Choosing a career path isn’t always simple. Choosing the proper career requires considering your personality, interests, and ambitions.
If you want to work in the trades, you have a lot of possibilities. Mechanics and Plumbers are popular choices.
When it comes to choosing a trade, the good news is that they provide employment security, high earnings, and a number of potential career options.
However, there are some significant differences in the trades.
A mechanic and a plumber are two of the most common trades.
So, which is better, the Mechanic or Plumber?
In short, neither a Plumber nor a Mechanic is better than the other. A Mechanic is someone who enjoys working with their hands and is captivated by automobiles. Plumbing workers appreciate hard labour, working with their hands, and dealing with human faeces (or will soon be).
It is tough to say that being a plumber is preferable to becoming a mechanic or vice versa.
They are both trade occupations that have some similarities.
So, now that we’ve answered the major question, let’s see if it’s better to be a mechanic or a plumber.
But first, let’s talk about what a plumber does and what a mechanic does.
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What Plumbers Do Everyday?
Plumbers work on water supply, gas, drainage, sewage, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. They instal, maintain, and repair pipes, drains, gutters, metal roofs, mechanical services, and related equipment.
In terms of everyday tasks,
- studying blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required
- setting out and installing hot and cold water systems and associated equipment
- installing water-based fire protection systems, including fire hydrants, hose reels, and sprinkler systems
- designing and installing sanitary plumbing and water supply systems, discharge pipes, and sanitary fixtures
- fabricating and installing soil and waste stacks
- assembling and installing mechanical services plant, air handling, and conditioning equipment, and small bore heating systems
- installing sewerage and effluent pumping equipment and disposal systems
- installing below-ground drainage systems and associated ground support systems
- installing gas appliances, flues, and pressure regulating devices
- fabricating and installing metal roofing, rainwater goods, and flashings
What Mechanics Do Everyday?
The majority of automotive service experts and mechanics operate in well-lit, well-ventilated repair shops. Although technicians frequently use computers to diagnose and repair vehicle problems, they also deal with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in awkward positions.
In terms of everyday tasks,
- Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
- Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
- Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
- Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
- Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients
Harder To Become Mechanic Or Plumber? (Must Read)
It is equally difficult to become a Mechanic or a Plumber; one is not easier than the other. Being a Plumber, on the other hand, will include more physical labour, as apprentices are frequently tasked with digging trenches.
Below are the steps required to become either a Mechanic or Plumber.
How To Become A Mechanic? (Explained)
Employers favour automotive service technicians and mechanics who have completed a post-secondary education programme. Once a person is employed, they are usually obliged to obtain industry certification.
Automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics classes in high school give an excellent foundation for future service technicians.
High school graduates, on the other hand, usually require additional training to become completely certified.
The greatest preparation for entry-level work in automotive service technology is to complete a vocational or another post-secondary education programme in the field.
Intensive career preparation is provided through classroom education and hands-on experience in programmes that typically last 6 months to a year.
There are also short-term certificate programmes in certain subjects, such as brake maintenance or engine performance.
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How To Become A Plumber? Explained)
Apprenticeships are the most common way for plumbers to learn on the job. Some students go to vocational-technical school as well. Plumbers must be licenced in most states and some municipalities.
To work as a plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter, you’ll normally need high school graduation or equivalent.
Pipe system design, safety, and tool use are all taught in vocational-technical schools.
They also provide welding instruction, which is required by various pipefitter and steamfitter apprenticeship programmes.
Plumbers must be licenced in most states and some municipalities.
Although state and local licencing standards vary, most states and municipalities require workers to have 2 to 5 years of experience and pass a test that verifies their knowledge.
Mechanic Or Plumber, Who Earns More? (Solved)
Plumbers earn slightly more than Mechanics, with Plumbers earning $56,330 in May 2020 compared to $44,050 for Mechanics. These earnings, however, will differ from state to state.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, whether you want to be a mechanic or a plumber is a personal choice.
If you prefer working on automobiles to digging holes and dealing with human faeces, becoming a mechanic may be a better fit.
If you prefer manual labour, you might want to consider becoming a plumber.
If you’re interested in learning more about being a plumber or electrician, check out these articles below
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References
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
