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ESCO occupation

plumber

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Plumbers maintain and install water, gas and sewage systems. They inspect pipes and fixtures on a regular basis or make repairs as needed. They bend, cut, and install pipes. They test systems and make adjustments safely and following regulations. They place sanitary equipment.

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Competences
43
Groups
4
Essential
21
Optional
22

Competences and skills

43 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
types of piping

A variety of types of piping and piping materials. PVC, CPVC, PEX, copper, and the advantages, usage cases, risks, and costs of each.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
plumbing tools

A variety of common plumbing tools and their usage cases, limitations and risks.

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Essential skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
attach PEX pipe

Make attachments between PEX pipes and between PEX and other materials. Put a copper crimp ring around both ends. Insert a connector piece between the cable ends and use the appropriate size crimp tool to crimp the rings. Check the crimp operation using a go-no-go tool.

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check water pressure

Check the water pressure in a water circulation system, using a built-in gauge or by attaching a water pressure gauge onto a pipe. In the case of a stand-alone gauge, be sure to depressurise the system before attaching the gauge.

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install PVC piping

Lay different types and sizes of PVC piping in prepared spaces. Cut the piping to size and attach it by using glue or other systems. Make sure the piping has a clean edge, is free of strains and has the right tilt for fluids to run through.

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interpret 2D plans

Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

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replace faucets

Remove taps using the appropriate tool, such as a tap wrench, a monkey wrench or a ratcheting wrench. Perform the same operations to replace the tap with a repaired or new one.

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snap chalk line

Stretch a line covered in fine, non-staining chalk between two points and snap it against a surface to produce a straight line.

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transport construction supplies

Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
clear out drains

Remove organic materials and other debris from pipes, usually using a snake, a long device that is pushed down the pipes.

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follow health and safety procedures in construction

Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

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inspect construction supplies

Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

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install metal gas piping

Safely install gas pipes and tubes made of steel or copper. Install all necessary connectors and modern ball valves. Test the pipe to make sure there are no leaks.

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install plumbing systems

Install systems of pipes, drains, fittings, valves, and fixtures designed for the distribution of potable water for drinking, heating, washing and waste removal.

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interpret 3D plans

Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.

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operate welding equipment

Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.

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place sanitary equipment

Place sanitary equipment, such as toilets and sinks. Attach the equipment securely to walls and floors. Install taps and water disposal pipes.

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prepare copper gas-lines pipes

Use the appropriate copper pipes to serve as gas lines. Cut the pipes to size and remove any sharp ridges after cutting. Flare the ends with the right size flare to facilitate the attachment of connectors. Avoid kinking the pipe and discard any kinked piping.

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use measurement instruments

Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

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use safety equipment in construction

Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
types of heat pumps

Various types of heat pumps, used to produce heating, cooling and potable hot water making use of an energy source with low temperature and bringing it to a higher temperature.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
water pressure

Physical laws, qualities and applications of liquid or water pressure.

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Optional skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
monitor stock level

Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.

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process incoming construction supplies

Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.

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protect surfaces during construction work

Cover floors, ceiling, skirting boards and any other surfaces with various materials such as plastic or textile to keep them from being damaged or stained when performing construction or renovation work like painting or plastering.

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set up temporary construction site infrastructure

Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.

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set up water filtration system

Place the appropriate filtration units for water filtration and connect them to the source and destination pipes.

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use metal bending techniques

Perform bending techniques in order to shape metal sheets into parts used in the manufacture of objects.

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use sander

Use different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.

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work in a construction team

Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
answer requests for quotation

Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.

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apply a protective layer

Apply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.

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apply proofing membranes

Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.

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calculate needs for construction supplies

Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.

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consult technical resources

Read and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.

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cut metal products

Operate cutting and measuring instruments in order to cut/shape pieces of metal into given dimensions.

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cut wall chases

Cut a narrow channel in a wall or other partition in order to run cables through it. Cut the channel straight and without causing unnecessary damage. Be sure to avoid existent wires. Lead the cables through the chase and fill it up with the appropriate material.

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install solar water heater

Place solar water heaters, which use sunlight to heat water. Find a good location for the heaters, often on the roof of a structure, place them, and connect them to the water supply. Set up the water heater for use.

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keep personal administration

File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.

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keep records of work progress

Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

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maintain work area cleanliness

Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.

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order construction supplies

Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.

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