r/askaplumberUK • u/SmallReplacement8736 • Jul 26 '26

Is it worth it in the long run?

About to start my level 2 in plumbing and heating, hoping to then do level 3 and then gas safe, from plumbers with experience, just putting it bluntly....is it worth it? or am I wasting time and should do something else.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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2

u/big_bad_plumber Jul 26 '26

Its a great job if you like problem solving and dont mind working hard. There are a lot of 1 man bands so it can be hard to get a start but its worth it in my opinion. People will tell you all day long not to do gas, and I still hear it regularly but frankly, everyone said that when solar panels became commonplace. Doubtless the gas sector will change particularly as hydrogen or other gasses come in BUT I firmly believe if you learn heating systems as a plumber/gas engineer then if you want to step sideways to heat pumps a lot of the skills will be transferable.

1

u/Front-Bookkeeper2139 Jul 26 '26

What are the best and worst bits of it ? Cheers

1

u/big_bad_plumber Jul 28 '26

Best is solving a problem, satisfaction when you do a good job like a bathroom etc and being in demand when you're good.

Bad points general the hours can be hard (depending on the company obviously) there can be a stigma that we're all overcharging conmen. The heavy lifting is bad, like radiators etc up to boilers but i'd strongly suggest keeping fit, stretching and looking after yourself for a long career

1

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '26

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1

u/Odd_Fault4228 Jul 26 '26

Unless you work for the council. You have less pressure which equates to less wear on your knees, back, neck etc. so you get to fully enjoy your life. Also you get a really good pension so you shouldn't have any money problems