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All in the Blue Collar Family: Plumber

The expertise of plumbers extends beyond fixing leaks and unclogging drains. They ensure the seamless flow of water and effectively remove waste from our homes and businesses, bringing comfort and sanitation to our daily lives. From water supply systems to gas lines and sewage disposal, plumbers are valuable guardians of our health and well-being.


The term “plumbing” is derived from the Latin “plumbus,” meaning “lead,” which is what some of the earliest pipes built by ancient Romans were made of. While lead is no longer used, having been replaced by materials such as copper and PVP, the systems of civilizations thousands of years ago remain an excellent representation of the significance the plumbing trade has had on society.

History of Plumbing

Some historians believe that plumbing can be traced back to at least 3000 BC in the Indus Valley and Babylonia, where evidence of wells and drains has been found. However, the most notable evidence of advanced plumbing systems is generally associated with ancient Rome, where intricate aqueducts and sewage systems transported water in and waste out of their cities, emphasizing cleanliness and health consciousness.

Fast forward to the 19th century, urbanization led to the widespread adoption of indoor plumbing in the industrialized world, transforming the plumber’s role into a vital component of modern society and significantly enhancing overall comfort and sanitation. As the industry has developed, new technologies and regulations have continued to improve the operation of fixtures and ensure the safety of the individuals who utilize water and waste systems.

The Role of Plumbers

Plumbers today are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining pipe fixtures, typically in residential and commercial buildings. Their work involves directing water, and sometimes gas, to and from facilities through complex systems, ensuring the proper function of appliances like showers, sinks, and toilets. They are called to install new piping and perform repairs as needed.

What Plumbers Do

Plumbers are crucial in safeguarding public health by ensuring access to clean water and proper waste disposal. Some of their typical responsibilities include:

  1. Installation of Plumbing Systems: Plumbers are responsible for accurately installing and connecting piping systems for water supply, heating, and sewage disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
  1. Following Blueprints and Specifications: Plumbers must interpret architectural plans and specifications while working closely with architects, contractors, and other construction professionals to ensure that plumbing systems are designed and installed according to the project’s requirements.
  1. Diagnosing and Repairing Plumbing Issues: Plumbers identify and troubleshoot problems such as leaks, clogs, or malfunctions in plumbing systems, employing their expertise to provide effective and lasting solutions.
  1. Ensuring Compliance with Codes and Regulations: Plumbers adhere to local and national plumbing codes and regulations, ensuring that their work meets safety and quality standards set by governing authorities.
  1. Maintenance of Plumbing Systems: Plumbers are responsible for the inspection and maintenance of plumbing systems, including cleaning and adjusting, as well as communicating with clients to offer guidance on proper usage, thus preventing potential issues and extending the lifespan of installations.

Becoming a Plumber

Becoming a plumber is a journey that combines practical skills, technical knowledge, and a commitment to providing excellent service. The process of becoming a plumber generally involves:

  1. Education: Before becoming an apprentice, an aspiring plumber must be 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must then apply for a plumbing apprentice license, which they typically become eligible for by being accepted into an apprenticeship position.
  1. Apprenticeship: The next step involves learning the ropes under the guidance of experienced mentors, often by watching a journeyman or master plumber. At the same time, they work and perform simple tasks such as cleaning and organizing tools.
  1. Licensing: To practice independently and perform more complicated tasks, plumbers must receive a “journeyman” plumbing license. This commonly requires at least four years of experience in an apprenticeship role and passing a state board exam.
  1. Continuous Learning: Becoming a “master plumber” similarly requires at least two years of experience as a journeyman plumber and passing an exam. Some states may also require proof of knowledge in specific areas of plumbing, such as irrigation or high-rise residential systems. Once a master plumber earns their license, they can open their own plumbing business and hire junior staff.
  1. Specialization: Advanced plumbers may choose to focus on residential, commercial, or industrial projects or specialize in areas such as pipefitting, steamfitting, or even green plumbing, which emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Plumbing is a dynamic and essential profession that has evolved over centuries to meet the ever-changing needs of society and remains integral to our health, safety, and the sustainability of our communities. And, as long as humans continue to use water and produce waste, it will continue to be a valuable trade for the inevitable future.

For more about blue-collar jobs, check out The Beauty Behind Blue Collar Work, All in the Blue Collar Family: Welder, and All in the Blue Collar Family: Electrician.


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Light the River: API Sponsors a Night for the Bolton Refuge House

On April 12 and 25, 2023, API will sponsor a day of Bolton Refuge House’s annual Light the River event. To honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, BRH will be coloring the Phoenix Park Bridge teal throughout April to raise awareness and support survivors of sexual violence within the community.


If you’re an Eau Claire local, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of the Phoenix Park Bridge lit up in just about any color at one point or another, sponsored by organizations and individuals for their events and celebrations.

For the past few years, Bolton Refuge House (BRH) has organized a month-long Light the River event in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Throughout April, the bridge lights will remain teal (the designated color for SAAM), supported by generous donors to raise awareness and enact community change.

Bolton Refuge House is a non-profit organization that provides services for individuals affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. They operate the only 24/7 emergency shelter in Eau Claire and aim to support survivors on their journey to physical and emotional safety through services such as counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, and community education.

American Phoenix, Inc. is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Light the River event, showing support for BRH’s mission to provide resources to survivors of sexual violence.

“They’re amazing,” says Rena, API HR. “BRH offers a lot of valuable services that I’m sure a lot of women don’t even know about.”

By coloring the bridge teal for the month, Bolton Refuge House hopes to convey its dedication to fighting to end sexual violence within the community. This will be the organization’s third annual Light the River event since 2021 and API’s second year as a sponsor.

“When I saw this come through last year, I just thought this kind of stuff is important,” says Rena. “It’s important to spread awareness. So, we’re going to do it again this year.”

While an enormous number of well-deserving organizations need contributions, American Phoenix, Inc. is mindful of choosing causes to give to that accurately reflect the company’s values and authentically represent what is meaningful to its employees.

“Part of our goal is to get more involved in the community, and we want to make sure we’re making good choices with things we really do support and that are important to us,” says Rena. “We don’t just want to donate. It needs to be meaningful.”

API will be sponsoring Bolton Refuge House’s Light the River event supporting Sexual Assault Awareness Month on April 12 and 25, 2023.

To learn more about the Bolton Refuge House, please visit: https://www.boltonrefuge.org/

Additional information for survivors of sexual assault can be found on the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website here: https://www.rainn.org/ or by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.


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