Plumbing Service Technician - Commercial
Maintenx International Service Management Group
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Job Summary
The Commercial Plumber will be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems within commercial properties. This role requires expertise in working with large-scale plumbing systems, including water, sewer, and gas lines in high-occupancy or complex buildings. The successful candidate will be able to interpret blueprints, comply with building codes, and complete work efficiently to meet the demands of commercial environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems, including water, gas, and sewage systems in commercial buildings.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose plumbing issues, providing prompt and effective solutions.
- Read and interpret blueprints and work orders to ensure proper installation and maintenance of plumbing systems.
- Install and maintain commercial plumbing equipment, such as water heaters, boilers, backflow prevention devices, and piping networks.
- Perform regular inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure plumbing systems comply with local building codes and safety standards.
- Collaborate with construction teams during new build or renovation projects to ensure the plumbing system is properly integrated.
- Submit work orders, cost estimates, and job reports for all plumbing projects.
- Respond to emergency plumbing issues in commercial buildings, including clogs, leaks, and system malfunctions.
- Ensure that all work meets local and state plumbing codes and building regulations.
- Provide excellent customer service, communicating clearly with clients and other team members to ensure smooth project execution.
Experience
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a commercial plumber in office buildings, retail, healthcare, or similar commercial environments.
Certifications
Knowledge or certification in backflow prevention or other relevant certifications is a plus.
Technical Skills
- Proficient in reading blueprints and work orders for commercial plumbing projects.
- Ability to install and repair large-scale plumbing systems, including water supply, waste disposal, and gas lines.
- Familiarity with commercial plumbing tools and equipment, such as pipe threaders, drain cleaning machines, and pressure gauges.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift materials (50 lbs), work in tight spaces, and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Driver's License: Must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record for travel between job sites.
- Availability: Must be available for on-call shifts or emergency repairs, including occasional nights or weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in commercial properties like hospitals, office buildings, or retail spaces.
- Familiarity with energy-efficient systems and LEED standards.
- Strong communication skills to work with clients and other trades on complex projects.
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification or similar safety certifications.
Compensation
$25 - $35 p/h Based on experience
- Overtime opportunities for on-call work.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for continuing education.
What Most Plumbers Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Plumbing is a licensed trade in Texas. You start as a registered apprentice, log paid on-the-job hours, and work under a licensed plumber before you can sit for the tradesman or journeyman exam. Many job posts list a title like plumber but expect a specific license tier, so read the fine print. Pay is usually hourly for apprentices and shifts toward flat-rate or commission on the service side, where a share of each ticket rewards speed and upselling.
New hires are often surprised by the truck and on-call reality. Service plumbers frequently drive a stocked company van, run a rotating after-hours or weekend shift, and handle emergency calls for burst lines and backups. New-construction and commercial work runs steadier daytime hours but leans on rough-in speed and blueprint reading. Houston humidity, slab foundations, and older cast-iron systems mean steady demand year round, with spikes after freezes and heavy storms.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
A service day starts with a dispatch list and a stocked truck. You confirm parts, plan a route, and roll to the first call. Typical work includes clearing drains, swapping water heaters, fixing leaks under slabs, repairing fixtures, and running camera inspections on sewer lines. You diagnose the problem, quote the repair, and get sign-off before turning a wrench.
Customer interaction is a big part of the role. You explain options in plain language, protect floors and finishes, and leave the work area clean. Paperwork follows every job. You log parts, take photos, and close out the ticket in the field. New-construction plumbers spend more of the day on rough-in, setting drain and vent lines to code, then return for the finish stage to set fixtures. Either path involves lifting, crawling into tight spaces, and coordinating with inspectors so the job passes the first time.
What Plumbers Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $29.47/hr.
Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Texas
Plumbing is licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. You register as an apprentice, then work under a licensed plumber while you log paid hours. After enough hours you can test for tradesman or journeyman, and with more experience you sit for the master plumber exam. Backflow and medical gas are separate endorsements that add earning power. Each step requires documented hours and a passing exam, so keeping careful records of your time matters. Texas recognizes experience from some other states, but you still test here to hold a Texas license.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Registered Apprentice $49,254/yr
Learn on the job under a licensed plumber and log paid hours.
- 2 Tradesman / Journeyman Plumber $61,298/yr
Pass the exam and work with less supervision on service and installs.
- 3 Master Plumber $75,691/yr
Top license tier. Pull permits, design systems, and supervise crews.
- 4 Estimator / Foreman $75,691/yr
Bid jobs and run crews on larger residential and commercial work.
- 5 Shop Owner $85,675/yr
Hold the responsible master license and run your own plumbing company.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
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