Steven, a new D&F Plumbing customer, wanted to upgrade his outdated 40-year-old water heater for his growing family while still providing energy efficiency. But it came with challenges.

• Steven wanted to upgrade from a 52-gallon tank to an 80-gallon tank which requires more space
• Hybrid water heaters have a condensation drain pipe so a sink or floor drain must be nearby for water run-off
• Hybrid water heaters need airflow, so the tank needed to sit 6 inches away from the wall without obstructing walkways or doorways

Fortunately, we at D&F Plumbing are very skilled with water heaters and we strive for customer satisfaction. We provided Steven with several options that worked with his needs and budget, keeping him in control of the project.

Meet a millennial in the skilled trades and our youngest plumber in the field as he discusses the benefits of a career in construction.

Ask any high school senior where they’re headed after graduation and most will say “college.” The academic route is peddled on students by parents, teachers and guidance counselors. Multiple generations are now burdened with nearly $1.5 trillion in “good debt” for increasingly irrelevant degrees.

A university-only mindset creates a narrow view of what’s possible for the careers and bank accounts of young people.

If you were born in 1981 or later, you fall into the millennial or post-millennial category. The academia mantra hit this age bracket the hardest. Regardless of skills, abilities, interests, or potential for success, the theme was college or bust. And now we’re seeing the result.

Why Are the Skilled Trades in Demand?

The result is a skills gap that’s ever-widening. There’s not enough skilled labor to meet demand. And precious few young people have any interest or understanding of what a career in the trades can offer.

There’s well over 7 million available jobs in the US. Many of these open positions are in the construction field. But a combination of record low unemployment, a lack of interest in the industry, and a lack of technical expertise creates a disparity for employers and job seekers. And with baby boomers (the over-55 crowd) retiring out of the trades in coming years, skilled workers will continue to be in high demand.

High demand means high pay. And a healthy paycheck seems to be the most enticing factor for many young job seekers.

The Future of the Trades

At D&F Plumbing, we’re proud to employ qualified workers of all ages. This month, we’re featuring Trent Rutledge, a millennial at our shop who joined the plumbing trade for one primary goal: money.

Trent, a 26-year-old journeyman plumber, has been in the industry since he was 19. We interviewed Trent about his path to plumbing and weren’t surprised by his answers.

Like most high schoolers, there was little information available to Trent about anything other than the university tradition. Counselors and teachers “made college seem like a requirement.”

As a young adult, he knew there were only two options to succeed; work or school. Trent attended community college for a few semesters, but left, knowing it wasn’t a good fit.

Many people think jobs in construction or roles that require hard physical work are a “last-resort,” and only serve as an alternative to burger-flipping minimum wage jobs.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison

But Trent knew a few friends who worked in the trades, specifically in plumbing. He also knew they enjoyed sizeable paychecks. After leaving college Trent became a laborer, where he got his hands dirty prepping job sites for the licensed plumbers to come in and handle the finish work.

Digging ditches and doing prep work was only the beginning. Motivated by the paycheck, Trent joined the plumbing apprenticeship program. This earn-as-you-learn program takes 4 years to complete, and gave Trent the experience to become a licensed journeyman plumber in the local union.

Apprenticeships are an optimal route for young people. Instead of taking on student debt, you get to make money while learning the ins and outs of the industry. When you join the union at the end of your apprenticeship, you’re awarded more responsibility, and ultimately more money.

Summer of 2017, Trent joined the D&F team as a journeyman plumber. He works primarily in new construction. His current project is a hotel build that’s been in the works for the last several months.

Are Skilled Trades Worth It?

Trent was honest about the challenges of working in the trades. While money is a good reason to get up for work in the morning, there are some downsides.

“The work is challenging—being in the weather is hard. But I work with a good group of guys,” Trent said.

The Pacific Northwest weather can be miserable and hard labor can be grueling, but for now, the paycheck is worth it.

Yet a job in the trades is aspirational. Many young plumbers have goals of becoming project managers, estimators, foremen, or business owners. These ambitious workers gain skills and learn about the industry in the field, which prepares them for loftier goals down the road.

Jobs in the trades pay very well, especially when you’re licensed and unionized. In Oregon, plumbers make some of the highest wages in their field. With shops competing for good workers, many employees are further incentivized with bonuses and commission programs. It’s very possible to inch towards the 6 figure bracket after just a handful of years. Living wage? That’s nothing. You can actually prosper in the trades.

Job security is also an attractive benefit of the trades. With such high demand for proficient workers, you’re almost guaranteed a job for the rest of your life. And a position in plumbing will be in demand no matter where you live. You’re not limited to a specific region, you can take your career with you wherever you go.

Plus, in this field, you won’t be burdened with substantial student debt. Slinging soy lattes to pay off $100k for a piece of paper that has no relevance is a thing of the past when you join the trades.

Not to mention health benefits for you and the whole family, from medical to dental and eye care. Paid time-off for vacations? Definitely. Some plumbing companies, like D&F Plumbing, even provide company trucks, a cell phone, a fuel card, etc. The benefits are incredibly competitive because of the staggering need for good workers.

Money might create the drive for a plumbing career, but genuine satisfaction comes from a higher purpose. Millennials crave careers that are fulfilling. Plumbers contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community. Clean, safe water is our life-source and providing that access makes for a worthwhile 9-to-5. If money is the starting point for millennials, meaningful work is the big payoff.

It might take time, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, but a career in the trades could lead to the luxury lifestyle every millennial dreams of.

Trent left us with some advice for young people who are deciding between work or school. He said, “If you don’t have a goal for college, if you’re thinking ‘oh, I’ll figure it out later,’ don’t go. Join the trades instead.”

Why ramble through school, switching majors and racking up debt? You could receive paid training in the trades and start a rewarding career immediately. College isn’t a requirement to succeed and the plumbing industry isn’t all about bathrooms and butt cracks.

If you like meaningful work, organization, problem solving, creativity, leadership, technology, critical thinking, working with your hands and making good money, there’s a place for you in the skilled trades.

Trees, shrubs, and fruit orchards are what make The Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest! But all of that beautiful greenery can come with a downside. It can be putting your plumbing system in danger. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how roots can damage your plumbing and offer tips to prevent this from happening on your property.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

When adding a tree or shrub to your landscaping, the last thing you’re likely thinking about is its roots. Roots grow toward nearby water sources– which oftentimes is your plumbing system. If a root finds a leak in your plumbing, it will wreak havoc in your piping, seeking the nutrients it needs to grow.

Roots can penetrate any type of piping. While clay is most susceptible, PVC and concrete pipes are not immune either.

Damage Roots Can Cause

Once a root penetrates your home’s sewer line, many problems can occur.

• A toilet can backup
• Interrupted water supply
• Slow draining or clogged drains

After this happens, you’ll need to call in the professionals. In Washington and Oregon it is your responsibility, not the city’s to handle sewer leaks and repairs if they occur on the property.

Prevention is Key

There are many different products and methods to help with root control.

Avoid Certain Species

Aspens, maples, and willows are trees that aggressive and invasive roots. So you may want to avoid these on your property, especially if it’s smaller.

Locate Your Plumbing and Plant Accordingly

The Utility Notification Center commonly called “Call Before You Dig” is for contractors and homeowners planning to dig. This resource is available for people in both Washington and Oregon. Technicians will professionally locate all your sewer and other utility lines and mark them. After you have this information, you’ll have a better idea of good planting locations. Keep in mind, you may want to also plant your trees at least 10 feet away from your sidewalks and foundation to help prevent roots from damaging those as well.

Physical Measures

Metal or wood barriers can be purchased and installed to help stop roots from growing in a certain direction. However, this method can cause the tree to be unstable and make it more susceptible to blowing over in strong winds.

A long tool called an auger can also be used in piping that has been infiltrated by roots. The auger travels down the drain and cuts the roots. This method is typically just a quick fix so it is often used with another type of root control.

Chemical Solution

There are some toxic chemicals out on the market that stops or slows root growth when poured down the drain. This method kills the plants and could potentially harm the environment.

Professional Inspection

Clogs in your home happen. But it’s important to know what is causing the clog. At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we’ll use video equipment to perform inspections of your sewer line. And if roots have indeed infiltrated your plumbing line we’ll find a solution and have your system up and running again in no time. So contact us today for your plumbing needs in Portland and Clark County!

The Key To Solving The Skilled Trades Labor Shortage

As the baby boomers head into their golden years, the labor force suffers from a lack of skilled workers. By 2030, 70 million boomers will leave the workforce. Where will that put the construction and manufacturing sectors?

Skilled trade jobs are currently the hardest positions to fill. This means customers are waiting longer and paying more for service. It makes hiring harder for employers, who struggle to find and keep good workers. Infrastructure falls by the wayside, water systems are unmaintained, and new construction is limited.

Want to know how to solve the skilled trades gap? Involve women.

Just 50 years ago, we rarely saw women turning a wrench or wearing a hard hat. But times have changed. Women in the trades are becoming more commonplace. Women see these new opportunities and are willing to get their hands dirty for a worthy payoff.

A Special Guest From Women In Trades

At D&F Plumbing, we hosted a motivated young woman from the Women In Trades pre-apprenticeship program. Amelia Templeton got a taste of what it’s like to be a technician for residential plumbing service and new construction.

Growing up, Amelia saw the lifestyle a career in the trades offers. She opted out of college to pursue the plumbing industry instead. As she shadowed a few of our most experienced journeymen plumbers, Amelia was encouraged by how welcoming the team was.

She didn’t feel any of the awkwardness or animosity that people warned her about. She said being a woman on the job site wasn’t a problem at all—everyone was eager to show her the ropes and answer her questions. Amelia was honest, saying the biggest challenge for her in this field would be her physical stature and strength. Fortunately, the program she’s in trains women on fitness conditioning. With experience, muscle development and advancing technology, physical strength will become less of a struggle in plumbing.

Amelia expects to see more women join the trades in the coming years, and she wants to do her part to recruit more women. She shared her advice to other women and young girls interested in the trades saying, “you can do whatever you pursue,” and “never be afraid to ask questions. That will help you get the job done right the first time.” We couldn’t agree more.

The Cultural Shift Of Women In Blue-Collar Jobs Leads To Countless Possibilities

Skilled trade careers aren’t just about getting your hands dirty. These positions demand critical thinking, good customer service, problem-solving skills, strategy, and organization. A good understanding of technology and a love for math help too. And there’s no need for a college degree and years of student debt. With financial stability, medical benefits, bonuses, and retirement packages, why wouldn’t women take part?

D&F Plumbing celebrates women and encourages gender equality in the trades. There’s been progress in the last few decades, but women still only make up a small percentage of employees in these industries.

If you’re a woman interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the trades, take advantage of pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs. These earn-as-you-learn systems give you education and experience while you earn a living wage. Programs like Pathways To Success puts you on a fast track into the union and helps with job placement.

We’re partial to seeing women in the plumbing industry, but electricians, machinists, fabricators, carpenters and many other jobs offer similar opportunities. We won’t lie—a career in the trades is hard work. Its physically and intellectually demanding. But anyone up for the challenge can succeed in these lucrative and worthwhile careers.