The Difference between an Apprentice, Journeyman, and a Master Plumbers

The Difference between an Apprentice, Journeyman, and a Master Plumbers


The plumbing industry and other construction trades use designations to determine the skill level of employees. The titles that we are familiar with today are Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. Let’s explore the difference between these different classifications of plumbers. Apprentices  These are plumbers who are new to the trade and are just starting to learn. In most states, apprentices are part of a program where they are required to put in four years of on-the-job training under the strict supervision of a Master Plumber. Once the apprentice has four years of experience, they can then take a written exam to […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: September 2023

Plumbing News Roundup: September 2023


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of September. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Service World Expo 2023 When: October 3rd-6th, 2023 Where: Phoenix Convention Center, AZ Service World is considered the largest contractor event in the country. Her Time schedule is packed with a ton of industry leaders and even features an appearance from the great soccer player Tim Tebow! Between the fair and the speakers, this event is a can’t miss! Click here for more information.  Finally, A Water Heater That Plugs In […]

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Bidets 101

Bidets 101


You’re reading this because you’re curious. Don’t deny it! So, what exactly is a bidet? Maybe you’ve seen one, a few of you have even used one and a tiny fraction of you may be so bold as to own one. Bidets are commonplace in European and Asian countries, but they’re typically taboo in America. In this blog we give a brief overview of bidets; keep on reading for Bidet 101.  History of Bidets Bidet, a French word, meaning “small horse” was given as a name to this contraption due to the manner in which one must straddle the toilet […]

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Best Places to Put Your Purse in a Public Restroom

Best Places to Put Your Purse in a Public Restroom


Crowded restrooms, dirty floors, questionable surfaces, nefarious stares and a heap of germs. Using a public restroom, while sometimes necessary, can turn into a fiasco – particularly in a ladies room. According to researchers, a woman’s purse could be just as germ infested as a public toilet handle. So what are you supposed to do with your purse when nature calls?  Never use The Door Hook First things first, you probably think the hook on the door is the obvious choice. WRONG. Many women report using the hook and being victimized by purse snatchers who reach over the door to […]

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Women in the Plumbing Industry

Women in the Plumbing Industry


While the plumbing industry is still male-dominated, swift changes in female numbers have been made in recent years. It’s not easy to be a female plumber, but also not impossible! Homeowners should feel inspired by these courageous and amazing women leaders making a change in the trades industry! In this blog we cover the history of women in the plumbing industry and one in particular that defied all odds. Women in the Plumbing Industry Currently, female plumbers make up about 3% of all plumbers living in the U.S. Sure, this number is not massive, but it is worthwhile! Homeowners should […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: August 2023

Plumbing News Roundup: August 2023


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of August. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Service World Expo 2023 When: October 3rd-6th, 2023 Where: Phoenix Convention Center, AZ Service World is considered the largest contractor event in the country. Her Time schedule is packed with a ton of industry leaders and even features an appearance from the great soccer player Tim Tebow! Between the fair and the speakers, this event is a can’t miss! Click here for more information.  Some States Reject Federal Money To Replace […]

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How to: Minimizing The Need For Sewer And Drain Repairs

How to: Minimizing The Need For Sewer And Drain Repairs


Most homeowners already know the purpose of their sewage and drain systems. This system is responsible for taking water containing waste away from your home. All homes require a certain level of maintenance and care, and everything breaks at some point.  When there is a problem with the sewage and drain system in your home, the results can be disastrous. The good news is that there’s always numerous ways to minimize the need for repair services. The following tips can save you from the inconvenience and cost of constant sewage and drain issues. Not Everything Belongs in the Drain It’s […]

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Why Do You Rinse Off Before Getting Into a Swimming Pool?

Why Do You Rinse Off Before Getting Into a Swimming Pool?


As the weather heats up and thoughts turn to swimming and cooling off in the pool, the Water Quality & Health Council highlights a contradictory finding from their recent swimmer hygiene survey. They discovered that 44 percent of American Adults skip the shower before entering a swimming pool.  For decades, public health authorities have recommended the pre-swim shower. Showering before swimming helps keep swimming healthy for everyone in the pool. Yet, only 32 percent of respondents surveyed say they always shower before swimming. To help “connect the dots” on this issue for summertime swimmers keep on reading! This blog covers […]

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Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe To Flush?

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe To Flush?


Do you remember the first time you used a wet wipe instead of toilet paper? At first, you weren’t sure how to feel about it, but after a few more trips to the bathroom, you were hooked! While they might do a great job with the cleanup, they aren’t exactly the hero we thought they were when we first bought them. The packaging of these wipes do say “flushable,” but are they really safe to flush? The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes Wet wipes are marketed as “flushable” and “septic-safe,” so there should be no problem with flushing them down the […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: July 2023

Plumbing News Roundup: July 2023


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of July. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Oatey Women’s Resource Network sponsors Construction Camp for Girls Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently sponsored a plumbing day at Northeast Ohio Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, a program for middle-school-aged and high-school-aged girls to attend a free week-long camp to explore the construction trades, architecture, engineering, and construction manufacturing through hands-on experiences and field trips. As a Premier Sponsor of the program, Oatey’s […]

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