We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • PROS REPS
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webinars
    • AHR Live 2023
  • PODCASTS
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
Home » Op-Ed: Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes, #ThankAPlumber

Op-Ed: Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes, #ThankAPlumber

March 25, 2020
pe12_plumbing

Last night I was exchanging texts with a friend in Washington who is a plumber. The entire family is actually. Not to linger too long, but they are just great people. He sent me something that resonated with me and I felt the need to share. When he sent it to me it was meant to be funny. At first I sent back a laughing emoji, and then it hit me.
 
It is interesting who we value in times of crisis. Me, I am a salesperson. Yes, I happen to sell into the plumbing and heating trade, but that’s not the point. I am not “essential," nor is my job critical to the well-being of others, other than my family. For as long as I can remember, people who work in the trades have been viewed by many as second-class citizens because they don’t hold a college degree or because they were not interested in a job some may consider more prestigious.
 
But here we are, in the midst of the largest crisis since World War II. People are working from home; some have no work to go to and those that are working are wondering for how long. But, those who are not concerned about working are plumbers. Not only are they listed as “essential,” they are listed twice. Let that sink in. I have nothing but respect for our first responders and medical professionals, but without heat, hot water and running water, we turn into a Third World country. 
 
They are not considered heroes, but they walk into strangers' houses, unaware of any dangers that may exist due to COVID-19. They work long hours, many times weekends, to make sure that we have running, hot water to bathe in, heat in our homes, and sterilized essential equipment. Plumbers are so much more than faucet fixers and drain uncloggers; they use more science and math than most of us do in our jobs. They don’t use spreadsheets to calculate a math problem, they use tape measures and their craftiness, fitting things in spaces they should not be able to fit. They problem solve. They work on science projects and make shit work, no pun intended. It is times like this that make you think about what’s important. 
 
Part of me is writing this because I want my kids who are about to graduate high school to appreciate the men and women in the plumbing trade and consider that this is a path with tremendous honor, pride and most importantly, a bright future. Thank you to all the plumbers and those that support these plumbers and their ability to get the job done! #ThankAPlumber

Contractors & Installers COVID-19 Engineers & Specifiers Industry Community News Plumber Plumbing Safety Wholesalers & Distributors Health and Safety Op-Ed
  • Related Articles

    Op-Ed: My Thoughts On the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Op-Ed: Schools Face Heightened Risk of Legionella

    Op-Ed: The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Plumbing Businesses The First 30 Days

Most Popular

  • Four Reasons to Use Push-to-Connect Fittings for Home Remodels

  • DiversiTech to Acquire Pro1 Thermostats

  • Lion Plumbing Supply and American Standard Join Forces to Brighten Up North Miami Neighborhood

  • PHCPPros Off the Cuff: Valve World Americas Expo & Conference with Tim Goedeker

Featured Video

Liberty video 2

Liberty Pumps Materials Center Open House with Charlie Cook

Industry Events

  • 04Jun

    NCWA Annual Convention

    French Lick, IN
  • 11Jun

    AWWA 2023 Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE23)

    Toronto, ON
  • 19Jun

    2023 NFPA Conference & Expo

    Las Vegas, NV
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw06 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe06 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc06 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Es 2022
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2023 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing