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As a plumber, you likely have a good understanding of health, safety, and the standard practices your industry depends on. You might wonder, though... what should plumbers wear?
Plumber uniforms are work clothes.
Consider the primary function of a work uniform. Think of all the tasks you will perform in these clothes and whether or not you’ll benefit from the advantages they offer over traditional clothes.
For example, if you use equipment like large tools or work with heavy materials, you should look into getting a pair of steel toe work boots. These are made with thick, durable outer soles and provide additional support over the toes. Although they weigh in a bit heavier than traditional shoes and cost a bit more, they represent a worthwhile investment if you want to protect your feet from day-to-day hazards. Not only can good boots help you avoid accidental injuries while plumbing, this type of work boot is often required for manufacturing and service industries.
Boots represent a good place to start when putting together a plumber’s uniform for your company or your own practice. They show that you’re serious about the work you do as well as your own safety.
It's not about look, it's about utility.
Sure, you could get the steel toe boots, throw on some pants and a t-shirt and call yourself a plumber, but you will learn quickly that your outfit doesn’t provide nearly as much utility as a properly configured uniform.
Many people working trades in high-volume areas own a pair of work trousers. These are made of thick materials and have several pockets as well as loops to hold tools and accessories.
Going inside your client’s house to inspect the area you’re servicing is the first step in identifying what you’re dealing with. You’ll identify what tools and materials you’ll need before returning to your service vehicle. Make the trip in one go. A uniform with plenty of utility will allow you to save yourself time and energy throughout the work day, as you'll make fewer walks to and from the service area.
You also don’t want to repeatedly misplace tools and fittings, putting them down when you can holster them to your waist. Not only will this help you efficiently manage your project, but you’ll save yourself the strain of the repetitive movements made when reaching for tools, standing up, or kneeling back down.
Consider positioning in your work environment.
Plumbers spend a lot of time on their knees in tight places and areas where they may not have the mobility to move freely. Normal clothing can become tight, restrictive, and flimsy, sacrificing practicality for appearance. Proper plumbing uniforms on the other hand are open, breathable, and flexible.
Because you'll often work on your knees, you should think about comfortable, loose-fitting work pants that have padded knee areas. You might feel like you don’t work on your knees very long, but repetitive stress on your joints can lead to underlying injuries that will limit your productivity in the long term. If you intend to make a living out of this trade, you want to make sure you protect your body.
You might feel tempted to buy a pack of three t-shirts for $10.00, use them until they rip, and then buy more. This works, but does it help?
Plumbers should always aim to do things right the first time so they don’t have to do things over. Invest in a few work shirts with chest pockets and thicker material. Work jackets also make a great option. These are ideal for cold climates and working conditions, have great durability, and offer the same flexibility as work t-shirts. Both of these are more resistant to tears and shreds than your regular old t-shirts. Although they cost a little bit more than normal clothing, they’ll last longer and give your uniform a consistent appearance.
Look professional.
You clients don’t see your work first. They don’t see your passion, your reliability, or your ingenuity. They see your uniform. Let them see you for what you are: a proud plumber.
A well put together uniform goes a long way in giving your client the peace of mind that they’ve hired a reliable professional who takes his or her job seriously. The minimal cost of investing in appropriate work wear can do wonders for you.
Overall, professionalism extends beyond the quality of your work; it’s about how you present that work, yourself, and how well your clientele can trust you’re operating with safety standards.
Some clients may have reservations about letting a stranger into their home. Set them at ease by presenting yourself in the best light possible.
