This time rather than talking about my normal plumbing and drain cleaning "stuff", I would like to talk about a growing problem I see in the plumbing & drain cleaning fields. I am on a discussion forum where almost everyday for the past year I keep reading about "techs" and how to charge for services rendered. Some contractors are for contract pricing for every little job and adding on "extra's" as work progresses. Other Contractors like myself mostly charge Time and Materials (T&M) but this article is not about which one is better or worse. The problem I do see is how Plumbers & Drainers and Gas fitters (I do all 3) talk about pricing.

   The thing I don't see mentioned is TRAINING employees to be better Plumbers/Tradespersons. Years ago to become a "plumber-Journeyman" it was through a 5 year apprenticeship (10,000 hours) THEN after working for a Master Plumber for another 5 years you were eligible to take the Masters exam.

   Today there is a movement in America to PUSH this training into 6 weeks. Yes, you didn't miss read, I said 6 weeks. My God folks you cant even potty train a child in 6 weeks. I am wondering what kind of damage these 6 week wonders are going to wrought on the general unsuspecting public? To make matters worse, to beat the existing licensing laws (can't use the word plumber without a plumbing license) some contractors have resorted to trickery of wording by the use of a catch all term "Tech." As everyone knows at one time plumbing was considered a very honorable profession (and still is) but because "plumbing" takes time to master, more people are interested in the ole mighty dollar then the skills required to become proficient, the word tech came into being for this trade.

   America is now looking to take short cuts in every industry by opening factories in other countries and selling / giving away high tech knowledge to other countries so they can now make products and sell them BACK to America for big business to use for satellites. The reading level in the high schools today is a national disgrace. Rather than try to elevate the illiterate folks it is easier to just give people a fancy title and no training.

   As more and more non-skilled people enter plumbing and other once professional fields the quality of workmanship and materials get worse. It takes a craftsman to work with copper, lead or cast iron BUT to be a craftsman you need schooling and this takes time, dedication and money. So rather than reinvest into this great trade it is easier to give a fancy name to Tech's and ask manufacturers to make it more simple to install inferior products.
Instead of trying to make buildings last like they do in Europe for years and years, we now have large buildings literally falling down within 10 years. The plumbing unions still have fantastic training but why would some one want to hire a highly skilled licensed journeyman, gas fitter or plumber when they can hire an inexpensive non-skilled tech? I am going to ask everyone of my readers from now on please protect yourselves from this menace. If any tradesman comes to your home for plumbing, draining or gas fitting don't be afraid to demand to see their license.

   Would you consider going to an unlicensed Doctor? Would you get into an airplane with a non licensed pilot? Remember a PROFESSIONAL plumber is highly skilled and your health and your family's health are important. If they send a "tech" say thanks BUT no thanks. You have no way of knowing what training a tech did or did not receive.