Downpipes
- Flashing (waterproof metal strips)
While most plumbing happens inside or below a building, roof plumbing literally goes up in the world—right onto the roof! But instead of dealing with clean water or sewage, it focuses on keeping rainwater under control, ensuring it flows safely away from the building without causing leaks or structural damage.
Key Differences:
- Plumbing moves clean water in and wastewater out inside a building.
- Drainage transports wastewater underground once it leaves the property.
- Roof plumbing keeps rainwater from turning your home into a swimming pool.
In short, the distinction exists because different regulations, materials, and professionals are required for each system.
Plumbing Career Progression: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumber
Plumbing isn’t just about pipes and wrenches—it’s about mastering a craft that keeps homes, businesses, and entire cities running smoothly.
And like any great profession, it takes real training, hands-on experience, and learning from seasoned experts in the field.
Apprentice Plumber
The starting point. You work under experienced plumbers, learning the ropes (or, in this case, the pipes), while handling tools, assisting on jobs, and slowly building your expertise.
Journey-Level Plumber
After years of training, journey-level plumbers can work independently, install plumbing systems, and diagnose complex issues.
Master Plumber
The highest level of plumbing expertise. Master plumbers can run their own businesses, obtain permits, supervise teams, and work on large-scale projects. They often specialize in commercial, industrial, or municipal plumbing, including boiler PTO inspections to ensure heating systems operate safely and efficiently.
This trade is about understanding complex systems, following strict regulations, and making sure people have access to clean water and proper sanitation. It’s a skill honed through real-world practice, patience, and a whole lot of problem-solving.
Residential vs. Commercial Plumbing: What’s the Difference?
While all plumbers work with pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems, residential and commercial plumbing differ in scale, complexity, and regulations.
1. Residential Plumbing
Residential plumbers work on homes, apartments, and small housing units. Their focus is on:
- Installing and maintaining water and waste systems in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Fixing household plumbing issues like leaks, clogs, and low water pressure.
- Installing appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines.
- Working with standard building codes and simpler permit requirements.
2. Commercial Plumbing
Commercial plumbers handle larger, more complex plumbing systems in offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and multi-story buildings. Their work involves:
- Installing and maintaining high-volume water supply and drainage systems.
- Working with industrial-grade boilers, lift stations, and multi-floor piping systems.
- Digging trenches and laying underground pipes to connect buildings to municipal systems.
- Meeting stricter regulations and building codes, which often require additional permits.
- Boiler changeouts for businesses upgrading to more efficient systems.
Key Differences:
- Scale – Commercial projects involve larger plumbing networks than residential homes.
- Equipment – Commercial systems require heavier-duty pipes, pumps, and valves.
- Regulations – Commercial plumbing follows stricter building codes and permitting processes.
- Time on the Job – Commercial repairs can take days or weeks, while residential fixes are often quicker.
Why Does This Matter for Licensing?
Because commercial plumbing involves greater complexity and stricter regulations, plumbers handling large-scale projects often need additional permits. In the next section, we’ll explore how plumbing licenses work in California and what it takes to become a certified professional.
Types of Plumber Licenses: Requirements, and Earning Potential
To legally work as a plumber, licensing is required in most regions—regardless of whether the work is residential, commercial, or industrial. While licensing requirements vary by country, state, or territory, the goal remains the same: ensuring that plumbing work meets safety, health, and building regulations.
Types of Plumbing Licenses (General Overview)
While the exact names and details differ, most regions follow a tiered licensing system based on experience and scope of work.
Tradesperson Certificate (Entry-Level License)
- Allows plumbers to complete plumbing, drainage, or gasfitting work.
- Supervision is required—a licensed contractor must sign off on the work.
- Typically valid for three years.
- Some regions may issue tradesperson certificates for specific areas, such as:
✔ Plumbing
✔ Drainage
✔ Gasfitting
✔ Water plumbing (fire protection systems, urban irrigation)
Qualified Supervisor Certificate
- Allows plumbers to complete and supervise plumbing work.
- Cannot contract for work—must be employed by a licensed contractor.
- Usually issued for three years.
Contractor License (Business Owner License)
- Allows the holder to advertise, contract, and sign off on plumbing work.
- Can be issued to individuals, partnerships, or companies.
- Typically valid for one or three years, depending on the region.
- Some areas may offer an Endorsed Contractor License, which combines contractor and supervisor qualifications.
Earning Potential & Why Licensing Matters
The median salary a plumber can hope for amounts to $61,550 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.This trade is also famous for job security, as BLS predicts as many as 23,300 new jobs will pop up by 2033.
Plumbers with higher certifications and licenses earn more because they can take on larger projects, sign off on work, and operate independently.
Average Salaries Based on License Level
The company review and salary website Indeed came up with statistics regarding the earning potential for every stage of the trade progression.
✔ Apprentice Plumber: $47,589 per year.
✔ Journeyman Plumber: $65,866 per year.
✔ Master Plumber / Licensed Contractor: $75,300+ per year (highest earning potential).
Specialization also plays a role! Commercial plumbers, service & repair specialists, and construction plumbers often earn higher salaries due to the complexity of their work.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Plumber Type for Your Needs or Career
Whether you're an aspiring plumber looking to map out your career or a homeowner hiring a professional, knowing the different plumber types helps you make informed decisions.
- Plumbing is a diverse trade with multiple specializations.
- Licensing levels determine skill, independence, and earning potential.
- Specialties like commercial plumbing, gasfitting, and drainage require unique expertise and certifications.
With demand for skilled plumbers rising, earning a certification and specializing in the right field can lead to a rewarding and well-paid career. If you’re looking to hire a plumber, understanding their qualifications ensures you're getting the right professional for the job.
Whether you're installing, repairing, or servicing your radiant floor heating system in San Francisco contact Ros Plumbing today.
