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Plumber
Installs and repairs water supply, drainage, and gas piping systems.
Did you know?
The word "plumber" comes from the Latin "plumbum" meaning lead — ancient Roman pipes were made of lead
How subjects help
- Physics: Use water pressure and gravity so taps flow strongly and drains empty without blocking.
- Mathematics: Measure and cut pipes to length and work out the slope a drain needs to flow.
- Engineering: Plan a heating system of pipes, pumps and radiators that warms every room evenly.
- Chemistry: Choose pipe materials that won't corrode and clear the limescale that hard water leaves.
A famous name
Thomas Crapper: Victorian London plumber whose firm won royal warrants; he patented toilet improvements like a ballcock.
Try it yourself: Draw your room to scale
- Measure the length and width of your room, then the big furniture.
- Choose a scale, like 1 square for every 10 centimetres.
- Draw the room and furniture using your scale.
- Plan a new layout on paper. Would the bed really fit by the window?
Carpenters, electricians, architects and interior designers measure twice and plan on paper before anything moves.
Also try: Build a paper bridge.
Known for it in
Australia, USA, Switzerland, Canada, UK