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Plumber Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Plumber interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you organise your day when dealing with multiple customer calls? See answer
  2. How do you handle a customer who wants advice on dealing with a clogged drain? See answer
  3. What safety precautions do you take on every job? See answer
  4. What essential tools do you bring with you to every appointment? See answer
  5. Describe your academic background and hands-on trade experience. See answer
  6. How do you stay current with advances and trends in your career? See answer
  7. What is your experience with training an apprentice? See answer
  8. Describe a time you provided exceptional customer service. See answer
  9. What is your experience in designing plumbing systems for new homes? See answer
  10. What is one disadvantage of conventional hot water heaters? See answer
  11. Describe your experience installing in-floor heating systems. See answer
  12. Tell us about a time you worked on a sizeable multi-trade project. See answer
  13. What sets you apart from other qualified plumbing candidates? See answer
  14. What is the worst job you’ve had to do as a plumber?
  15. When you’re on the road, how do you stay in communication with the office?
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Plumber Interview Questions and Answers

How do you organise your day when dealing with multiple customer calls?

Plumbers often respond to multiple calls throughout the day and need to prioritise their tasks. The question's goal is to evaluate how the candidate organises their day when handling multiple in-home visits. What to look for in an answer:

  • organisational and time management skill
  • Knowledge of the city or area of service to estimate and plan efficient driving routes
  • Ability to prioritise and account for unforeseen changes

Example:

"When I have a day that involves visits to multiple customers, I first ask dispatch for a list of time commitments. This way, I know where I need to be and at what time. I prioritise my time-bound visit and plan my smaller jobs around them. I try to group customers in the same area together so I can plan an efficient driving route."

How do you handle a customer who wants advice on dealing with a clogged drain?

A plumber may deal directly with customers when calling into a company for service. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate handles questions for advice. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills to treat all customers with respect and dignity
  • Communication skills to provide simple explanations in-person, on the phone, or via email
  • Ability to assess primary plumbing challenges and provide helpful advice

Example:

"When I receive these types of calls, I try to gather as much information as possible from the customer. I ask them what they've tried so far and what success they've had. I explain the features and benefits of chemical drain cleaners and how to use them safely and effectively. I also make a note to follow up with them the next day."

What safety precautions do you take on every job?

A plumber typically encounters workplace hazards throughout their workday. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate treats workplace safety. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of common safety concerns and hazards
  • Ability to work safely in various situations
  • Critical thinking to assess safety conditions and take appropriate steps

Example:

"Safety is essential to the longevity of my career and going home every night to my family. As a professional plumber, there are several precautions I take all the time. I always wear safety boots and proper eye protection. Depending on the situation, I read labels and wear extra protection when handling chemicals. I also ensure that there is no live electricity in the area I am working to prevent shocks and electrocution."

What essential tools do you bring with you to every appointment?

A professional plumber typically has a complete set of tools they use daily. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's knowledge of tools and which they commonly use. What to look for in an answer:

  • Collection and experience with commonly used tools for their trade
  • Awareness of which tools to use for various jobs
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively in multiple situations

Example:

"When working in the field, I like to prepare for any situation or customer concern. I have an extensive collection of tools for my trade. I frequently use closet augers, sink augers, reseating tools, wrenches, and tubing cutters."

Describe your academic background and hands-on trade experience.

Depending on your company, you may require a successful candidate to have a specific academic background. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's education and training relevant to their trade. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of the various training avenues for the plumbing trade
  • Completion of company-specific educational requirements
  • Interest in professional development

Example:

"I completed my apprenticeship several years ago and wrote my interprovincial exams. I earned my Red Seal Journeyperson certificate in plumbing. I'm now recognised across Canada as a competent plumber. I also completed my first aid and CPR training in case of emergencies on work sites."

How do you stay current with advances and trends in your career?

A successful plumber needs to stay up to date with the latest advances, trends, and best practises within their industry. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's willingness to take part in professional development. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to take part in professional development
  • Ability to adapt experience to benefit the current situation
  • Communication and interpersonal skills to build professional relationships

Example:

"I enjoy staying up to date by talking to other people in the industry. Networking is a big part of my career, and I've developed many strong relationships with construction and homebuilding businesses. This helps me stay on top of updated regulations and current trends."

What is your experience with training an apprentice?

Depending on your company's needs, you may require a successful candidate to train an apprentice. The goal of the question is to evaluate if the candidate can confidently accept an apprentice and their experience in training someone. What to look for in an answer:

  • Successful completion of a provincial Journeyperson status in plumbing
  • Leadership skills to train and develop the abilities of an apprentice
  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and work effectively with others

Example:

"Since completing my Journeyperson certificate as a plumber, I've had two apprentices. I enjoy the experience and love sharing my knowledge and skills with someone who wants to learn the trade."

What is the most challenging job you've had to do as a plumber?

A plumber has to manage many variables within their role, especially when working with other tradespeople. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to overcome challenges and maintain a positive attitude. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the full scope of tasks and duties a plumber handles
  • Ability to complete all work with high quality and efficiency
  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude when problem-solving

Example:

"The most challenging project I've had was a poorly managed construction site. There were various tradespeople everywhere with no direction or organisation. It was difficult to work around so much chaos and be efficient when fighting for space. I spoke to the project manager who about the challenges, and we worked together to come up with a simple plan and schedule for the tradespeople."

Describe a time you provided exceptional customer service.

A successful plumber goes above and beyond expectations to provide an excellent experience for their customers. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's definition of customer service and how they offer an exceptional experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to discuss concerns and find solutions for customers
  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with customers
  • Solid foundational knowledge and confidence in their plumbing skills

Example:

"One example I can remember was a late-night call out to an elderly couple whose bathroom sink and toilets backed up in the middle of the night. They were so distraught because of the mess and cost of damages. When I arrived, I fixed the plumbing issue and offered to call some of my contacts to help with the repairs. I also..."

What is your experience in designing plumbing systems for new homes?

Depending on your company, you may require a plumber to design and modify plumbing systems. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's level of experience in plumbing design. What to look for in an answer:

  • Solid understanding of regulations for plumbing systems and designs
  • Experience with designing or modifying plumbing systems
  • Ambition to take part in professional development

Example:

"Most of my designing experience was throughout schooling and in my apprenticeship positions. I understand the fundamentals of properly designed systems and stay current with building codes and regulations. Since becoming a Journeyperson, I have only completed modifications to update systems to the current codes. However, I would love to gain more hands on experience to hone my skills."

What is one disadvantage of conventional hot water heaters?

A successful plumber needs to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various systems and products within their industry. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's level of knowledge about a specific product. What to look for in an answer:

  • In-depth knowledge to identify advantages and disadvantages
  • Communication skills to explain complex ideas in easy-to-understand terms
  • Ability to stay current with new product trends

Example:

"So many people are replacing their conventional water heaters. One significant reason is the amount of energy they use to heat and maintain a large water volume. The second disadvantage is the amount of sediment that collects at the bottom and needs to be cleaned regularly to provide maximum efficiency. A suitable alternative that I like to suggest for my clients is..."

Describe your experience installing in-floor heating systems.

A successful plumber needs to understand the proper installation procedures of various systems and products. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's knowledge of the specific installation of in-floor heating. What to look for in an answer:

  • Product knowledge and experience with proper installation procedures
  • Communication skills to explain complex ideas in easy-to-understand terms
  • Experience in the installation of various products and systems

Example:

"Since starting my career as a plumber, I have installed over twenty in-floor heating systems. Usually within new homes that are under construction. I've also worked on several home renovation projects that included modifying the heating systems in the bathroom to include this feature."

Tell us about a time you worked on a sizeable multi-trade project.

Depending on your company's needs, you may need a plumber to work with various other tradespeople on a large-scale project. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's experience working with other professionals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication and collabouration skills to express thoughts effectively and respectfully
  • Interpersonal and teamwork skills to build rapport and develop professional relationships
  • Ability to work independently and within a larger team of professionals

Example:

"One example I can easily recall was working on a large construction project of a brand new recreational facility. It was a year-long project and had several tradespeople on site. I loved the opportunity to work with so many highly skilled people and see the progress we made every day."

When you're on the road, how do you stay in communication with the office?

Depending on your company, you may need the successful candidate to be on the road answering local customers' calls. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's experience in communicating with an office to be dispatched and provide updates. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to work independently and organise their time and tasks
  • Communication skills to maintain regular contact with a dispatch office
  • Time management skills to maintain a work schedule

Example:

"How I stay in touch with the office depends on the tools the company provides me. I'm quite technologically savvy so I can adapt to new communication systems quickly. In my previous role, the company provided me with a cellphone. I stayed in touch via text after a job is complete so that dispatch knew I was on to the next site. I may also..."

What sets you apart from other qualified plumbing candidates?

The question's goal is to allow the candidate to highlight their unique skills and abilities. They can also discuss other characteristics that make them an excellent fit for the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude about the company and position
  • Solid technical qualifications to excel at the position
  • Unique characteristics that suit the company culture

Example:

"Other than my professional qualifications, what sets me apart is my unique style of dealing with customers in-person. I'm trying to change the stereotype, so I always dress smart and professionally. I'm clean when working in their homes and ensure I leave the area cleaner than how I found it."

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