Meet Sam Ivey, founder of Eatonton Plumber Pro Service and Drain and a seasoned professional in the plumbing industry. With over 15 years of experience, Sam has seen everything from routine toilet and faucet leaks to complex commercial plumbing service jobs.
But what sets Sam apart is his passion for positively impacting the industry. Seeing room for improvement, he started Plumber Pro Service in 2015 to provide exceptional plumbing services to the community.
In this Q&A, Sam shares some of his insights on the plumbing trade, common misconceptions people have about plumbing, and the qualities needed to succeed in the industry. He also discusses the impact of technology on plumbing and shares some advice for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.
Clearly, for Sam, plumbing is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a difference and serve others.
How did you get started in the plumbing industry, and what led you to pursue this career?
I started in plumbing in the Summer of 2000. Working with one company for 15 years until starting Plumber Pro Service in July 2015.
Part of what led me to start Plumber Pro was seeing things where there was room for improvement in the industry and the desire to make a difference and a positive impact.
Can you walk us through a typical day on the job as a plumber? What are some of the tasks that you typically perform?
Our typical day starts around 8 a.m. our calls that day may be simple toilet and faucet leaks, drain clogs, or mystery leaks requiring in-depth diagnostics. We also do many commercial plumbing service jobs, bringing their unique challenges.
What are some common misconceptions people have about the plumbing trade, and how do you address these misconceptions?
The two main misconceptions we encounter are that plumbing is not that difficult and that we must make a lot of money. (lol)
When possible, we explain that to be great at what we do requires multiple years of experience and training.
We can do fairly difficult jobs and even make them look easy only because of all the years of training.
It can be difficult for many to understand the costs of providing professional home plumbing services. From the costs to procure and retain great plumbers, all the insurance, advertising, and other business-related costs, it is much less profitable than most may assume.
In your experience, what are some of the most important qualities someone needs to have to succeed as a plumber?
You have first to have many years of good training. Knowing the right way to install and repair plumbing systems. Also, being a service plumber, you must have a great attitude and a lot of patience to deal with the situations and stress that can accompany active and fluid plumbing emergencies.
How has technology impacted the plumbing industry, and what are some of the new tools or techniques you use in your work?
Especially from 50 to 60 years ago until now, many positive advancements have come. Cast iron drain piping and galvanized waterlines were commonplace. These were very difficult and labor-intensive to install.
Today we use PVC pipe for drains and pex piping for waterlines (among others).
These advancements cut the install and material costs down a lot from what it would be today if we only had cast iron and galvanized as our install pipe.
What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in plumbing? What steps should they take to get started?
Reach out to local plumbing companies about an apprentice position, especially in the summer when larger jobs are more frequent.
Finally, can you share a particularly memorable experience as a plumber?
One of my most memorable experiences as a Plumber came in my first year in business. I had an elderly lady with a clogged toilet call I had responded to.
She was home caring for her husband, who was on oxygen and looked in poor health. I could tell she was overwhelmed with the care and health of her husband and could use something to brighten her day. God impressed me to be a blessing that day.
After I cleared the toilet, I talked with her for a few moments to encourage her in what they were going through and let her know today’s service visit was on me and there would be no bill. The appreciation and tears of joy on her face stay with me even today. That is what it’s all about, frankly. We get the chance to make a difference and provide service with a SMILE!
