Master Plumber

Master Plumber

Master Plumber

Is 34 too old to try to get a plumber apprentice job and work up to Journeyman/Master status?


My husband has been really interested in doing this lately. He said he has heard it takes about 4 yrs as an apprentice, and then you get a Journeyman's license, and then a few more years to be a Master. I encouraged him to do it and he says he thinks he is too old, and that people usually start apprenticing out of highschool.

Is this true, and do you think 34 is too old to start out? Thanks!

One of my cousins started electrical school when he was 32, did his apprentice 34-37 and has been a journeyman since. He's union and makes $42.50 an hour. Plumbers make more then he does, what I have no idea.

The Plumbing Hunt Begins: Need a Local Plumber

Everything about our vacation in the Rockies went according to plan, but not our arrival back in Atlanta. We came home to a flooded house, and what we feared would be a big plumbing repair bill.

Once the basement drained, the water shut off, and the carpet ripped out, we were still in need of a lot of work to get things back to normal. Our first priority was our need for a local plumber to see to the plumbing repairs so that we could turn the water back on and regain at least some civility.

We did what everyone does when it's time to find a good local plumber: we hit the yellow pages. Okay, we didn’t have a copy of the yellow pages- we hit Google. Hopefully, we thought, our dream master plumber has gotten with the modern age and listed his business online. A local plumber in our area usually has the reputation for being manually rather than technically inclined, but this is no complaint; we needed plumbing repair savvy, not internet savvy.

Choices, Choices: Hire a Plumber- A Good Plumber

A simple search revealed the myriads of local plumber companies, lone wolves and shade tree plumbers. We already decided we didn't want to use a major company. Large companies have much more overhead than a one-man operation, and they hire employees that may not be of the same talent level as a local plumber whose business rests upon his own skills.

Granted, we also realized that this was a risky move. A full-scale plumbing company has much better insurance if anything goes wrong, and if any plumbers find themselves stumped, they have superiors to fall back on. Also, in the absolute worst case, if we feel we've been cheated, a well-established plumbing contractor company is much more capable of compensating us if we end up in court for any reason.

So with this in mind, we had to remember that we were navigating a minefield, and with this being our first foray into any plumbing needs beyond unclogging a toilet, it was important to do some research and be as careful as possible in our search for a local plumber.

But for all our forethought, we still didn't realize how tough it would be to actually find a good plumber. In the next entry, you'll get to hear all about the selection process, so stay tuned.

Milwaukee 49-22-4155 Master Plumbers Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit,  18-Piece
Milwaukee 49-22-4155 Master Plumbers Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit, 18-Piece
List Price: $266.40
Sale Price: $99.55
You save: $166.85 (63%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Description

Kit includes 18 cryogenically hardened hole saws in sizes often used by plumbers. U.S.A. Professional Series: Yes, Saw Size (in.): 3/4in., 7/8in., 1 1/8in., 1 3/8in., 1 1/2in., 1 3/4in., 2 1/4in., 2 5/8in., 3in., 3 1/2in., 4 in., 4 1/4in., 4 1/2in., Ice Hardened: Yes, Saw (qty.): 18

Features

  • ICE HARDENED for up to 50% longer life than the competition
  • Matrix II Bi-Metal Teeth for greater durability
  • Positive Rake Angle for fast cutting
  • Radiused Tooth Back reduces stress on teeth
  • Deeper Gullets for fast chip removal and Funtional Slot Geometry provides easy plug removal
MK Morse AV04P Master Cobalt Bi-Metal Hole Saw Plumbers Kit
MK Morse AV04P Master Cobalt Bi-Metal Hole Saw Plumbers Kit
List Price: $107.52
Sale Price: $69.33
You save: $38.19 (36%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Description

Hole Saw Kits Type: Plumber's Kit Number of Pieces: 6 Size Range: 3/4 - 2-1/4 Material: Bi-metal

Features

  • Backer, cutting edge and cap work together to provide faster, longer-lasting cutting action
  • Positive rake teeth clear chips better for longer life and easier cutting
  • Bi-metal design bonds M3 cutting edge to fatigue resistant backer
  • Teeth stay sharper and make smoother cuts
  • Includes 6 Hole Saws, 2 Arbors
LENOX 29984-600CGP 10 Piece Master Grit Plumbers Hole Saw Set
LENOX 29984-600CGP 10 Piece Master Grit Plumbers Hole Saw Set
List Price: $254.98
Sale Price: $124.38
You save: $130.60 (51%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Description

Super hard Tungsten carbide grit cuts through fiberglass, ceramic tile, laminates, and other abrasive materials. Includes 3/4in., 7/8in., 1-1/8in., 1-1/2in., 2-1/8in.,2-9/16in. Hole Saws as well as 2L snap back arbor & 1L arbor.

Features

  • Six most common sizes
  • Arbor adapter
  • Two arbors
  • One spare pilot drill
  • Plastic carrying case
Milwaukee 49-22-4105 19-Piece Master Electricians Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit
Milwaukee 49-22-4105 19-Piece Master Electricians Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit
List Price: $255.30
Sale Price: $109.99
You save: $145.31 (57%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Description

Kit includes 14 cryogenically hardened hole saws in sizes often used by electricians. U.S.A. Professional Series: Yes, Saw Size (in.): 3/4in., 7/8in., 1 1/8in., 1 3/8in., 1 1/2in., 1 3/4in., 2in., 2 1/4in., 2 1/2in., 2 5/8in., 3in., 3 5/8in., 4 1/8in., 4 3/4in., Ice Hardened: Yes, Saw (qty.): 19

Features

  • ICE HARDENED for up to 50% longer life than the competition
  • Matrix II Bi-Metal Teeth for greater durability
  • Positive Rake Angle for fast cutting
  • Radiused Tooth Back reduces stress on teeth
  • Deeper Gullets for fast chip removal and Funtional Slot Geometry provides easy plug removal
DEWALT D180005  14 Piece Master Hole Saw Kit
DEWALT D180005 14 Piece Master Hole Saw Kit
List Price: $196.08
Sale Price: $72.74
You save: $123.34 (63%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Description

Designed for the versatile, demanding craftsman, DeWalt's convenient Master Hole Saw Kit combines all the trade specific tools from DeWalt's Plumber's Hole Saw Kit, Electrician's Hole Saw Kit, and Door Lock Installation Kit in one convenient, compact injection molded kit box. At the heart of this kit are hole saws in 3/4-, 7/8-, 1-, 1-1/8-, 1-3/8-, 1-1/2-, 1-3/4-, 2-, 2-1/8-, 2-1/4-, and 2-1/2-inch sizes. Each of these tools features a double tooth design for strength and durability, a special deep-cut geometry for fast, effective cutting, and thick, hardened backing plates to prevent thread stripping and ensure a long life. The small and large quick-change mandrels in this kit help ensure easy set-up and improved productivity. And, like all DeWalt hole saw kits, the Master Kit comes with replacement parts, including two valuable Pilot Point centering bits, so that you can perform maintenance quickly and get back to work.

Features

  • Convenient sizes for plumbing, electrical, and door-lock installation tasks
  • Deep-cut style holes saws for improved efficiency and versatility
  • High-speed steel height and double tooth design for increased durability
  • Hardened backing plates to prevent warping and thread stripping
  • Includes 3/4-inch, 7/8-inch, 1-inch, 1-1/8-inch, 1-3/8-inch, 1-1/2-inch, 1-3/4-inch, 2-inch, 2-1/8-inch, 2-1/4-inch, and 2-1/2-inch Hole Saws, Small Quick Change Mandrel, Large Quick Change Mandrel, Replacement Parts, and case.
Proto JTS-0037PLUM 37pc Plumber Chr Proto Master Tool Set
Proto JTS-0037PLUM 37pc Plumber Chr Proto Master Tool Set
List Price: $892.07
Sale Price: $703.09
You save: $188.98 (21%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description

Trade Specific Tool Sets Type: Master Tool Set Kit Style: Plumber's Tool Set Container Type: Soft Sided Tote Number of Pieces: 37

Features

  • Package Quantity: (1) 37 Piece Set
  • Type: Master Tool Set
  • Kit Style: Plumber's Tool Set
  • Container Type: Soft Sided Tote
  • Number of Pieces: 37
MK Morse AV16P Master Cobalt Bi-Metal Hole Saw Master Plumbers Kit 14 Piece
MK Morse AV16P Master Cobalt Bi-Metal Hole Saw Master Plumbers Kit 14 Piece
List Price: $256.12
Sale Price: $139.99
You save: $116.13 (45%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Features

  • Backer, cutting edge and cap work together to provide faster, longer-lasting cutting action
  • Bi-metal design bonds M3 cutting edge to fatigue resistant backer
  • Positive rake teeth clear chips better for longer life and easier cutting.
  • Teeth stay sharper and make smoother cuts
  • Includes 12 Hole Saws, 2 Arbors, 2 Pilot Drills
MasterVision 1001 5 LED Cap Light
MasterVision 1001 5 LED Cap Light
List Price: $6.99
Sale Price: $5.30
You save: $1.69 (24%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Description

high output LED light easily and securely attaches to the underside of any ball cap, visor or hat. Lightweight, compact and made to take plenty of rugged treatment, the 5 LED Cap Light is powered by 2 lithium coin cell batteries (included). Ultra Bright white light from 5 LED bulbs with 100,000 + hours of burn time. Ideal for Hunting, Fishing, Camping & Much More... LIGHT WHERE YOU NEED IT!

Features

  • Ultra bright hands free light source
  • Light weight, compact cap light
  • Water resistant and engineered to withstand extreme conditions and rugged use
  • Attaches to brim of cap
  • An essential tool for the professional and recreational outdoorsman
G. T. Water Prod. MP1600 Master Toilet Plunger
G. T. Water Prod. MP1600 Master Toilet Plunger
List Price: $8.49
Sale Price: $6.08
You save: $2.41 (28%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description

Specially designed for toilets only and to work in 1.6 gallon toilets. Exclusive extended funnel nose design ensures a perfect seal and prevents unwanted slippage and splash back. Produces 83 cu. in. of displacement to eliminate the toughest clogs. Black.

Features

  • Exclusively for 1.6 gallon toilets
  • Funnel nose ensures perfect fit
  • Made of super-strong polyethylene
  • Fits all toilet bowls
  • Will not skid - More plunge per push
G T Water #MP500-3 Black Plunger
G T Water #MP500-3 Black Plunger
List Price: $7.49
Sale Price: $6.05
You save: $1.44 (19%)
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Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
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Description

3 In 1, Black Plunger, High Strength Polyethylene Construction, Specifically Designed Nose Fits Snugly Into Both The Left Side & Right Side Of Kitchen Sinks Bathroom Drains & Into All Toilets, Built In Air Valve Prevents Bowls With High Water Levels From Over Flowing By Releasing Air Through Valve In Handle.

Features

  • G T Water #MP500-3 Black Plunger
  • G T WATER PRODUCTS

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