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Thread: HVAC or A Plumber?
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10-19-2009, 11:43 PM #1
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HVAC or A Plumber?
I'm a Dislocated Worker, 48 years old and looking to go back to school. I have a choice between HVAC or Plumbing. I'm looking for advice from seasoned HVAC pro's. If you had a choice to do it over again, which would you be and why?
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10-20-2009, 01:48 AM #2
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There is an old Buddy Hacket joke that goes like this... A doctor calls a plumber for a sink with a dripping faucet, the plumber looks at it and goes into his tool box ten minutes later (changed washers and seats) water back on no more drip, he gives the bill to the doctor. the doctor reads it? "$175.00 I don't even charge that much", the plumber replies " I couldn't either when I was a Doctor".
Good luck with your choice.
If it doesn't go easy, you are not using a big enough hammer.
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10-20-2009, 09:42 AM #3
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If you choose plumbing I suggest getting your license, currently in nj you don't need any type of hvac license just your 609 epa to handle refrigerant,they are talking about one just like the other trades though.try both fields out see which you like and make your choice,there are quite a few companies that offer all three hvac,plumbing and electric if you could work for one of them you would be exposed to all three, I got out of the automotive field and into a/c by doing it part time for four years first
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10-20-2009, 03:29 PM #4
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i mean, seriously?
when life throws me a banjo, i play it
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10-20-2009, 06:03 PM #5
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How do you make a million dollars in the HVAC/r business? Start with 2 million.
Originally Posted by HVACJOEK
There is an old Buddy Hacket joke that goes like this... A doctor calls a plumber for a sink with a dripping faucet, the plumber looks at it and goes into his tool box ten minutes later (changed washers and seats) water back on no more drip, he gives the bill to the doctor. the doctor reads it? "$175.00 I don't even charge that much", the plumber replies " I couldn't either when I was a Doctor".
Good luck with your choice."The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability." Henry Ford
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10-20-2009, 06:53 PM #6
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Chip 'n Dales dancer: why not? If I had to go up against , I'd be fine...maybe. Or a politician: you can make great money without really affecting anyone's life. Originally Posted by dekare
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10-20-2009, 07:18 PM #7
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If you like solving problems and fixing things Hvac is for you. I enjoy electrical and mechanical trouble shooting. It is challenging. I can honestly say I still enjoy going to work. It is different every day. I have been a repairman since 1973. There is my two cents.
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10-20-2009, 08:29 PM #8
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plumbing and pipefitting, more money, less tools, less stress.
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10-20-2009, 08:57 PM #9
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that is completely false on all levels Originally Posted by hivacer
when life throws me a banjo, i play it
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10-21-2009, 06:49 AM #10
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Required tool list for union plumbers in my area: Originally Posted by michigan1
Stick rule
Pencil
Slip joint pliers (Channellocks)
Fitters are about the same, IIRC
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10-31-2009, 01:44 PM #11
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Exactly, I am an hvac tech and I do plumbing and pipefitting too. I have a service van that is jammed packed with tools, hardly room for any parts. Majority of my tools are for hvac work. Meters, guages, benders, swagers, every handtool and mechanical tool in the book, etc. etc. etc... Originally Posted by neophytes serendipity
If I just did plumbing, I could unload 3/4 of my tools especially all the extra handtools in my bag. I would still carry all my powertools, rotohammer, sawsall, chopsaw, circ saw etc.
On the pay side, plumbers and pipefitters in my area make more money! thats just the way it is, I would be interested michigan1 for you to elaborate on your point that I am wrong on so many levels, not saying you are a liar just want to hear your opinion
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10-20-2009, 08:49 PM #12
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I think you will be lucky to work consistently in either of those fields at your age. Originally Posted by dekare
I'm a Dislocated Worker, 48 years old and looking to go back to school. I have a choice between HVAC or Plumbing. I'm looking for advice from seasoned HVAC pro's. If you had a choice to do it over again, which would you be and why?
You would be better off trying to roll your own than start fresh as an almost 50 year old employee.
Unless you know someone... are exceptionally gifted... etc.
Not to be doom and gloom, but that's reality.
Lots of luck.
To answer the question, I would probably persue the pipefitter trade before having anything to do with sheet metal... but pipefitters are usually union, so I suspect that the same politics exists there.
No shortage of unemployed or underemployed HVAC people or plumbing people in my neck of the woods. No apprenticeship classes starting at the fitters hall. Lots of freshly minted HVAC people looking for jobs on this board.
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10-20-2009, 11:37 PM #13
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At your age HVAC is probably the way to go. Plumbing can be quite physically demanding...Both are honest livings.
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