How to become faster at plumbing

[LcC007]

Looking for tips on being faster at work. I am working on new builds and pressure is being put on me to speed up production. I am working at a decent rate but, I have seen plumbers that are faster than I am. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SimonG]

Think about it. All about sequence. Take 5 mins before to think about it. Will save you hours.

 

[fowlerboi]

New builds are all repetition. I did a bunch of private builds and the speed difference by the end was massive once you get a feel for how things go and the measurements in your head.

Keep at it you'll do great

 

[oz-plumber]

New Builds.
Just chuck it in and let the next bloke doing the fit-off deal with your stuff ups.

How much experience do you have compared to the faster plumbers?

Fortunately, I don't do volume work and rarely worked to a fixed price.

 

[Last Plumber]

New build is not my thing and might not be yours, just for a different perspective.

I know a few new build/site Plumbers. When they have worked for me, they are not much quicker than me when doing the type of work I do. In fact when on commercial work they are slower through lack of experience or because we might be using different materials than they're used to, which is understandable.

As mentioned above, repetition is a factor if all houses are the same or similar.
As Simon said, study & thought save time. Make a brew, stand and look at the job. If you've done it in your head, you'll see the best way to do it which will save time.

I can't stand things not being plumb, level or square and that dictates my speed. Some have a view that if a man on a galloping horse thinks its straight then that'll do! This is another factor sometimes on sites.

 

[exedon2]

Some good points above but do remember we are not equal! Some guys will always be quick.
I did my time mostly on commercial work but then went house bashing for years mostly first fix (I've literally done thousands)
Always aiming for neat accurate work snagging and call backs cost money.
Try to make sure all materials are to hand every trip to van/cabin costs time!
I know never blame your tools but decent equipment can certainly speed thing up.

 

[Deleted member 120897]

What’s the comparison? How quick are you compared to the others? Is there something they’re doing you’re not? We had a “plumber” once who rifled through his jobs, circa 15 per day (General repairs) what they (office staff/management) seemed to be ignorant to was 5 or more of those were coming back in on callout as emergency leaks, or problem wasn’t fixed, et al.

 

[Last Plumber]

Try to make sure all materials are to hand every trip to van/cabin costs time!

Good point, that's a major slow down for us all. A few minutes at the van going over what you need in your head, saves hours over a week.
In a similar way, a well stocked van saves merchant trips than can take an hour off your working day easily, or extend it unnecessarily.