33 Plumber Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

Updated 5 September 2023

A plumber installs, maintains and repairs systems used for water, sewage and drainage in a variety of built environments and buildings. They may work with various types of pipes, fittings and fixtures to ensure the safe, and efficient operation of systems as a whole. If you are interested in pursuing this role, you may benefit from reviewing a list of potential plumber interview questions for the same. In this article, we examine a list of general, experience-based, and in-depth interview questions for the role of a plumber and share sample responses for a few questions.

General Plumber Interview Questions

These are some general plumber interview questions that you can expect:

Please provide a professional introduction of yourself.
What do you like about this company and this specific role?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Can you describe a time when you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle in a previous role?
How do you decide what duties to prioritise on any given day at work?
How do you handle stress or pressure in a work environment?
What are your career goals for a timeline of five and 10 years?
How do you collaborate and communicate with team members or colleagues?
Can you provide an example of how you have demonstrated leadership skills in a previous role?
Do you have any questions for me or the company about the role or culture?

Questions About Experience And Background

These are some questions about experience and background that you may encounter in an interview for the role of a plumber:

Can you describe your experience with installing and repairing plumbing systems in residential, and commercial buildings?
How familiar are you with different types of pipes, fittings and fixtures used in plumbing systems?
Can you give an example of a time when you had to diagnose and solve a difficult plumbing problem?
How do you ensure that your work meets industry standards and local building codes?
Can you describe a time when you had to work with hazardous materials and how did you ensure your safety, and the safety of others?
How do you handle unexpected complications or changes to a plumbing project?
Can you explain your experience with troubleshooting and repairing water heaters, pumps, and other plumbing equipment?
Can you describe a challenging plumbing project you worked on and how you overcame any obstacles that arose?
How do you handle customer complaints and conflicts on the job?
How do you communicate with team members and other professionals on a job site to ensure smooth project completion?

In-Depth Interview Questions

These are some in-depth and technical interview questions that an interviewer may ask you during a plumbing interview:

Can you explain the steps you would take to diagnose and repair a leaky pipe?
Can you explain the importance of safety measures when working with plumbing equipment and hazardous materials?
Can you describe your experience working with different types of pipes and fittings?
How do you determine the correct size of pipes and fittings for a plumbing system?
Can you explain how you would handle an emergency plumbing situation, such as a burst pipe or flooded basement?
How do you test and repair water pressure problems in a plumbing system?
What is the purpose of a trap in a plumbing system and how do you install, and maintain it?
How do you identify and repair leaks in a plumbing system, including hidden leaks behind walls or under floors?
Can you explain how a backflow prevention device works and when it is required?
What are the different types of pipe joints and how do you choose the best one for a given situation?

Interview Questions With Sample Responses

This is a selection of potential plumber interview questions, along with sample responses:

1. Can you tell us about your previous plumbing experience?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess a candidate's level of experience and expertise in the field. It provides an opportunity for you to talk in detail about your skills, knowledge and accomplishments in a plumbing role. To respond effectively, you can provide specific details of your work experience while highlighting specialised training or certifications. You can also introduce your strengths as a plumber and elaborate on how your practice has prepared you for the specific role for which you are interviewing.

Example: In this domain, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects over the years. I have been in the plumbing industry for over 10 years now and I started my career as an apprentice before becoming a professionally certified plumber. In my previous role, I worked primarily in residential settings, where I gained valuable experience in installing and repairing plumbing fixtures, identifying and fixing critical issues and handling emergency situations.

I also have experience in commercial plumbing, where I worked on projects ranging from large-scale construction installations to complicated repair jobs. I possess experience in working with a wide variety of plumbing systems, including traditional and solar water heaters, various types of piping, and different types of fixtures. Throughout my career, I have prioritised ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, and technologies in this domain.

2. How do you stay up-to-date with new plumbing technology and techniques?

Interviewers typically want to assess a candidate's commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. It is crucial for an employer to assess whether a candidate is aware of the importance of following industry trends and is willing to invest time, and effort to do so. To respond effectively, you can discuss specific ways through which you stay up-to-date with industry trends, such as attending conferences or participating in online forums. It is ideal to indicate to the interview panel that you are a dedicated learner who is committed to providing exceptional services and results to clients.

Example: One of the ways I stay current with industry trends is by attending conferences, workshops and industry-oriented seminars. These events provide me with the opportunity to learn from other plumbing professionals, ask questions and gain insights into new products, and innovations. I also try to review industry publications and participate in online forums to learn more about emerging trends in the field.

In addition to attending training events and reading industry publications, I am also committed to ongoing education. I have earned several certifications and have completed educational modules to expand my knowledge, and skills. I believe that by staying up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques, I can provide my clients with a superlative quality of service, and optimal solutions to their plumbing needs.

3. Can you describe a challenging plumbing job you have completed in the past?

This question helps interviewers to assess a candidate's problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure and experience in handling complex projects involving multiple workflows. To respond effectively, choose a specific job that was particularly challenging and describe the steps you took to overcome prominent obstacles. You can highlight your ability to work effectively under pressure, communicate with clients and other technicians, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. You can also demonstrate an inherent ability to offer creative and realistic solutions to complex problems.

Example: One particular job that comes to mind involved excavating and replacing several hundred metres of a mid-sized drainage line that had been damaged due to peripheral construction, and intrusion. The project required careful planning, extensive excavation and the use of specialised equipment to complete. The team had to work closely with the client to ensure minimal disruption to their daily activities while also maintaining safety standards and ensuring the work was completed on time.

The second part of the project involved a commercial plumbing system installation for a large retail facility nearby. This necessitated close coordination with other trades and contractors to ensure that the plumbing system properly integrates with the building's electrical, mechanical, and fire suppression systems. Similar to the previously mentioned task, this one also required careful planning to ensure minimal disruption to the facility's existing operations while the work was ongoing.