Am I Too Old to Become a Plumber?

Age is just a number! And if you're asking yourself "am I too old to become a plumber?" then you're asking yourself the wrong question. Today I'm addressing a common question from older folks looking to get into the trades. If you're wondering if you're too old to become a plumber, check this out.

Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach homeowners how to save money on their plumbing by doing DIY plumbing projects. I also teach plumbers and plumbing company owners how to be the best plumbers in their area and run successful plumbing businesses. My goal is teach you everything you need to know about plumbing.

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[tremainspodnik]

I'm 41 and I just started when I was 40 still in plumbing school now love it though

[paulgarcia]

Man I needed to hear that. I just turned 52 and am seriously thinking of applying as an apprentice as several companies are hiring here. Always thought an apprentice should be young but I really want to learn a trade.

[zawajzzabahs]

I was 19 years old when I first stepped on a job site and began plumbing with my father. I have been in and out of this trade since then. I am now 37 years old and getting back into the work after nearly ten years!

[gorddakins]

Thanks for your great videos Roger! It's great to see a professional and veteran of the trade making videos to both educate and inspire. I'm 42 making a career change, getting into plumbing. Videos like this help to alleviate any doubts I may have about starting too late. Thanks for the pep talk! 🛠🚽👍

[ericglover]

My advice: Watch the carbs, do some type of strength training, limit the pop, stop smoking, etc. People are living longer than they use to so I think plumbers will be plumbing longer than they use to! You are right, Roger! Take care of your body.

I'll probably be about 34 to 35 when I start plumbing. I am looking forward to it. It will be a career change for sure but after doing my own DIY I realized I love it!

[johnluckritz]

Thank you. I am starting plumbing school next month at 48 years old and can't wait.

[killjoytheclown]

Im 82 and i started my plumbing career 2 months ago

[bertsnarg]

I'm 29 and hit a breaking point lately with my job. I'm very interested in pursuing a new career in plumbing and really really appreciate people like you who take their time to make videos like this. It's very helpful to many of us ! For me, and I'm sure many others it's hard to make a "correct" decision on how to get started when we have little to no knowledge on what we would like be it commercial, residential.. union, non union. For me, i like live in eastern Nj and as far as I know there isn't a union near by. I was considering just calling local plumbing companies and asking if I can apprentice with them. Is this a viable way to do it and that lead to just as good of a career as opposed to going union ?

[raykelly]

I started my first plumbing job 6 mos ago at 42. This video is so on point. In a lot cases I’m the oldest guy in the crew yes even older than the foreman. It feels pretty weird too. However with what little I learn I try to be as productive as I can. I do have a hard time picking up some of the techniques for install. It has been a slow process in that regard. But I go in there every day very eager to learn and sometimes when I do pick it up I much rather work on my own so I can figure out and process things better. Test some of the theories I had in my head while being the ground/cut man that’s the fun part. I think the key for me is getting more confident and comfortable installing.

[jollyg]

Thank you for making this video. I’m a retired firefighter with arthritis in my shoulder. Manual labor is all I’ve know though and at age 40 with a bad shoulder I still want to learn and thrive in this trade. 20 years as a fireman definitely taught me to work smarter and not harder so I think that will give me a solid edge to keep up with the young kids.

[juanpablo]

I was literally asking myself this question and boom, here you are saying get your ass learning right now and get to work smarter not harder. Thank you..

[JK-iigf]

Thanks for this video!! Right on time, as I've been grappling with this in my mid 40s. 1000 percent thanks for encouragement. 👍🏾

I would give this 100 likes if I could. Great channel

[AMJcookie]

I've been a CNC machinist/programmer for 15 years already but I've always wanted to be in the trades. I've finally went to apply for an apprenticeship program. I've been asking myself if I'm too old also, this video gave me the motivation I needed. Thanks so much

[PetePuebla]

YouTube is the best way I’m learning how to do my trade. Between jobs watching I'm deep diving on YouTube videos.

[elosp]

Thank you for the motivation, I just got " laid off" from the company and they did not tell me why. Is the company busy? In my opinion "yes" because plumbing is always needed. According to them they were voted for the best places to work for. I don't think they will be getting that honor anymore. Like you said some older people have better work ethic. As to why I got let go I think it has to do with my age. I was punctual, organized, reliable, hard working, and never got written up for almost 2 years. Even when the manager brought me to the HR he just shook my hand and said it was nice working with you without no explanation and just walked away. I'm still puzzled but I am not giving up because I know I am a descent plumber. I been to several interviews but I don't think they see a plumber but an older guy. I hope I find the right employer as I thought I was in the correct place as I liked working with them. Another thing is that I was above apprentice although they treated me like one and got paid like one I still overcame diversity and though I can just work it off.

[rapidfire]

I’m 45 and looking to get into the trade, a few opportunities have opened up in my area they’re looking for guys with no experience, wish me luck 😬

[nathanmyers]

Thank you so much! I'm 42. Retired from the Army, and a 3rd generation Drywaller. I own a small drywall repair company and currently trying to decide if I want to go to work for a buddies plumbing company as an apprentice. After watching this video I think I WILL! THANK YOU!😎

[freedomservices]

At my local union the 412 our average age for the apprenticeship program is 30 years old

[ThereISnoH]

Roger, your channel is very entertaining, informative and inspiring! I’m about to become 40, and as a homeowner I’ve been DIYing simple plumbing jobs that were daunting to me at first.

I’m not even considering this profession any longer-I want to become a plumber. Thank you for your wisdom you share with us all and keep doing everything you do.

[cookiemom]

Thinking of starting a career in plumbing. Did some simple tasks around my house (changed a leaking pipe under a sink, replaced a kitchen faucet) and really enjoyed solving the problem and think this could be a good career path. I’m a woman, age 41, what do you think my chances are as far as getting into an apprenticeship. Don’t see many female plumbers out there.