How to Hire a Plumber in Canada?
Hiring a plumber for your business takes time and effort. Our recruiters and headhunters at Hookjobs aim to find the most experienced plumbers for your company.
While it can be challenging to find trained professionals who specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems in Canada, we can help you connect with the most skilled plumbers. By partnering with us, you can ensure that you provide the best possible services to your clients.
To find and recruit the most professional plumbers in Canada, gaining a thorough understanding of the various stages involved in our screening procedures is beneficial.
How we Help you to Hire a Plumber in Canada?
It is essential to ensure that the plumbers you hire have the necessary credentials to safely and effectively carry out the services your clients ask for.
But the important question is how a professional recruitment agency should hunt the best plumbers who align with your business’s needs. Hookjobs take the following steps to find and hire the top plumbing talents in Canada, as depicted in the flowchart.
1. Understanding your Plumbing Industry
To fully understand your plumbing industry and find the most appropriate plumber to hire, we write an inception report. This guarantees that the job prerequisites are well-understood by potential candidates and attracts plumbing professionals who match both the job requirements and your company’s values.
Here are some main points we consider while creating an initial inception report for hiring a plumber in Canada:
- Conducting research on the plumbing industry in Canada: We gather information about your industry’s size, growth rate, and overall performance. This research will help us identify key players, market trends, and opportunities for growth.
- Analyzing local regulations: Plumbing regulations can vary by province and territory in Canada, and understanding these regulations is crucial to running a successful plumbing business. We research and analyze local regulations to ensure that your business complies with all legal requirements.
- Identifying your target market: We also determine who your customers are, what their needs are, and how your business can best serve them. We analyze your competitors to identify any gaps in the market that your business can fill.
- Facilitating the development of maintenance service plans: When you are hiring a plumber, it’s crucial to discuss your maintenance plans and policies with the plumbing candidates to ensure that your clients receive reliable services.
2. Job Posting
Once we have written the initial inception report, it’s important to promote your job vacancy to attract skilled plumbers for your business. At Hookjobs, we create carefully crafted job advertisements using different social media platforms and channels to find the most qualified plumbing candidates for your company. But what do we exactly include in a plumbing job posting?
When creating a job advertisement to hire a plumber, we ensure that we offer a concise and comprehensive explanation of the position, requirements, and necessary qualifications, as follows:
- Job title and summary: We clearly state the job title, such as “Plumber”. We also provide a brief overview of the role.
- Job responsibilities: We outline the specific duties and tasks that the plumber will be responsible for, such as installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems.
- Required qualifications: We list the necessary qualifications and experience, such as a plumbing license, relevant certifications, and previous plumbing experience.
- Technical skills: We specify any technical skills that are required, such as the ability to read blueprints, knowledge of plumbing codes, and proficiency in using plumbing tools and equipment.
- Soft skills: We mention any soft skills that would be beneficial for the role, such as communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
- Physical requirements: We outline any physical requirements for the job, such as the ability to lift heavy equipment and work in confined spaces.
- Work schedule: We indicate the work schedule, including the number of hours and any shift requirements.
- Salary and benefits: We also mention the salary range and any benefits that are offered, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
- Company culture: We describe the company culture and any unique perks or benefits that set your company apart.
- How to apply: We finally provide clear instructions on how to apply for the position, including where to submit the application and any required materials, such as a resume and cover letter.
3. Resume Screening
Our recruiters at Hookjobs thoroughly review the resumes submitted by plumbing candidates to guarantee they meet your minimum criteria before advancing them to the next stage of evaluation.
We also check references and conduct a thorough background check which can provide useful insight into the candidate’s qualifications and give you a better understanding of their experience and character.
Besides checking references and conducting a thorough background check, there are other things we consider when hiring a plumber:
- We finally ensure that the plumbing candidates have a solid understanding of plumbing systems and are knowledgeable about building codes and regulations. Therefore, your business may look for candidates who have relevant certifications and technical training. But what are the most important plumbing certificates in Canada?
Red Seal Certification
This is a nationally recognized certification for skilled trades, including plumbing. It is recognized in all provinces and territories in Canada and demonstrates that the individual has met the national standards for their trade.
To be eligible to take the exam, the plumber must have a Certificate of Qualification in plumbing from your provincial or territorial regulatory body. Once the plumber passes the Red Seal exam, they will receive their certification, which is recognized across Canada. It demonstrates that they have the skills and knowledge required to perform plumbing work to a high standard.
Gas Technician Certifications
In addition to plumbing, some plumbers may also be certified to work on natural gas or propane lines. Gas technician certifications are required in most provinces and territories in Canada for anyone working with gas lines.
Provincial Certification
Each province in Canada has its own certification process for plumbers, which includes a combination of education, training, and work experience. These certifications are specific to the province and are required to work as a licensed plumber in that province.
The following table illustrates the most important plumbing certifications in different provinces in Canada:
Province | Certification Body |
Alberta | |
British Columbia | |
Manitoba | |
New Brunswick | |
Nova Scotia
| |
Ontario
| |
Quebec
| |
Saskatchewan
| Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission |
Yukon | Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education |
We consider the candidate’s previous employment background as your business may look for plumbing candidates with experience working in plumbing or related fields, such as HVAC or construction.
While not always necessary, having a formal education in plumbing or a related field can be an advantage for plumbing candidates. According to the initial inception report, we may also look for candidates who have completed apprenticeships or other training programs.
We ensure prospective plumbers can communicate effectively with clients, coworkers, and other professionals. Therefore, your plumbing industry may look for candidates who have good verbal and written communication skills.
Besides effective communication, our recruiters also ensure that the plumbing candidates pay close attention and understand the issues their clients will face since clients may not always be able to succinctly explain their plumbing problems.
Plumbers often need to troubleshoot problems and come up with creative solutions. Your business may look for plumbing candidates who have strong problem-solving abilities and can think on their feet.
Of equal importance is making sure that the plumbing candidates are fully aware of the plumbing hygiene protocols, which can help them avoid scalds, floods, and property damage. Plumbers may also have to work in unhygienic surroundings, so we must make sure they use appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles and maintain hygiene by cleaning up after the work.
Your business may also consider how well a plumbing candidate would fit in with the company culture and values. This could include factors such as work ethic, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
4. Job Interview
After receiving the candidates’ resumes, we proceed to conduct job interviews in order to confirm their qualifications and evaluate whether they are a good match for the role.
Throughout the interview process for a plumber position, we inquire about a range of topics to gauge the candidate’s credentials, expertise, and appropriateness for the job.
During our interviews with the potential plumbers, we aim to establish a welcoming and positive atmosphere. We utilize questioning techniques that enable candidates to demonstrate their skills and qualifications, while also maintaining a friendly tone throughout the interview. Additionally, we make sure that the plumbing candidates have the chance to ask any questions they may have.
The following are some examples of the questions we commonly ask when hiring plumbers:
- Can you tell us about your plumbing experience?
- How do you typically diagnose plumbing issues?
- Can you explain your approach to repairing or installing plumbing systems?
- How do you ensure that your work meets local building codes and regulations?
- Can you walk us through a time when you had to troubleshoot a particularly challenging plumbing issue?
- How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple plumbing projects to work on?
- How do you stay up-to-date with advancements in plumbing technology and techniques?
- Can you explain your experience with different types of piping and materials?
- How do you approach communicating with clients about plumbing issues and repairs needed?
5. Assessing the Plumbing Candidates
After interviewing the plumbing applicants, we go on with assessing them in authentic situations. To evaluate their plumbing ability, we test them through written or practical assessments. Some areas that we assess during a technical evaluation include:
- Plumbing codes and regulations: Plumbing candidates must have knowledge of plumbing codes and regulations in Canada, including local bylaws and building codes. We, therefore, test them on their familiarity with the standards for installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems.
- Pipefitting and installation: We ask the candidates to install and fit pipes, including selecting appropriate pipe materials, measuring and cutting pipes, and joining them together using various techniques. They should also be able to install fixtures such as faucets, sinks, and toilets.
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving: We have plumbers diagnose and troubleshoot various plumbing issues, including leaks, clogs, and broken pipes. They should be able to come up with effective solutions to these problems.
- Safety and cleanliness: We test the plumbing candidates on safety protocols, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and maintaining a clean and tidy workspace.
- Communication and customer service: We also assess the candidates’ communication skills while working. It is essential that they be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues and explain plumbing issues and solutions in non-technical terms. We also test their customer service skills, including being polite, professional, and punctual.
6. Training the Plumbers
After the evaluation process is complete, we may offer special hands-on training to plumbing candidates who need to better understand your company’s specific requirements before being hired.
Here are some examples of how we train your future plumbers by preparing them for the job:
- Apprenticeships: We provide apprenticeship programs for more hands-on training. Plumbers learn their trade through a formal apprenticeship program in which they work under the supervision of experienced professionals in our team while completing classroom training.
- On-the-Job Training: We may also provide on-the-job training, where the potential plumbers work alongside experienced plumbers to learn the necessary skills and procedures for working in your company.
- Professional Development: We also hold professional development courses or seminars where plumbers can attend to stay up to date on the latest industry trends and techniques.
- Management Skills Training: We have prospective plumbers to develop skills in project management and planning for plumbing jobs and may also teach them developing leadership skills for supervising other workers on plumbing projects.
7. Drawing up a Contract
Once the training sessions are complete, the selected candidates will be prepared to start their work as a plumber and are ready to sign a contract. By seeking legal advice in Canada, we help you draw up a contract with the selected plumbers.
Drawing up a contract with a plumbing candidate in Canada typically involves outlining the terms and conditions of the employment agreement. Here are some steps to follow when creating a contract with a plumbing candidate in Canada:
- Starting with a clear job description: We provide detailed job descriptions to the plumbing candidates, including their duties and responsibilities. The job descriptions were already written based on the specific needs of your plumbing company.
- Outlining the compensation package: We provide the candidates with detailed information on the salary, benefits, and any other compensation that the candidate will receive.
- Specifying the work schedule: We ensure that the contract includes the expected work schedule, including any overtime, holidays, or weekend work required.
- Including terms and conditions of employment: We make sure that the contract specifies any policies, procedures, and rules that the plumbing candidate must follow while employed with your company.
- Addressing termination: We ensure that the employment contract clearly outlines when termination is possible and specifies the notice period.
- Including any confidentiality or non-compete clauses: If necessary, we also include any clauses that protect your company’s confidential information or prevent your plumber from working for a competitor.
- Signatures: Once the contract is completed, we ensure that both the plumbing candidates and you, as the employer, sign the agreement to indicate their acceptance of the terms and conditions.
It is worth-mentioning that we ensure that the contract is in compliance with Canadian employment laws and regulations.
Labour Laws and Regulations for a Plumbing Business in Canada
If you are in charge of a plumbing company in Canada, it is mandatory for you to adhere to several labour laws and regulations. The following include some of the most important ones:
- Labour Standards: You must comply with regulations related to labour standards, such as minimum wage requirements, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation entitlements, and statutory holidays. You must also maintain proper records of your employees’ work hours and wages.
- Health and Safety: You are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment for your employees. This includes providing proper training and safety equipment to perform their work safely. You must also comply with health and safety regulations specific to the plumbing industry, such as regulations related to handling dangerous materials, working with high-pressure systems, and operating heavy equipment.
- Human Rights: You must comply with human rights laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on factors such as race, gender, religion, and disability.
- Licensing and Certification: Plumbers may require specific certifications or licenses to perform certain types of work. For example, in some provinces, plumbers must be licensed and registered with the local regulatory body before working on plumbing systems. You should ensure your employees have the necessary licenses and certifications to perform their work.
- Employment Contracts: You must comply with regulations related to employment contracts, such as ensuring that contracts meet minimum requirements for termination notice, severance pay, and other entitlements.
What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Plumber in Canada?
The average wage for hiring a plumber in Canada varies depending on several factors, such as the plumber’s level of experience, the location of the job, and the complexity of the work required.
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly wage for plumbers in Canada is $35.00 per hour. However, this can range from $20.00 per hour for entry-level positions to $50.00 or more per hour for experienced plumbers or specialized work.
The amount you can expect to pay for a plumber in Canada depends on which province or territory you are in. Below are some rough estimates of what plumbers typically earn in different areas of the country:
Province/Territory | Average Hourly Wage for Plumbers |
Alberta | $35.54 |
British Columbia | $33.00 |
Manitoba | $32.11 |
New Brunswick | $28.89 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | $33.00 |
Northwest Territories | $40.00 |
Nova Scotia | $30.08 |
Nunavut | $40.00 |
Ontario | $34.63 |
Prince Edward Island | $25.00 |
Quebec | $28.98 |
Saskatchewan | $31.22 |
Yukon | $38.00 |
Different Types of Plumbers that we Recruit
Depending on the specific needs of your business, you can choose the right type of plumbers for your company. Here are some common types of plumbers:
These are plumbers who specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems in commercial buildings such as schools, offices, factories, restaurants, and other large-scale facilities.
Commercial plumbers specialize in handling numerous outlets and pipes and are used to working on multiple levels. They’re called upon to address a broad range of plumbing problems in commercial structures and must stay informed about the plumbing codes that apply to these types of settings. In contrast, residential plumbers are usually only responsible for addressing one or two plumbing fixtures in a single household. That’s why commercial plumbers typically possess more extensive knowledge and expertise when it comes to dealing with different types of plumbing issues compared to their residential counterparts.
These plumbers are specialized in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems in homes, apartments, and other residential properties. Their responsibilities include installing and repairing water and drainage systems, fixing leaks, installing and repairing plumbing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and sinks, and ensuring that all plumbing systems are functioning properly. They may also be called upon to install or repair gas lines and heating systems.
Residential plumbers typically undergo an apprenticeship program, where they learn on-the-job skills and can gain experience by working under a more professional plumber.
These plumbers specialize in industrial plumbing systems, such as those found in manufacturing plants, refineries, and other large-scale industrial facilities.
Their responsibilities are similar to those of residential plumbers but on a larger scale. They install and maintain plumbing systems such as water and sewage lines, gas lines, and heating and cooling systems in large commercial buildings. Industrial plumbers also work with complex machinery and equipment, such as boilers and chillers that require specialized knowledge and training.
These plumbers provide emergency plumbing services, such as fixing burst pipes, repairing leaks, and unclogging drains. They may work in residential or commercial settings.
Service plumbers are skilled in diagnosing and repairing plumbing issues, such as clogged drains, leaky pipes, and malfunctioning water heaters. They may also perform routine maintenance work, such as cleaning and inspecting plumbing systems, to prevent problems from arising in the first place.
These plumbers work on new construction projects, installing plumbing systems in buildings that are still under construction.
Construction plumbers work closely with architects, engineers, and construction managers to plan and install plumbing systems that meet the needs of the building’s occupants. They typically begin their work early in the construction process, laying out the location of pipes and fixtures based on blueprints and building plans.
FAQs
Why should I hire a local plumber?
Hiring a local plumber can offer many benefits, including faster response times during emergencies, personalized service, and support for your local community.
How many hours do plumbers work in Canada?
In general, plumbers in Canada work an average of 40 hours per week. However, some may work longer hours during busy periods or emergencies. Some plumbers may also work weekends or evenings to meet client needs.
Can I hire a foreign plumber in my company in Canada?
Yes, it is possible provided that they meet the necessary requirements for working in Canada. To work in Canada as a plumber, foreign workers need a work permit that requires an employer’s sponsorship and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that confirms no Canadian worker is available to fill the position.
Why should I hire a licensed plumber in my company?
Hiring a licensed plumber for your company ensures that the person has the necessary training, experience, and knowledge to perform high-quality plumbing work, while ensuring that the work is done safely and in compliance with all necessary laws and regulations.