I recently took the plunge in celebrating World Plumbing Day and decided to probe three of Tawny’s favourite plumbers for a deep dive into their thoughts about the trade, its highs and lows, their triumphs, and challenges, and if there was a bright future ahead for plumbing that can inspire teenagers (and anyone of any age) to consider this career path.
Jason Beckley of Killara Plumbing declares, “Plumbers are the best thing since running water!” He goes on to explain, “The world of plumbing has evolved over the years. We now use CCTV cameras instead of the black art of water dowsing – holding two sticks in your hands to find a water pipe. Not only has technology come a long way but running a company in the trades-based industry now requires a very dedicated individual with entrepreneurial traits. To succeed, you need to design a customer experience that leaves a lasting memory with your customers.”
As for the future, Jason believes “Plumbing will always be a necessity in life, and I feel that you can’t go wrong by investing in your education with a trades-based skill. I’ve never hopped in an Uber and found a sparky, plumber or carpenter behind the wheel. This speaks volumes to me.”
Next is Danny Hamilton of Daniel Hamilton Plumbing, who’s also the co-creator of the Tappr App, which allows plumbers to easily create digital drainage and sewer diagrams on their phone or tablet in under 10 minutes. Danny tells us, “It’s more than plumbing, it’s an art, where you need to create your own design solutions that work with the codes and the design of the house, with no two jobs ever the same.”
In terms of career highlights, Danny cites “Getting my gold license, then starting my own plumbing business, as well as using my plumbing knowledge to create the Tappr App.” Much like Jason, Danny believes there’s a bright future ahead, for a simple and undeniable reason, “Everyone needs a plumber.”
Finally, we chat to Nathan O’Neill, owner of Koalafied Plumbing & Gas, and producer of the most gripping cinematic plumbing content on Instagram! Nathan says, “How broad the trade is keeps things exciting, and solving clients’ problems make you feel like a rockstar.”
In terms of career security, “We have had a shortage of plumbers ever since I started in 2005. You can really make a solid career out of plumbing. All you need to do as a 1st year apprentice is be keen and don’t be late! We can mould you into a superstar plumber.”
As for Nathan’s triumphs and challenges so far, “Taking the leap to run my business full time at the beginning of Covid, that was a now or never moment. And getting a friend to draw Kent (Nathan’s world-famous Koala mascot) then seeing him printed on the side of the work truck, that got me fired up!”
What does plumbing’s future hold? “We all need safe drinking water and sanitation throughout our homes and workplaces to stay alive, and with the plumbing industry adapting and changing each week, new tools and new materials coming on board to preserve our water supply and save our houses from damage against storms, the future for plumbing is as bright as any trade career can possibly be.”