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plumber

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /plˈʌmə/

US

  • /ˈpləmər/

Description

Imagine your kitchen sink suddenly springs a leak, or worse, a pipe bursts. That's when you call a plumber. A plumber is a skilled worker who installs and repairs the pipes and fixtures that carry water and remove waste. They deal with everyday problems like dripping taps, blocked drains, broken toilets, and faulty water heaters, and they also help put full systems into homes and other buildings.

The word comes from the Latin word plumbum, meaning lead, because lead was once used in pipes. Today, plumbers usually work with safer modern materials such as copper, PVC, and PEX. A good plumber does more than stop leaks. They can install sinks, showers, and toilets, find hidden problems in a system, and make sure the work follows local building rules. They are important for keeping homes and businesses clean, safe, and working properly.

Examples

  1. 1

    Household leak

    We called a plumber when water started leaking under the sink.

  2. 2

    Rental repair

    The landlord sent a plumber to fix the shower.

  3. 3

    Licensed work

    You should hire a licensed plumber for gas or major pipe work.

  4. 4

    Emergency service

    An emergency plumber came out on Sunday, so the bill was higher.

  5. 5

    Occupation

    My uncle is a plumber by trade, but he also does small building jobs.

    • Phrase

      by trade

      as someone's usual job

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • plumbernoun

Forms

  • plumberspluralnoun