The Bathroom Fitters

Core skills 35 years as a gas fitter, 48 years in the plumbing industry, with works done for notable people as ‘Sir Bill Beaumont’, and House of Commons speaker ‘Sir Lyndsey Hoyle’. Along with a vast experience in the plumbing & Heating industry. Later years saw bathrooms & wet-rooms a speciality, with works encompassing tiling, joinery, plastering and general building work. As the owner of a building company in the early 1980’s, all is at service. He takes care of all works from start to finish, with great pride, helps customers view all options with ‘free advice’ and a guarantee of customer satisfaction long after works are all finished, ‘budgets’ a speciality. The Bathroom Fitters also worked on a TV project for Kirstie Allsop’s ‘Fill your house for Free’ in 2013 – the project was to use retro and old materials and bathroom furniture to complete a bathroom for the show. The Bathroom fitters were also nominated for the ‘Northern Enterprise Awards” and listed as winners 2023. Also in 2013 won a prestigious award from Lancashire County Council ’Safe Trader Scheme’ To top this The Bathroom Fitters are now approved installers for the national companies – Wickes & B & Q.
Evolution of Plumbing Over the Decades
Technological Advances:
Materials: Transition from galvanized pipes to copper, PVC, and PEX tubing.
Tools and Equipment: Evolution from basic hand tools to advanced power tools, diagnostic equipment, and smart technology for leak detection and system management.
Fixtures and Fittings: Introduction of water-efficient fixtures, touchless taps and smart toilets.
Regulations and Standards:
Increased emphasis on building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
Introduction of certifications and licensing requirements for plumbers.
Methods and Techniques:
Shift from traditional soldering and threading to more efficient and reliable joining techniques such as crimping and push-fit fittings.
Adoption of technology for pipe replacement and repair, reducing the need for extensive excavation.
Key Milestones in a Plumbing Career
Early Career:
Learning the trade through apprenticeship and technical school.
Gaining hands-on experience in residential plumbing, including installation, maintenance, and repair.
Mid-Career:
Mastering complex commercial and industrial plumbing systems.
Achieving certifications and potentially starting or managing a plumbing business.
Later Career:
Mentoring young plumbers and passing on knowledge and skills.
Staying updated with new technologies and industry trends.
Providing consulting services based on decades of experience.
Challenges and Adaptations
Physical Demands:
Coping with the physical strain of the job and adopting ergonomic tools and techniques.
Navigating health and safety concerns, particularly in hazardous environments.
Keeping Up with Changes:
Continuously updating skills and knowledge to keep pace with industry changes and H & S, regarding recognising asbestos in the household
Participating in ongoing education and training programs, with relevant 2 million public liability to cover.
Business and Economic Factors:
Adapting to economic fluctuations and their impact on the construction and maintenance markets.
Managing business operations, including dealing with competition, pricing, and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
A career spanning 48 years in the plumbing industry is marked by adaptability, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. The experience gained over such a long period is invaluable, providing a deep understanding of both the technical and human aspects of the trade, more over passing this knowledge on to the customer.