WHY There Are So Many MEDIOCRE Plumbers Now...
Vložit
- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- WHY There Are So Many MEDIOCRE Plumbers Now...
This video explains why the plumbing trade is witnessing an influx of mediocre plumbers and declining workmanship. We'll discuss critical issues such as the dilution of rigorous plumbing training programs, the shortcuts in the plumber certification process, and the repercussions of prioritizing cost over quality in plumbing services. He also examines the impact of consumer choices in perpetuating this trend, highlighting the necessity for customers to be more informed and discerning when selecting plumbing professionals. Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call for the plumbing community, urging both new and seasoned plumbers to commit to excellence and for customers to demand the high-quality plumbing services they deserve.
▶️ Recommended Playlist: • How to Become the BEST...
▶️ Ge the BEST Leak Detection Equipment: www.leak-pro.com/
🔴 Blog Post www.rogerwakefield.com/blog/e...
✅LET’S STAY IN TOUCH: stan.store/RogerWakefield
🔔 Subscribe for more AWESOME plumbing videos: / @rogerwakefield
⭐️ Become a Member TODAY: / rogerwakefield
________________________________________________________________________________________________
⏰ Chapters:
Declining Quality of Training ▶️ 00:38
Inferior Parts and Materials ▶️ 02:28
Declining Pride and Care ▶️ 04:03
Minimal Accountability ▶️ 05:35
Less Competition ▶️ 07:32
DIY Mentality ▶️ 08:28
Poor Hiring Practices ▶️ 09:32
________________________________________________________________________________________________
✅ For business inquiries contact me at contact@rogerwakefield.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________
🔴 Links:
My fav equipment & tools - www.amazon.com/shop/rogerwake...
My Free Mini-Course- bit.ly/rogersfreeminicourse
My Networking Secrets That Grew My Plumbing Business FAST - bit.ly/rogersfreeguide
PlumbStudy- plumbstudy.thinkific.com/
My Recommended Plumbing Study Guide -amzn.to/2RgYEn5
*NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at NO COST TO YOU. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
____________________________________________________________________________
I think no matter what job you’re doing that you should always take pride in your work. My dad taught me that when I was younger, he’d always say “everything you do has your name on it, so make it look good and do your best so you can say ‘I did that’” that’s what most the youth these days are missing is a father or father figure in their lives to tell them this.
I was taught “ how you do anything is how you do everything “
I did my apprenticeship doing service, went to residential new construction as a journeyman decided I wanted to do commercial construction. There was a lot of doubt in me, in a years time I’m running circles around these guys saying I was a “house plumber”. One thing service taught me to do well was take pride in my work. I have my master plumber to thank. Stay humble, be hungry fellas!
Taking pride is a dying mindset unfortunately...keep up the great work!
Great message, I own my own plumbing business and will stay small due to quality over quantity and that hasn’t seemed to change over the years. I’ve helped a couple really good plumbers start their own business and they have been successful . My turnover is high but so are my expectations. Reputation in this business is everything.
My father is self employed in a niche market. That's what I learned working with him.
Your reputation is literally everything. If you have a sterling reputation you can charge whatever you want and that way you can work and be more thorough and not worry about rushing. A downfall is trying to find good work because there's a lot of guys just looking for a paycheck out there and don't give a shit so he stays small so he can have his hands in everything.
All my plumbing skills are practice and study. I would practice sweating (and taking apart) fittings, for example. Today, study still applies. IPC/UPC and new product reviews (from plumbers, not the general public) are all available online. The pride in the work brings the willingness to continue to learn, even if not required in the state.
Old methods may be fine and work perfectly, but not be up to code. Even if no one will know, I will and will do it to code. The same applies to shortcuts, e.g. SharkBite behind a wall. I will know it's there.
Thanks, Roger! Great video!
As a 20 year old in my 2nd year of my apprenticeship, you can’t be too hard on us. It’s an important trade and should be always be done right and with pride.
Typical😂
You sound like a sparky 😂
"just because it's functional doesn't mean it's right it has to look right too" is what a journeyman I work with and respect tells everyone who will listen
The desire to provide quality service comes from the inside. It's all about pride, and that can't be taught. For whatever reason, some folks have it and others don't. There's nothing more deflating than working with people who are satisfied with mediocrity.
Wow, what an insight. Here in Victoria, Australia (Melbourne) we have precisely the same issues HOWEVER plumbers here are entitled to SELF CERTIFY their work and are subject to no ongoing independent inspection on their work, except for about a 3% chance of a random audit by our regulator the Victorian Building Authority. That means the work and motivations are even worse. Even when caught red handed, the regulator is not doing anything near enough and usually looks for the quick way out to defuse any issues, so taking licences away is an extremely rare event. Often there is no disciplinary action and even if fines are imposed, they are a fraction (often about 10%) of what the Act provides for. It is a sick joke here and needless to say the rip off merchants, scumbags and bottom dwelling elements of the industry are thriving, while genuine hard working tradespeople often loose the jobs and scream out in frustration.
When i was in the union it was so cut throat. People didn't wanna share their secrets becuase they were trying to keep a job.
yup i wash in 40yrs union plumb im not tell shit wat i no
Hi Roger, Great video! I totally agree. To bad that the people who need to see this video most likely won't be high on CZcams algorithms to be suggested this great content.
You nailed that one on the head,, as a service plumber for a 60 million a year service company we get so many billable hours to do a job if it run past the time it hurts our check the company doesn't care what the Job looks like as long as we make the customer happy, they pay and it's no hurry hurry hurry to get to the next job.
As for taking lic away that will NEVER EVER happen Roger our plumbing board is trash and they def do NOT care about what lic plumbers do much less handymen and house flippers but you BETTER pay the lic renewal and do your CE and renewal your insurance 😂 that's about all they care about really straight hogwash I tell ya
"The society that scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes, nor its theories will hold water." John Gardner, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) within the Lyndon Johnson administration.
Love your videos man!
I appreciate that!
Totally agree with what your saying 100 percent I see it all the time with the the whole “it doesn’t need to look good it just needs to work” and I bugs the heck out of me. Really curious though, what union did you belong to if you don’t mind me asking ?
I’ve learned so much doing a science building. We have done so many different things that have helped me tremendously that I love plumbing more and more each day!
That is awesome!
As a pro plumber, I couldn't agree more.. but sadly, it seems like these issues are extending far beyond the plumbing trade. Yes, in addition to "It ain't my house!" attitude, the products in the trade are lacking in quality. So sad. Great video, Roger.
Years ago while working at a large company that had a 65 man maintenance shop. We had a custom made $10 million German machine. They sent 4 Germsn mechanics, a mechanic apprentice & an electrician for four weeks to assemble and perform testing & start up. The 20 year apprentice was at least equal in abilities with our three best machnists. Guy could run milling machines, lathes, great welding, etc. When I asked them about thier training they told me after high school they attended trade school 40 hours a week for two years. They all had to take math classes. They could not start working until they passed a five day exam given by the government. Have worked with halve ass electricians who attended a $15,000 shake & bake night school for 10 months and considered themselves a master electrician because they had an electrician diploma. Most could not wire a four way switch or a very easy three wire start stop pushbutton station. Continuing education should be mandatory in all trades. Besides the 16 hours a year that I paid for continuing education classes had to take an OSHA 10 class to renew my city electrical license.
Problem starts nowadays way before anybody even gets into plumbing. It's up to us as parents , Trainers ,leaders and teachers nowadays To help these young people realize how far they can go. It's a good thing. It's a moral and ethical thing first then training comes next.
I agree l am a licensed HVAC contractor in TX. I see this all the time l have refused many jobs because no one has integrity or company not caring about doing the right things and really care about customers
The HVAC industry in Texas is kind of laughed at with how low a lot of their standards are no journeyman license, and only having to pay 20 some odd dollars to get the equivalent. They need to start by actually having real standards as far as licensing goes.
Wish every Municipality in Wyoming would listen to this. As a Master Plumber, I care about my work, and about my community. Seen so many shady type plumbing done lately brought it to the attention of our Cities here and they basically laughed in my face. More care about money then the people.
First? helped grandma with a busted pipe, it wasn't the cleanest but saved Grandma 100s! Thank you
Coming up on 2 years of service plumbing and training is one of the biggest problems in California. Seems like a lot of companies don’t offer apprenticeships and too many companies just throw you out on the field solo. Sad to say majority of my learning comes from “figuring it out on the job” and CZcams videos have taught me more than any other plumber. I want to get good guidance, but I’m always thrown out solo within my 2nd week at a company. You ask questions about code or try to understand the “why it’s done this way” and you just get told some half ass answer of that’s just the way it’s done. High stress levels of figuring it out on your own is making this trade hard on me, but I will push forward. It’s probably why so many younger people leave the trades here or don’t want to go into the trade.
Spot on...GOOD training and education of the new guys coming in is dwindling...we need more people who are willing and patient enough to teach the right way to do things..
As an Electrician, i see this OFTEN. I would argue that its probably worse with us than Plumbers.
I knew of one hack plumber. & he plumbed my parents sink into the radon pipe.
Could not agree more. Schools who offer degrees for pay vs degrees when you meet expected levels of proven competence need to be shut down. Not everyone gets a trophy. Sometimes you have to work hard to learn something or, realize it’s just not for you and move on to something else.
Hey Rog, love the channel amd your podcast.
I remember in a video in the past you said your son was a pipefitter. Can you bring him on and talk about the specifics of the job? What are similarities and differences?
Have it written down!
@@RogerWakefieldawesome! Thank you so much, brother
Ever since the pandemic, I felt like people who lost their jobs or wanted to go in a different career path chose the trades solely for the money and benefits (if you are union).
Ive been in the trades for about 10 years now. Im always watching videos. My wife asks me why do you always watch other people work when you’re not working. My answer is always you can never know too much. If i see something im really interested in learning a new way I’ll watch 5-10 videos to see if it’s all done the same then look up directly from the company. Learning is the fun part whether you use it or not it’s something you can add to something you know how to do. It may take an extra 2-3 days overall to install something you can step back and say yea this is how I would want it done at my house. If i over looked something and i see its messed up i will completely back track to fix it the right way. Instead or just putting a bandage on it. It drives me nuts when i walk into a home and see poor craftsman ship. I recently saw this hvac “installed” everything in the basement was fit correctly and taped up perfect (in customers view). Right above it i ripped up the subfloor and the duct work wasn’t even connected it was literally just but up together no tape no clamps not even crimped to accept the next piece. I told the homeowner about it and said it will take me less than an hour to fix it and did it for free. I would have felt guilty leaving it like that. It’s sad to think some people would have just covered it back up and not say a word about it. That is how you get repeat business not how fast you can get it done or the price you come in at.
Excellent video.
Thank you very much! Are you a plumber?
Another comment in regards to hiring. We always hire (if we need a guy) during our remodel season so we can truly see what the guy is capable of. Our last hire took 5 hours to install a shower valve, on a remodel. He must’ve been embarrassed, because he no showed for the next week.
There’s a shortage of tradesmen, and coupling that with the fact getting a license is easier than ever before, it feels impossible to hire an experienced plumber today. Been through 7 journeymen in 2 years, my unlicensed (Arizona, it’s not required) 33 year old worker knows more, is faster, and does cleaner work than all of them. Best thing to do is hire green.
I have been a plumber for 23 yrs . I believe I am the best plumber in California and the USA . I am expert plumber in replacing shower valves all - gas lie install threaded and mega presses either one and running new water line from meter to house with schedule 80 pvc . No one is better than me
Many parts of plumbing are so much easier these days, such as crimping pex vs soldering copper or running PVC drains vs cast iron, yet as you said, so many struggle to do a proper job, many think it is too hard.
If you don't know what your doing don't even bother sick of these remodelers and handyman taking our work😮
It seems like this is many trades, not just plumbing.
I am doing my apprenticeship in commercial plumbing and mechanical.
And I can say the guys I work with have all taught me to have pride I my work . The guys in my apprentices class all year 2 apprentices all running there own truck and few take pride in there work
You are correct. Unfortunately the trade is dying because they are hiring people that doesn’t speak English and the basic education is below average. So for them it’s like legos or a puzzle just put the pieces that fit into the hole. Not even basic math to explain a take off.
Knew this day would come, wondered what the camera guys where doing at my job 😂
I installed a ao smith commercial 80gal. Water heater. Two 6100watt elements, wired simultaneous operation. Manual clearly states, must not be wired for simultaneous operation if amp draw exceeds 48amps. Drew on formulas I learned years prior and moved red with to j slot on the wiring block. I need a raise.
Same in hvac all items you stated
Random question but does anyone have a recommendation on carrying a code book on commercial jobsites. Would love to have a mini code book to carry in my tool bag. Trying to learn code better since I've been in the plumbing trade for 3 years now and wanting to get my journeyman. Thank you for recommendations
What’s sad is they think it’s easy cash, so they do mediocre work then run the bills up by not working. They don’t use the latest tools, etc. Worse when they screw up they’re going to run into a client who’s going to sue.
I’m a handyman. I do use snakes and all that for unclogging drains. However my own house has this I removable sink that was clogged. No way to get to anything. Draino worked perfectly first time. Plunging for days did nothing.
When someone says can't see it from house ! Stay far away from that person.
I work for a company that values quick work over good work. It's disheartening
Sorry to hear that...are you planning on staying with them?
@@RogerWakefield at this moment, no. Pays more than other companies in the area besides union but I’m worried to make the jump(that and they haven’t responded)
Another aspect is low pay, you basically have to go Union to get a decent wage.
I was at a school job
My foreman was an apprentice
Ridiculous
I love toilet fixtures I clogged my toilet by accident. I managed to unclog it by flushing two times.
My house was built in 2006, the plumbers didn't give a flying crap about the difference between red and blue PEX, crappily hung sewer pipe in the crawlspace, etc. However, the electrical work is much, MUCH worse and nonsensical in its design.
I second this video
Imagine thinking you did something when you paid money to get less education and lower expectations..you should feel angry and embarrassed
When I started I used to have the plumbers yell and cuss me out for being an idiot lol.
Too many what I call the me me generation of young people only want to get into the trades because it pays good. When I grew up in the 1960's all of my friends know how to change a flat tire, hammer nails, change oil in thier parents car etc by the time they were 16 . Pissed me off how many lazy tradesmen make no attempt to keep up with the latest codes.
So take the highest bid for each trade?
Perhaps there is also the issue of quantity over quality. As service plumbers you have to run a bunch of calls to sustain earnings. Company’s focus on their profit with commission based pay. Pay your damn people.
We want to have better work amd craftsmanship, yet don't wanna pay for.
If you're spending the most valuable currency available the time ticking off the clock of your life make it well done.
Business owners dont give a crap about training. They should be blamed
Declining pride and care!
💯
Its all the trades, I blame Homer Simpson as he's the one who made it cool.
True all apprentices think they know more 😅 ..come in thinking there foreman
Nuff said
do plumbers really smell bad after work?
only if u shit your pants during the day
Promoting sharkbite type fittings probably doesn’t help lol
y not they sell them use them shrk bite max r bettr then reg crap
Passing someone because they paid is essentially ripping them off. Technically they paid to learn, you attempted to do the students a service and was told you were too hard on them. I think they were doing the students a life-long disservice by not teaching them to hold high standards.
With all treatment no matter who it is the problems are the schools because the schools are taught to do one teacher with 30 or so kids that doesn't work the only way to get pride and correctness is one-on-one the way we used to teach people how to do right
... because i joined the industry.
People don’t want to pay for it.
Another great video Roger.
I'd love to have you as a guest on my podcast. Let me know if you are interested. My contact info is in my about section.
Much Love and Aloha brother.
Sure thing! Thanks brother…
@RogerWakefield Awesome 🤙🏼
Send me an email, and we'll talk and set something up. 🤙🏼
Mahalo brother.
bc there so many hacks out there non lic ppl just call the cheepest shit guy out there
Your only as good as your last job
It’s what you said , the cheap labor , by using sub in Texas, they more about producing than quality 😅, they want it fast and cheap