Article written by: Matt Michel, Contractor Magazine
There are lots of noble professions in the world. Medical professions, first responders, teachers, mothers, and the ministry immediately come to mind for most people. The profession that may not be top-of-mind, but should be is plumbing. Here are six reasons why.
1. Plumbers Really Do Protect the Health of the Nation
Over a century ago, the plumbing profession adopted the slogan, “The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation.” This was not idle marketing, but a statement of fact. In the United States, life expectancy was age 47 in 1900. By the year 2000, it had increased to age 77. While there are many factors contributing to the rise in longevity, plumbing can certainly take a share of the credit.
The reduction in cholera exposure is an example. Before the advent of modern plumbing, cholera devastated public health. Even today, cholera is believed to account for up to 7.5% of deaths in India according to the president of the Indian Plumbing Association. Fortunately, cholera is rare in first world nations thanks to the plumbing profession.
Despite the strides that have been made, work remains. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About 7.2 million Americans get sick every year from diseases spread through water.” Plumbers represent the front line in efforts to reduce waterborne disease.
2. Plumbers Make Hot Showers Possible
Without the plumbing industry, showers would be cold and baths would only be hot if the water was heated on a stove and added to a bathtub. This is another way that plumbers protect the health of the nation. Without hot water, it is certain that people would shower and bathe less frequently.
Health aside, anyone who has performed a hard day’s work know the pleasure of a relaxing bath or refreshing shower. Life is better when hot water flows from a tap. This would not be possible without plumbing professionals.
3. Plumbers Make People Happy
When a plumber is called for service, there is usually a problem. People are unhappy, distressed, or downright miserable. There is a problem that the customer cannot solve. Enter the plumber. There is relief on his arrival and happiness when he completes his work. Plumbers leave people in better shape than they find them. They make people happy.
4. Plumbers Make Positive Contributions to Society
The plumber adds tangible value in the work he performs. Every dollar of revenue the plumber receives is a reflection of how much society values his contributions to the world. Every dollar of profit he keeps is a reflection of how efficiently he delivers that value.
The plumber not only adds value and not only makes buildings better he makes the economy better. Plumbers create jobs and not merely jobs, but good paying ones. Plumbers are part of the engine of free enterprise that drives economic growth and improved standards of living.
5. Plumbers are Independent
In 1954, Albert Einstein, bemoaning the way politics was affecting science, wrote that if he had it to do over again he would not choose science as a profession. He would choose plumbing. Why? He envied the independence of the plumber. Einstein wrote, “I would rather choose to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances.”
What Einstein meant was that plumbers are largely in control of their own lives. Plumbers can control their circumstances. They can work for wages or start a business. Plumbing company owners can operate lifestyle businesses or build salable enterprises that allow them to walk away wealthy.
6. Plumbers Sacrifice for Others
The plumber who starts a company takes on risk that most people will never know or understand. The entrepreneurial plumber puts his sweat and fortune into a business with no guarantee of a return and little support from government. He lives under constant threat from the elements of society that preys on business owners. Plumbers choose risk over a safe, secure occupation.
Moreover, plumbers operate businesses where they are on-call for emergencies. When a pipe is broken or sewage is backing up, the situation is urgent, and the plumber drops whatever he is doing to save the day. Being on call after hours is a sacrifice that most people will never know.
Plumbing is a Noble Profession
Yes, plumbing is a noble profession. This is why mothers want their daughters to marry plumbers or doctors. Plumbers are noble, good providers, and competent people. Take pride in your profession. Take pride in plumbing.
