What is a Forensic Plumber?
Believe it or not, forensics extend to the plumbing industry. A forensic plumber is a professional who investigates plumbing systems to determine the cause of a crime or problem in a plumbing system.
This field is growing in popularity, as it combines plumbing knowledge with investigation techniques. Read on to learn more about forensic plumbing.
Forensic Plumbing Investigation Services Explained
Forensic plumbing is becoming an important tool in solving crimes that involve plumbing systems.
Hopefully, you never come across a situation where you need to hire a forensic plumber. However a time may come when a plumbing system needs to be investigated by an expert.
Furthermore, plumbing expert witnesses are commonly hired during cases when an educated opinion is needed to solve a crime or if a plumber is being sued.
Forensic plumbing is typically used in cases involving vandalism, arson or water-related crimes.
What Does a Forensic Plumber Do?
The role of a forensic plumber or forensic plumbing engineer is to investigate plumbing systems that may be related to a crime.
They also work alongside law enforcement and other investigators to help determine the cause of the crime.
This profession differs from traditional plumbers who focus on repairing or installing plumbing systems, while forensic plumbers use an investigative approach to plumbing systems.
Some common tools used by forensic plumbers include fiber-optic cameras, water pressure gauges, plumbing snakes, and moisture meters.
These tools help the forensic expert to detect evidence and to determine the extent of the damage.
Examples of Forensic Plumbing
Forensic plumbing is used to uncover unknown plumbing issues, whether as part of a crime or simply a complex breakdown of plumbing systems.
For instance, a forensic plumber may investigate a case involving sewage backups in a residential neighborhood due to negligence by a local government.
By analyzing the sewage system, the forensic plumber may determine whether the backups were caused intentionally or by accident.
In another example, the plumber may investigate a case involving a water leak in a commercial building.
By analyzing the location and severity of the leak, the plumber could help investigators determine whether the leak was caused intentionally or by accident.
In situations when a plumbing company may be liable for damage, the forensics process can help homeowners determine whether or not to sue the plumber for negligence.
What is a Forensic Plumber’s Salary?
Forensic plumbers earn a salary of around $60,000 per year, or $30 per hour. Forensic plumbing engineers earn a salary close to $70,000, or $35 per hour, due to their experience in more complex plumbing systems.
How To Become a Forensic Plumber
To become a forensic plumber, you typically need a degree or certification in plumbing.
Some forensic plumbers may have a background in criminal investigation, law enforcement, or an engineering field. Others have decades of experience working on plumbing jobs.
Training programs, licenses, and certifications are available to help plumbers specialize in forensic plumbing.
Skills and qualifications needed to succeed in plumbing forensics include knowledge of plumbing systems and components, familiarity with codes and regulations, and strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Once you’ve entered the forensic plumbing field, your next steps include starting your own business, generating leads, and marketing your services to new customers.
Want plumbing jobs delivered to your inbox?
Every month, we send you the top plumbing jobs to help you find the best opportunities.
