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Plumber Interview Questions

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  1. What are the most important steps involved in unclogging blocked pipes? See answer
  2. What plumbing tools are essential? Which ones do you bring to every job? See answer
  3. Are you familiar with the various health hazards of working in the plumbing industry? See answer
  4. What are some ways customers could avoid bathroom plumbing issues in the future? See answer
  5. How would you inform a client who has called you for services on a clogged pipe of their options? See answer
  6. Are you familiar with various types of chemical drain cleaners used in plumbing?
  7. What experience do you have with the installation of water-based heating units?
  8. Where do you start when installing an entirely new plumbing system for a floor in an office building?
  9. What process would you use to patch a copper water leak in an open area of a business during hours of operation?
  10. Can you explain the purpose of a washout in a water supply network?
  11. What experience have you had with large underground installations?
  12. What strategies do you use to help an unhappy customer with the work you have done?
  13. What aspects do you take into consideration when providing a customer with a quote on work that needs to be done?
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6 Plumber Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

What are the most important steps involved in unclogging blocked pipes?

A:

Blocked pipes are a very common cause of plumbing issues, so it’s necessary for your applicant to be familiar with the most effective solutions. This involves the ability to evaluate each unique circumstance, so not all solutions are best for everyone. Failure to answer this question with confidence could be a sign you have the wrong candidate for the job. The right plumber will be quick to point out both the easy and the hard methods and when to use each. What to look for in an answer:

  • No hesitation in answering the question
  • Familiarity of more than one solution
  • Usage of correct terminology when referring to solutions

Example:

“It’s best to work smarter than harder, so first pour hot water down the drain. If this doesn’t work, I would move on to more advanced solutions.”

Q:

What plumbing tools are essential? Which ones do you bring to every job?

A:

As is true with any profession, skilled professionals need to have the right tools available and know how to put them to good use. It’s critical the candidate is familiar with the tools they’ll be using, and they should be capable of naming off the primary tools of the trade without any hesitation. It’s also a good idea to have them demonstrate use to ensure they’re not just listing tools from memory. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of both general tools and those specific to plumbing
  • Experience using these tools
  • Provides examples of situational differences in tools needed

Example:

“I have experience using faucet wrenches, tubing cutters, cup plungers, flange plungers, closet augers, sink augers and reseating tools. It’s important to always have a wide array of these tools on hand in order to maximize solution options to meet client needs and budgets.”

Q:

Are you familiar with the various types of chemical drain cleaners used in plumbing?

A:

Chemical drain cleaners are often needed to unclog stubborn blockages, and they’re often a great solution. With so many options available, it’s important your plumbing candidate is able to identify the most viable solution for any situation they face. Be on the lookout for a candidate familiar with caustic, oxidizing and acid drain cleaners and the appropriate application of each type. What to look for in an answer:

  • Confident identification of each type of chemical drain cleaner
  • Ability to provide examples of use
  • Quick to answer

Example:

“I use caustic drain cleaners to apply the heat necessary to dissolve clogs, but the higher acidic concentration of acid cleaners solves more complex drainage issues.”

Q:

Are you familiar with the various health hazards of working in the plumbing industry?

A:

Nobody wants to become ill or injured due to occupational hazards. As an employer, you need your employees to stay safe and healthy. It’s critical each job candidate is well aware of the various dangers involved in the day of a plumber. All it takes is knowledge to avoid these hazards, and you need a plumber who is aware. What to look for in an answer:

  • Shows an understanding of the most common dangers involved with plumbing
  • Understands the protocol following exposure to certain chemicals and other dangers
  • Familiarity with proper ergonomics while on the job

Example:

“Dangers lurk around every corner. I understand the risks of electric shock, chemical exposure, eye injury from debris and even musculoskeletal injuries from poor positioning on the job.”

Q:

What are some ways customers could avoid bathroom plumbing issues in the future?

A:

A good and trustworthy plumbing company is about more than just money, and you want to establish a notable reputation in the community you serve. It’s also concerned with providing a long-term solution to best ensure customers don’t sustain any serious damage to their home and health. Therefore, it’s important the job candidate is able to identify preventive measures customers can take to avoid future issues. This allows them to educate your customers and help the company gain a good reputation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Can easily name off numerous solutions seamlessly
  • Demonstrates understanding of the need to educate customers
  • Familiar with helpful hacks for common issues

Example:

“I understand our customers are part of the family, so we need to prepare them with the knowledge to keep problems at bay. I educate all customers on the importance of weekly flushes with hot water.”

Q:

How would you inform a client who has called you for services on a clogged pipe of their options?

A:

It is a good business model to help clients whenever possible. Establishing yourself as an expert in your field also means educating your clients to help them make the best decisions. A skilled plumber candidate will have a knowledgeable answer which analyzes the problem a client is facing and gives various options for customers. Here are a few things you should look for in an answer:

  • Can quickly identify the problem
  • Can demonstrate knowledge with several helpful tips
  • Can acknowledge the need to educate clients

A typical answer to this question might look like this:

Example:

"Sometimes a drain blockage can build up very quickly and my services need to be utilized. Based on the nature of the clog and the condition of the pipes, I would offer several options.

The first and usually most economical is a manual drain snake to physically push debris out of the way and let water pass again. Sometimes a blockage occurs in the main pipeline system, and in that case, I would use a motorized drain snake which is often more efficient for larger blockages. Another option is a hydro-jet machine that uses a high-powered water stream to release blockages. I would also offer them some tips for at-home maintenance to help keep the pipes in working order in the future."

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