Starting a plumbing career can happen much faster than you think. In the YouTube video “How to Start Plumbing TODAY,” you’ll see exactly how easy it can be to launch your journey in the trades—without needing years of classroom training or a pile of student debt. The truth is, many plumbing companies are so desperate for qualified applicants that they’ll hire enthusiastic learners on the spot, show them the ropes, and help them earn a decent paycheck almost immediately. This post will walk you step by step through the process of deciding what kind of plumber you want to be, how to find the right company, and the simple steps to get registered and climb the licensing ladder in states like Texas.
Below, you’ll find an in-depth look at the following:
- Different types of plumbing (residential, commercial, industrial)
- Service work vs. new construction
- Union vs. non-union paths
- Apprenticeship, endorsements, and licensing in Texas
- Interview tips, from first impressions to getting a job offer
- How to leverage free resources like Plum Study to jump-start your career
Plumbing is more than fixing leaks or unclogging drains. It’s a stable, high-paying profession that can lead to entrepreneurship and financial security. If you’re ready to start plumbing today, read on.
Why Plumbing Is a Great Career Choice
You might not have grown up dreaming of becoming a plumber. But here’s why thousands of people are glad they joined the trades:
- High Demand
According to trade organizations and local boards, the demand for skilled tradespeople is skyrocketing as older pros retire. Plumbing companies often scramble to fill positions, giving new hires leverage in wages and benefits. - No College Debt
Instead of spending four years and tens of thousands of dollars on a degree, you can get paid to learn on the job. Many plumbers earn while they learn, graduating with zero student debt. - Career Growth and Licenses
States like Texas let you ascend from Apprentice to Tradesman, Journeyman, and eventually Master Plumber, opening doors to bigger paychecks and even owning your own business. - Variety of Specializations
From fixing residential leaks to installing massive pipelines in industrial plants, you can find a niche that suits your strengths—service, new construction, commercial, or specialty fields like medical gas. - Instant Impact
Every day, you solve essential water and drainage problems. You help keep homes and buildings healthy. That real-world impact brings job satisfaction many desk jobs never match.
Step 1: Decide Which Plumbing Path Suits You
Before you run out to apply for jobs, clarify what type of plumber you want to become. Consider the following categories:
Residential vs. Commercial vs. Industrial
- Residential: Think houses, duplexes, and smaller living complexes. If you enjoy working closely with homeowners, diagnosing issues in real time, and tackling varied tasks daily, residential plumbing might be your lane.
- Commercial: Large office buildings, hotels, and retail complexes. This is typically bigger pipe, bigger crews, and a more systematic approach to each stage of the build.
- Industrial: Big manufacturing plants, refineries, or large-scale utilities. The environment is often heavy-duty, with advanced systems requiring specialized knowledge.
Service vs. New Construction
- Service Work: Ideal if you enjoy problem-solving. You show up to fix a leak, unclog lines, or repair water heaters. Every day is different; you’re the detective figuring out what’s wrong. Service plumbers often earn higher commissions due to upselling and immediate revenue generation for the company.
- New Construction: If you like building from scratch, reading blueprints, and working in structured phases—groundwork, top-out, final—new construction might be your calling. This path is often more predictable, with stable hours on large job sites.
Union vs. Non-Union
- Union Path: Usually associated with commercial or industrial projects. The union often provides formal apprenticeships, incremental pay raises, and strong benefits. You’ll find a clear wage scale, and training is typically rigorous.
- Non-Union Path: Common in residential service or small contractors. They might offer direct on-the-job training. You can still progress to advanced licenses, but the wage structure might be more flexible.
Your choice depends on your personality. Are you a builder or a fixer? Do you prefer guaranteed wages from a union scale, or do you want more immediate service commissions? Figure that out first.
Step 2: Find Companies Hiring Right Now
- Look for Advertisers
Watch local TV or listen to radio ads. Companies spending money on commercials need more customers—so they also need more employees. These businesses often do residential service or small commercial repair. - Drive by Big Projects
Want commercial or industrial? Check who’s building those downtown towers. A big sign near the job site might reveal the mechanical or plumbing contractor. Walk into the site office and ask, “How can I apply?” - Networking
If you know any plumber—friend, neighbor, or relative—ask them for guidance. They might refer you, or at least share which companies treat employees well. - Union Hall
If you choose the union route, visit the local union hall. They often host orientation sessions or direct-hire events. Explore how they train apprentices and place them with contractors.
Step 3: Preparing for the Interview
Dress One Step Above
In the trades, you won’t need a three-piece suit, but a collared shirt, clean jeans, and tidy hair can boost your chances. Show respect for the opportunity by looking presentable and smelling fresh.
Arrive On Time
Punctuality signals reliability. Being late for an interview suggests you might be late to job sites. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Bring Basic Documentation
Carry any ID, references, or a simple résumé (even if short). Jot down any prior experience, even if it’s volunteer or side gigs that show mechanical aptitude.
Ask Key Questions
- “How do you train new hires to become better plumbers?”
- “Does your company provide a clear path for apprentices to earn advanced licenses?”
- “Do you have a best practice group membership or structured training program?”
These questions show genuine interest and ambition.
Act Engaged
Look interviewers in the eye, give a firm handshake, and use their names. Put away your phone. Show them you’re focused on the conversation. Ask them about the company’s history and growth—proving you did some research.
Step 4: Register as an Apprentice
In Texas, you must register as an apprentice with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Each hour you work under a licensed plumber counts toward your required hours for higher licensing levels. The quick steps:
- Get hired by a licensed plumbing contractor or be accepted into an apprenticeship program.
- Fill out the TSBPE apprentice registration form online.
- Pay any required fees and submit the documents.
- Track your hours carefully—especially if you plan to earn endorsements or license upgrades.
Other states have similar boards or departments overseeing plumbing. Check your local regulations.
Step 5: Endorsements and Early Specializations
In Texas, you can add these endorsements to your apprenticeship to boost your pay:
- Drain Cleaner Restricted
Lets you clear blockages in sewer lines through existing openings. You must be a registered apprentice and pass a brief verification process. - Drain Cleaner
After 4,000 hours, you can remove and reset P-traps or install cleanouts. Great for focusing on service calls that revolve around drain stoppages. - Residential Utilities Installer (RUI)
After 2,000 hours, you can install yard water service lines and building sewers for one- or two-family dwellings. This endorsement is gold if your company does a lot of exterior line replacements.
Each endorsement can lead to better wages. Companies love employees who can legally perform specialized tasks, because they generate immediate revenue.
Step 6: Climb the Licensing Ladder
Here’s the general timeline for Texas:
- Tradesman License (4,000 hours, about 2 years)
Lets you work independently on single-family or duplex dwellings. - Journeyman License (8,000 hours, about 4 years total)
Lets you do any plumbing work in any building under a master plumber. - Master License (Additional 1 or 4 years after journeyman)
If you completed a Department of Labor-approved program, it’s 1 more year; otherwise, 4 more. A master can oversee plumbing for entire projects and potentially start a company.
Step 7: Embrace On-the-Job Learning
Even if you pass licensing tests, real-world success depends on your willingness to keep learning:
- Show up daily with a good attitude.
- Ask questions whenever you’re unsure.
- Seek out tasks that push your limits—like operating equipment, cutting and threading pipe, or reading complex blueprints.
- Learn to communicate well with coworkers and, if you’re in service, with customers.
Key Soft Skills for Plumbing Success
- Communication
When dealing with customers, keep them informed. If you’re on a big site, coordinate with other trades. - Punctuality
Construction starts early, and service calls often hinge on tight schedules. Being on time is non-negotiable. - Teamwork
You’ll rarely be alone on large projects. Respect your foreman and help apprentices behind you in skill. - Coachability
A can-do, positive mindset is crucial. Accept feedback without getting defensive.
How Plum Study Helps You Start Plumbing TODAY
This video is brought to you by Plum Study, a free online course designed to introduce you to different aspects of plumbing before you even apply. It outlines the typical tasks, day-in-the-life scenarios, and licensing steps so you’re not walking into your first job clueless. By completing Plum Study modules, you’ll speak more confidently in interviews and show you’re serious about the field.
How to Use Plum Study
- Visit the link in the video description.
- Watch short modules on plumbing basics (tools, materials, job site safety).
- Take note of any areas you find fascinating—residential service, new construction, or specialized endorsements.
- Mention your Plum Study knowledge during interviews. Employers will appreciate the initiative.
Final Words on Starting a Plumbing Career
Right now, the trades are booming, and plumbers can earn a significant income without the burden of college loans. In as little as two years, you could be a Tradesman plumber making a comfortable living, with the potential to become a Journeyman or Master and earn even more. The best part? Most of this learning happens on the job, so you’ll draw a paycheck while you gain new skills.
Don’t let the fear of “dirty work” hold you back. Modern plumbing involves technology, problem-solving, and specialized training. Many plumbers seldom deal with sewage at all; they install complex water filtration, read advanced blueprints, or handle high-tech leak detection. The career is what you make it.
If you love troubleshooting, working with your hands, and providing essential services, you can start plumbing today. Walk into a local plumbing company, apply confidently, and let them know you’re committed to learning. If you need a helping hand, check out Plum Study—so you’re fully prepared to knock that first interview out of the park.
