When it comes to hiring a tradesperson, there can be some confusion about the difference between a handyman and a plumber. Both are skilled professionals who can help you with various home repairs, but they have different areas of expertise. With this in mind, let’s highlight the biggest differences between the two!
What’s a Handyman in Australia?
A handyman is a multi-skilled worker who can perform a wide variety of tasks around the home. These tasks can range from simple repairs like fixing a leaky faucet to more complex projects like building a deck or renovating a bathroom. Handymen are typically not licensed or insured for plumbing work, so if you need help with a plumbing issue, you’ll need to call a licensed plumber.
Just some of the areas in which a handyman can help include:
- Carpentry
- Electrical work
- Plastering
- Tiling
- Painting
- Assembly of furniture and appliances
What’s a Plumber in Australia?
On the other hand, a plumber is a tradesman who specializes in installing and repairing piping systems. This can include anything from water mains and sewer lines to gas lines and drainage systems. Plumbers in Australia must be licensed to work, and they are also insured for their work. Some of the tasks that a plumber may be called to do include:
- Installing or repairing water mains and sewer lines
- Installing or repairing gas lines
- Installing or repairing drainage systems
- Installing or repairing bathrooms and kitchens
- Installing or repairing hot water heaters
- Repairing leaks
So, while a handyman may be able to do some of the same tasks as a plumber, they are not the same. If you need a plumbing job done in Australia, be sure to call a licensed plumber like Rak’s Quality Plumbing. If you need several smaller jobs doing around the home that don’t require a specialised tradesperson, why not contact a local handyman?
Choosing a Career
We’ve looked at how the two differ for customers, but what if you’re choosing between the two careers? What are the key differences?
- A plumber requires a specialised trade qualification, which takes around four years to complete.
- A handyman is not required to have a formal qualification, although some may have completed a short course or apprenticeship.
- Plumbers earn a higher salary than handymen, with the average plumber in Australia earning around $30 per hour; handymen earn an average of $25 per hour.
- Plumbers are more likely to be employed full-time, while handymen are more likely to be self-employed or work part-time.
So, what does this all mean for you? If you’re looking for a career in the trade industry, then becoming a plumber may be the way to go since you’ll earn a higher salary and have more job security. However, if you’re just looking to help people out around the house from time to time, then being a handyman will suffice.
Choosing a Professional
To finish, we’ve compiled some tips for choosing a credible professional for any job around your home:
- Check their qualifications and experience.
- Make sure they have insurance.
- Ask for referrals from family and friends.
- Search online for customer reviews.
Do your research and be sure to ask the right questions before hiring anyone to work in or around your home. We hope this article has helped clear up any confusion about handymen vs plumbers in Australia!