Lessons from my first year as a plumbing apprentice

Been in the plumbing game for a year now, and man, there's some stuff I wish someone had drilled into my head from day one. Out here in Arizona the sun beats down on you while you're sweating copper joints, so always double-check your flux before firing up the torch or you'll be redoing that leak-prone mess. First big lesson: never trust a homeowner's DIY PEX install without a full inspection, had one burst on me during a pressure test and flooded the kitchen, cost me half a day mopping up. Another thing, get comfy with the Ridgid SeeSnake early, saves you from guessing games in tight crawlspaces. And TBH, always carry extra SharkBites in your truck, they're a lifesaver for quick fixes on repipes. Saw a post on r/Plumbing about apprentice tips that echoed this, and someone in Plumbers United group mentioned watching a Roger Wakefield video on proper soldering, which totally changed my approach. If you're green like I was, focus on the basics and don't rush.

god, that PEX flood story hits too close, i had a similar crap-show on my first solo job and the homeowner chewed me out for hours.

Warning: if you're new, never skip the pressure test after any solder work.

What was the worst mistake you made with the SeeSnake? I'm just starting on that tool.

Solid advice on the SharkBites, they're clutch for emergencies but inspect the pipe first for burrs.

Same here, Arizona heat makes everything expand weird, always factor in extra fittings.

Haha, mopping up floods as an apprentice? That's the real baptism by water.

Felt that, my first year was all leaks and late nights too.

Raging against these DIY homeowners who think YouTube makes them pros.

Man, I remember those early days, knees aching from crawlspaces.

Apprentice life sucks sometimes, but it builds character... or breaks your back.

Ugh, still pissed at my first boss for throwing me into deep ends without training.