Most household owners in Singapore think that plumbers and plumbing contractors are the same, but they are wrong. These two jobs are different from one another. The way they perform and work are not the same. However, homeowners use these two jobs interchangeably. Often, they confuse themselves with which one is right to use and call when they need a specific plumbing issue. If you have the same dilemma, then reading this article will get your terms right and fix your plumbing needs right away.
What can a plumber do?
Whether it is for your residential or commercial plumbing system in Singapore, a plumber is the one we call on to fix an emergency. We often rely on them from unclogged pipes to replacing faucets. They handle most of the standard plumbing issues your plumbing system may have. In short, they are the ones who can fix all minor repairs.
Here are just a few that they do repairs for you:
- Dripping faucets
- Clogged toilets
- Slow draining sinks
- Overflowing tubs
- Broken showers
- Blocked drains
- Jammed garbage disposal
- Leaky pipesLow water pressure
What is a plumbing contractor?
Unlike a commercial plumber in Singapore, plumbing contractors handle more complex responsibilities. Aside from the repairs mentioned above, they can also do installations of gas connection, water heater, and so forth. Sometimes, they can do more than just maintenance. If your plumbing system needs either installation or inspection, they can do it on your behalf. The reason why they can do more complicated services is that they went through an intensive training programme and handle more diverse service requests every day.
Additionally, plumbing contractors in Singapore also work in renovation or construction projects. So, installing a gas connection, water heater, and backflow prevention is much easier for them.
Here are just a few that you can expect from them:
- Up to date with local and international plumbing codes
- Evaluate and access plumbing works, even in the construction phase
- Can install pipe system used in industrial plants
- Knowledge in both manual and automated plumbing systems
- Can handle sewers, drains, even the water mains
- Can repair in residential, commercial, and industrial areas
- Skilled in installing fire sprinkler systems for buildings and plants
- Can do a consultation on what kind of repair you might need
Requirements
Despite their differences, plumbers and plumbing contractors in Singapore must obtain their license from the PUB. It means the Public Utilities Board. It is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. However, before they can get such a thing, one must earn a high school diploma or any equivalent to GED (General Education Development). Aside from that, they should also have mechanical and people skills. That way, their clients would not feel intimidated by them.
Other things they should have:
- Physical strength, so they can lift any fixtures and grip their tools well.
- Knowledgeable about the plumbing system
- Can use both traditional and modern tools and equipment
- Went through on-the-job training under the experienced plumber
Apprenticeship
As mentioned above, their on-the-job training is their apprenticeship programme. The skills and craft they have come from an experienced plumber, also known as veterans. However, the turn around time of their apprenticeship varies. Some could complete it in four years, while others can finish it fewer years than that. Nevertheless, what they will learn remains the same. Both plumbers and plumbing contractors in Singapore would learn the plumbing code, regulation, and how to read blueprints. Sometimes, they would also need to learn the basics of physics to understand how the plumbing system works.
After their apprenticeship, they will become a journeyman. It means they can do repairs without any supervision. However, for them to do it legally, they must have a PUB licensed first. Here is how to become one.
- Finished the Building and Construction Authority Builder Certificate, it is whereas they will learn the plumbing and installation fittings.
- Attend three days of PUB sanity course and pass their written assessment examination.
- Two years of concurrent or post-qualification experience
Plumbing Contractors’ License.
Once plumbing contractors in Singapore gain their PUB licensed, they can establish their plumbing company. When that happens, they are now eligible to hire any plumbers. Also, one more thing before they could start their plumbing company, they must have comprehensive knowledge about the business, law, and building codes. That way, when something happens, they will know what to do or how to solve the issue.
Conclusion
The only difference between plumbers and plumbing contractors in Singapore is the level of their jobs. The former does the minor repairs, while the later do more than fixing. They can do installations, inspection, and even maintenance. Sometimes, the latter works in construction for renovation and newly built establishments.
Do your faucets leak or your pipes burst? If yes, then hire a commercial plumber in Singapore right away! Contact KC Plumbing to hire one. Feel free to visit their website to get their contact information today!
