Journeyman Plumber Job Description [With Free Template]

Journeyman plumbers are skilled professionals who have completed their apprenticeship and earned the knowledge and expertise to work independently on complex plumbing systems. Some of their duties include installing and repairing pipes, diagnosing system issues, and mentoring apprentices, all while ensuring safety regulations and code compliance. 

Plumbing companies often require journeymen to possess valid state licensing, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle emergency service calls. In addition, a good journeyman plumber should be reliable, detail-oriented, and excellent at customer communication.

In this blog, we’ll share detailed insights into who a journeyman plumber is, their key responsibilities, required skill sets, and the various training or certifications they need to be able to perform their duties effectively.

We’ve also included a journeyman plumber job description template to help you attract top candidates when you’re hiring new plumbers.

What Does a Journeyman Plumber Do?

A journeyman plumber performs different tasks ranging from routine maintenance and emergency repairs to complex installations and system diagnostics across residential and commercial properties. 

For instance, journeyman plumbers may be required to install water heaters, repair burst pipes, unclog drains, retrofit plumbing systems, read blueprints, and ensure all work meets local building codes. They also install new plumbing systems, diagnose and repair complex plumbing issues, and ensure code compliance on every job.

A journeyman plumber also often serves as the primary point of contact during service calls, making their technical expertise and communication skills equally important. 

Additionally, they may also be responsible for providing accurate cost estimates to customers as well as answering questions they may have about work processes, results, and alternatives. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate their communication and management skills alongside technical capabilities during interviews. 

What Are a Journeyman Plumber’s Common Responsibilities?

Journeyman plumber responsibilities refer to the specific duties and tasks these skilled professionals perform daily to maintain, repair, and install plumbing systems while ensuring quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

Some common journeyman plumber responsibilities are listed below:

• Installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and plumbing systems.

• Diagnosing plumbing problems and developing effective solutions.

• Reading blueprints and following building codes and regulations.

• Performing routine maintenance on water heaters, pumps, and other equipment.

• Responding to emergency service calls and making urgent repairs.

• Training and supervising apprentice plumbers.

• Providing accurate cost estimates and explaining work to customers.

• Maintaining detailed service records and documentation.

• Using specialized tools and equipment safely and effectively.

• Ensuring compliance with local plumbing codes and safety standards.

Additional responsibilities of journeyman plumbers may include ordering materials and supplies, coordinating with other trades on construction projects, and staying current with new plumbing technologies and techniques through continuing education.

What Are a Journeyman Plumber’s Common Requirements & Skills?

Journeyman plumber requirements and skills are the essential qualifications and technical abilities needed to perform plumbing work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

Here are some of the most important requirements and skills for journeyman plumbers:

• High school diploma or equivalent degree: This provides the educational foundation and comprehension skills necessary for theoretical and code interpretation.

• Completed plumbing apprenticeship program: Typically four or five years of hands-on training combined with theoretical instruction covering plumbing fundamentals, safety protocols, and local codes.

• Physical fitness: Ability to lift heavy materials, work in confined spaces, stand for extended periods, and handle physically demanding tasks.

• Technical problem-solving skills: Capacity to diagnose complex plumbing issues, analyze system failures, and develop effective repair solutions.

• Blueprint reading and math skills: Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, calculating measurements, and understanding pipe layouts and specifications.

• Communication skills: Strong interpersonal skills to explain work clearly, provide estimates, and relate professionally with customers.

• Tool proficiency: Expertise with hand tools, power tools, drain cameras, and other specialized plumbing equipment.

• Safety knowledge: Understanding of OSHA regulations, hazmat handling, and proper use of personal protective equipment.

That said, most states require journeyman plumbers to be licensed. However, licensing requirements can vary by location and involve factors such as years of experience, passing written and practical exams, and maintaining liability insurance or bonding.

Journeyman Plumber Job Description Template

Job summary:

The Journeyman Plumber will apply their technical skills and knowledge in performing diagnostics, service, and installation of plumbing in residential and light commercial environments, and ensure that work is performed in accordance with relevant codes. Responsibilities include assembling, installing, or repairing pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems in accordance with plumbing code specifications.

► Primary responsibilities:

• Perform residential and light commercial service calls to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues.

• Identify potential problems to prevent premature and/or unexpected breakdowns/callbacks.

• Maintain and repair plumbing systems carrying water, steam, chemicals, and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating, and other process piping systems.

• Inspect high-pressure, air, steam, water, and gas systems to ascertain malfunctions.

• Repair or replace plumbing fixtures, test joints, and pipe systems.

• Interpret drawings and specifications to determine layout requirements.

• Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details and procedure.

• Study building plans and inspect structures to assess material and equipment needs, establish a sequence of pipe installations, and plan installation around obstructions.

• Measure, cut, thread, bend, ream, and install pipe and pipe fittings.

• Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings.

• Locate and mark position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures.

• Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances, or fixtures using hand or power tools.

• Maintain accurate documentation of service calls and time management.

• Submit all complete paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.

• Maintain a properly cleaned and stocked service vehicle.

• Attend weekly departmental meetings.

• Participate in periodic inventory and truck inspections.

• Maintain tools and machinery in good condition and use all tools in a safety-conscious manner.

• Explain to the client each service performed whenever a maintenance or repair is completed and ensure complete customer satisfaction.

• Explain club membership agreements to every client and maintain a 25 percent club membership conversion rate with repair clients.

• Document part-sheets listings, corresponding job numbers, and parts used on each job, and submit details to the office daily.

• Debrief with dispatch after completion of every job.

• Create or call in for PO numbers for any materials picked up at suppliers and provide cost before and after taxes to ensure accuracy.

• Turn in all parts receipts/packing slips daily, with corresponding job numbers written on them.

• Provide pricing to the customer for approval prior to performing any work.

• Retain 80 percent of membership clients and maintain an 80 percent appointment-conversion ratio in the home.

• Maximize lead opportunities based on the company's business plan.

• Participate in all company-sponsored training classes.

• Always maintain a professional image by:

  • Wearing only company-approved and provided uniforms or  apparel.

  • Following safety policies and procedures.

  • Abiding by all company standards of performance and code of ethics.

  • Maintaining a courteous demeanor with all customers and associates.

  • Maintaining company vehicles, ensuring cleanliness and organization, both inside and out.

  • Respecting the customer’s property.

► Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Must have a minimum of five years of verifiable plumbing experience in a residential service and maintenance operation.

• Knowledge of local and national plumbing codes.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and drawings.

• Basic change order cost estimating experience.

• Computer proficiency, to include Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

► Educational/certification requirements:

• GED or high school diploma

• Journeyman license

• Preferred: associate degree in related field

► Environmental conditions:

• Field service environment.

• Exposure to smells associated with sewer and water, and sounds associated with power tools.

• Exposure to dust and other debris.

• Extreme weather conditions.

• Extended work hours to include day and/or evening shifts.

• Local travel.

► Physical requirements:

• Ability to work under stressful conditions.

• Must be able to work extended hours, nights, or weekends.

• Ability to stand, walk, and climb ladders and stairs.

• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.

• Natural or corrected vision to see and focus for close, distant, and peripheral vision with normal depth perception.

• Work assignments may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to a known disability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about hiring journeyman plumbers or understanding their role in your business? These common questions and answers will help clarify what to expect when recruiting skilled plumbing professionals.

What is the salary of a journeyman plumber?

Based on data from PayScale, the average salary for a journeyman plumber ranges between $50,000 and $80,000. The salary of a journeyman plumber depends on different factors like location or region of operation, years of experience, expertise, and certifications.

What soft skills should a journeyman plumber possess?

Some key soft skills journeyman plumbers should possess are excellent communication abilities to explain complex issues to customers, a strong problem-solving mindset for diagnosing unexpected challenges, and adaptability to varying job conditions.

What characteristics make a good journeyman plumber?

Some key characteristics that make a good journeyman plumber include reliability and punctuality for scheduled appointments, attention to detail to ensure quality workmanship, physical stamina for demanding jobs, willingness to work in emergency situations, continuous learning attitude to stay current with industry changes, and integrity when dealing with customers and pricing.

ServiceTitan's comprehensive plumbing business software empowers journeyman plumbers with the tools they need to succeed. From mobile apps that keep your team connected in the field to automated dispatching that maximizes efficiency and in-app detailed job histories that eliminate confusion. 

With ServiceTitan’s Field Service app, you can optimize scheduling, track technician performance, and manage inventory to improve team productivity and ensure your customers stay happy.

ServiceTitan is a comprehensive plumbing business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.