With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting everyone, many Americans aren’t sure what’s safe and how to change their daily lives. There’s still a lot of confusion about what we can and can’t do, and how we should change our daily habits. During this uncertain time, people are asking important questions about which services are really needed. For example, many are wondering: are plumbers essential workers? Keep reading to learn what you need to know from our experienced plumbing pros at Service Today!
Plumbers Declared Essential Workers by White House
The good news is that yes, plumbers are considered essential service people! In a ruling made by the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency – a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – plumbers were deemed “essential critical infrastructure workers.” The government says that workers like plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and others are essential. This is because they “provide services that are necessary to keep homes safe, clean, and working properly.” What does this mean for you? It is still perfectly okay to call a plumber to come and fix a problem in your home, even during this national crisis. While it’s important to take COVID-19 seriously and do what we can to slow its spread, sometimes we just can’t live in our homes without help from these essential workers. Luckily, the government has said plumbers are among these important service providers.
Understanding the Essential Role of Plumbers During the Pandemic
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security saying plumbers are essential workers shows how important they are. Plumbers keep our plumbing systems working, which gives us clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and safe ways to get rid of waste. When the pandemic started, we saw how vital these services really are. Good plumbing systems help keep everyone healthy. Fixing leaks, unclogging pipes, and making sure we have water supply became really important. This was especially true when people had to stay home for long periods. It helped keep homes safe and clean during lockdowns.
The Role of Plumbers in Critical Infrastructure
As part of the country’s key systems, plumbers keep important things like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) working. These plumbing services are crucial for homes and businesses, which need working systems during the pandemic. Plumbing professionals, including master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, and apprentices, have been key in managing water and waste systems in both residential and commercial buildings.
In big cities like New York City, where lots of people use old infrastructure, plumbers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters will grow in the future. This shows how important their work is. Plumbing jobs are vital for keeping people safe, saving energy, and maintaining sanitation across the United States.
Challenges Faced by Plumbers During the Pandemic
The pandemic has made plumbing work more challenging. Plumbers now face bigger health risks when they work. Here’s what’s happening:
- Plumbers might catch COVID-19 while working.
- Companies are getting better insurance to protect their workers.
- They’re giving plumbers safety gear like masks and gloves.
- Plumbers are using new tools and technology to stay safe.
Plumbing businesses are also protecting themselves:
- They’re getting special insurance for their buildings and equipment.
- They have insurance that covers them while working on jobs.
- This helps protect the business and workers if something goes wrong.
These changes help keep plumbers safe while they do their important work. It also protects plumbing companies from losing money if problems happen.
Training and Compensation for Plumbers
Plumbing is a highly skilled profession that requires years of training and education. An apprenticeship typically lasts four to five years and includes training in various systems such as water supply, waste disposal, and refrigeration. During this time, apprentices are trained by experienced plumbers on building codes, safety regulations, and the latest technology used in construction and plumbing. Plumbing systems are becoming more complex due to advancements in energy efficiency and welding technologies, requiring plumbers to stay current on emerging trends.
In addition to training, plumbers enjoy competitive wages, employee benefits, and compensation packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters provides support and ongoing training to ensure workers remain well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the profession.
Plumbing Jobs in High Demand
The government’s job experts say we need more plumbers. This is because:
- More people are asking for plumbing help.
- Many older plumbers are retiring.
- This creates jobs for new plumbers.
Big cities like those in California and New York need a lot of plumbers. Their old pipes and systems need fixing all the time.
Because there aren’t enough plumbers:
- Companies are trying hard to hire more.
- Plumbing businesses are using new ways to find workers.
- They’re using computer programs to make work easier and get more done.
This simple explanation shows why plumbing is a good job choice now and why companies are working hard to find and keep plumbers.
Managing Costs and Safety
During the pandemic, plumbers and plumbing companies had to deal with new costs to keep everyone safe. They bought special insurance to protect their business and workers. They also followed new safety rules to stop the spread of COVID-19. This helped keep their workers and customers healthy.
Plumbers are now more important than ever. They need to work well and stay safe. They try to avoid accidents that could damage buildings or hurt workers. They’re also using new tools, like smart water systems. These can find leaks and save water and energy. All of this helps plumbers do their job better and keep our homes and businesses running smoothly.
The Future of Plumbing in the Post-Pandemic World
The pandemic has shown us how important plumbers are. They keep our country’s systems working and help keep people healthy. Here’s why plumbers will continue to be important:
- More skilled plumbers will be needed in the future.
- Plumbing is a good job with:
- Steady work
- Good pay
- Job benefits
- Plumbers help everyone by:
- Working on big business buildings
- Fixing things in people’s homes
- Making sure everything is safe and comfortable
- The future looks good for plumbers because:
- More buildings are being built
- Water systems need work
- People will always need plumbing services
Service Today! Is Here for You
Service Today! is proud to be available to our customers, even during these stressful times. Not only are we able to continue offering plumbing services, we are also able to provide electrical work and even heating and cooling services to local residents. As Minnesota continues to expand stay at home orders, we promise to do everything we can to help ensure your whole household remains as comfortable and secure as possible—while also doing everything in our power to look for the safety of our community and our technicians. Call today if you need an essential service, and remember, Service Today! is always here for you.