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Welding vs plumbing the argument between them has raged since their inception to the employment market. Now, what distinguishes one from the other is the degree of assessment, repairing, and emphasis. Although both sectors deal with pipes, one handles them at an industrial scale, while others work with them from door to door.
You might be wondering, so how are they distinct in their own words? That’s what we’re here to assist you with. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Welding Overview
Welding is a manufacturing technique that involves fusing metals with intense heat. The process can also fuse thermoplastics.
What tools are needed for welding?
It’s crazy that some ample tools and techniques may be utilized for welding. These include:
- A gas flame
- An electric arc
- A laser
- An e-beam
- Abrasion, and
- Ultrasound
- And a lot of others
Regardless of the environment, welding can be performed at any place.
What are the different types of welding?
1. MIG welding
The most fundamental type of welding. It’s for those who pursue welding as a hobby and don’t want to invest in expensive welding equipment.
2. Stick/Arc welding
The vintage form of welding. The procedure needs high expertise. It involves the use of stick electrodes welding rods to fuse materials.
3. TIG welding
The most versatile welding technique. It’s a complicated procedure because it necessitates both hands and expertise to heat and arc.
4. Plasma Arc Welding
One of the most precise techniques of welding. It’s similar to TIC welding. However, the electrode is submerged, and ionizing gases within the arc generate heat.
5. Electron Beam and Laser Welding
Another form of a precise welding technique. It necessitates a lot of energy, which comes from elevated electrons.
6. Gas Welding
The scarcest form of welding technique. It is relatively compact and necessitates the usage of oxygen and acetylene.
What are the common applications of welding?
1. To Fuse Metals Together
During the process of welding, the tremendous heat melts the pieces, allowing them to bond together upon cooling.
In addition to melting, a filler substance is utilized during the process. It makes the joint sturdier than the raw material upon cooling. To avoid contamination or corrosion, welding also necessitates the use of a coating.
2. To Fuse Plastics
For the fusion of plastics, a method identical to that for metal is applied here. You must prep the surfaces must first for the welding process. Heat and pressure are applied to the surface once it is ready, and the area is left to settle to achieve fusion.
3. To Fuse Wood Together
The heat comes from the friction between the woods. The process requires a great deal of pressure. This method is effective since it does not require any adhesives or nails throughout the process.
Advantages and disadvantages of welding
When comparing the welding vs plumbing processes, welding has several benefits and drawbacks, which are listed below.
Advantages of welding
- Permanent process
- Any hole can be easily welded
- Welding filler plates without connectors results in a structure that is lighter overall
- Because fewer resources are used, this is a cost-effective strategy
- Efficient process
- Allows a better glimpse of the joints
- The fabrication process is speedier
- Welding allows for the creation of complete stiff joints
- Take up less space
- Simple to change and add material with this method
Disadvantages of welding
- The process is fragile by nature
- The fatigue strength of a material can be lowered by a simple defect
- Demands a high level of expertise as well as the availability of electricity
- There’s a chance there’ll be racks
- The inspection procedure is costly
- Internal air pockets, slag inclusions, and incomplete generations are all difficult to spot
- Necessitates the use of manual labor
Plumbing Overview
Plumbing is a process that involves a network of piping systems that carry potable water to houses. It also carries away wastewaters through drainage, waste, and vent pipes.
Getting to know the plumbing process facilitates us to identify any faults in the piping system. Moreover, if you’re constructing a home, having an efficient piping system reduces the maintenance cost in the long run.
What tools are needed for plumbing?
Besides having good hands in repairing, it’s also necessary to have a great tool that optimizes the work efficiency. Here is a list of tools that boosts the plumbing process.
Wrenches
- Basin wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Faucet key
- Adjustable wrench
Pipe Work
- Thread sealing tape
- Hacksaw
- Plumber’s torch
- Tube and plastic pipe cutters
- Press fitting systems
- Pliers
Clearing Clogs
- Snake Machine
- Plungers
- Hand Auger
Others
- PEX pipe expander & fittings
- Plumbing business software
- Stubby screwdriver
- Crimpers
- Borescope
What are the different types of plumbing pipes?
1. PVC/ Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
Lightweight and straightforward to install plumbing pipes. Drainage, venting, waste lines, warm/cold potable water lines, and sewage operations require them.
2. Rigid Copper Pipe
Most ubiquitous, reliable, and well-known type of plumbing pipe. They’re tough, long-lasting, and excellent resistant to corrosion.
3. PEX/ Cross-linked Polyethylene Piping
Flexible and color scheme plastic pipe. They’re uncomplicated to cut and assemble. They’re also one of the most resilient plumbing pipes on the marketplace.
4. Stainless Steel Pipes
Offers both ductile and brittle forms of pipes. They’re long-lasting and usually interconnected with other types of pipes.
5. Cast Iron Plumbing Pipes
Commonly available in bell and spigot designs. They’re more expensive, bulkier, and have bolted joints, so they’re suited for subterranean water delivery.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Plumbing
Advantages of Plumbing
- Improves the water pressure
- Eliminates health problems by preventing harmful substances from entering the water
- Requires fewer emergency repair
- Less money is required for utilities
Disadvantages of Plumbing
- Because the pipes are brittle, they have a higher possibility of breaking.
- Pipes are pricey
Plumbing vs Welding: Which career should you choose?
Well, let us tell you that your career choice solely depends on your preference. No matter how many advantages or disadvantages we present to you regarding welding vs plumbing, the ultimate choice should be based on your requirements.
If you choose welding as a career, you’ll be able to make around $18 per hour. And if you choose plumbing as a career, you’ll make around $25 per hour. If making more money is your goal, then you should obviously go for plumbing. But, if you like to fuse metals and other materials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is welding better than plumbing?
Ans: It is mostly determined by your level of interest while working. This can be a nice alternative if you’re willing to work in a single location.
But I would instead prefer the plumbing route if I had to choose between the two. It’s because this opens the scope of learning extra bucks if you work in the right place.
Q. Do welders or plumbers make more?
Even though welding can lead to greater work opportunities, here’s the kicker! Plumbing might be a challenging job, but it pays off in the long run.
Q. Do plumbers do welding?
Welding isn’t a common area of expertise for plumbers. However, in some cases, plumbers may be required to act as welders to repair an industrial drainage system. Pipefitters are responsible for the majority of welded pipes.
Q. What type of welding do plumbers do?
Ans: Plumbers typically execute welding methods such as TIG/ Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) welding, essential for pipe repair. The electrode is a tungsten rod, and the filler rod is put into the weld with the opposite hand.
Conclusion
When it comes to welding vs plumbing, both offer the potential for success if the job is done correctly and with dedication. Obtaining a degree in such subjects enhances your knowledge, attracts customers, and allows you to work on more projects.
And if you’re still undecided about which of these fields to pursue, I hope this article will address all of your questions. Best of luck as you continue your piping journey!
