David Williams: American Plumber Stories

How did you get started in the plumbing trade?

I first got started in the trade around 9 years ago during the summer before my junior year of high school. The summer before my sophomore year I worked for a remodeling company to earn extra money. When I reached back out to this company the following year I was informed that he had closed the business but knew of a plumbing company that was looking for an apprentice. I went in for an interview and was hired. I worked for this company as an apprentice that summer and stuck with it during the school year, the following summer and my senior year. During that senior year I was enrolled in a work program. I would get out of school around noon and head straight to the job site (wherever that was), I would work for about 4 hours and then head to football practice. I have since moved to another city and have worked for multiple other plumbing companies throughout the years. I am a first generation plumber and I currently hold my journeyman license in the state of Texas. I am planning to test for my masters license once I meet the time requirements.

What do you like most about your work as a plumber?

I mostly do residential service work and have come into some very bad situations that customers are having to deal with. I would say that what I enjoy most about my work is being able to go into these situations and make them right for the customer. I have also recently begun posting my plumbing work online on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube (ThePlumbersPlunger). This is quickly becoming another part of my work that I enjoy. Being able to share my work, connect with others, learn, and share my knowledge about the plumbing industry has been amazing.

What advice do you have for the younger generation entering the plumbing trade?