Wilbert Van Kirk
Millvale
Summary
Master Plumber with proven expertise in troubleshooting, plumbing code compliance, and fixture installation. Committed to delivering exceptional service and mentoring junior plumbers to enhance team performance.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Master Plumber
Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing & Heating
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2023 - Current
- Supervised installation and repair of plumbing systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Trained junior plumbers on tools, techniques, and best practices for efficient service delivery.
- Conducted routine inspections to identify issues and provide timely maintenance solutions.
- Implemented effective troubleshooting methods to resolve plumbing system malfunctions quickly.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships through exceptional service and communication skills.
- Mentored junior plumbers, sharing expert knowledge and fostering skill development through hands-on training exercises.
- Inspected sewers and piping systems to assess quality and condition.
- Implemented maintenance and repair for fixtures, water mains, natural gas, fire systems and backflow preventers.
- Installed valves, hangers, supports, and flanges inside piping systems.
- Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings with [Tool] and [Tool].
- Repaired plumbing systems, components, and equipment.
- Complied with state plumbing codes throughout duration of each project.
- Read blueprints to determine appropriate materials and procedures for each project.
- Operated drill motors, grinders, chop saws, hack saws, and burning torches to perform tasks.
- Cut and drilled holes in walls to permit passage of pipes.
- Used clamps and brackets to attach pipes to walls, structures, and fixtures.
- Set up appliances like water heaters, filters, and dishwashers with correct settings to maximize performance.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to determine locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required.
Master Plumber
F-5 Facility Services
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2020 - 05.2023
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by accurately diagnosing and repairing complex plumbing issues in a timely manner.
- Managed inventory of tools and materials to maintain optimal stock levels, reducing downtime on job sites.
- Independently worked on projects, while offering process coordination and cooperation with other teams.
- Offered guidance and training to junior team members.
- Filled pipe systems with water and air to determine location of leaks.
- Eliminated risks by correctly identifying potential safety hazards.
- Measured, threaded, and cut materials to correct angles.
- Communicated with customers to provide recommendations on repairs, determine project estimation costs and define project completion dates.
- Reviewed blueprints and project specifications to determine correct plumbing solutions.
- Assisted with repairs to steam, drainage, and sewer lines.
- Fabricated piping pieces and components in line with design specifications for each system.
- Supervised installation and repair of plumbing systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Trained junior plumbers on tools, techniques, and best practices for efficient service delivery.
- Implemented effective troubleshooting methods to resolve plumbing system malfunctions quickly.
- Inspected sewers and piping systems to assess quality and condition.
- Implemented maintenance and repair for fixtures, water mains, natural gas, fire systems and backflow preventers.
- Installed valves, hangers, supports, and flanges inside piping systems.
- Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings with [Tool] and [Tool].
- Repaired plumbing systems, components, and equipment.
- Operated drill motors, grinders, chop saws, hack saws, and burning torches to perform tasks.
- Cut and drilled holes in walls to permit passage of pipes.
- Used clamps and brackets to attach pipes to walls, structures, and fixtures.
- Set up appliances like water heaters, filters, and dishwashers with correct settings to maximize performance.
Master Plumber
Professional Plumbing And Heating
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2010 - 04.2019
- Contributed to the company''s reputation for excellence by consistently meeting or exceeding performance metrics related to workmanship quality, timeliness of service delivery, and customer satisfaction ratings.
- Maximized project profitability by accurately estimating labor hours, material costs, and equipment rentals for various jobs.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving issues promptly while maintaining open lines of communication with clients throughout the process.
- Mentored junior plumbers, sharing expert knowledge and fostering skill development through hands-on training exercises.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships through exceptional service and communication skills.
4th Yr Apprentice/Journeyman and Master Plumber
D&L Plumbing Inc
Pittsburgh, PA
08.1989 - 01.2019
- Assisted in installation and repair of plumbing systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Supported senior technicians in diagnosing plumbing issues using specialized tools and techniques.
- Maintained inventory of plumbing supplies, facilitating timely project execution and minimizing downtime.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow efficiency and optimize resource allocation.
- Trained new apprentices on basic plumbing tasks and safety protocols, fostering skill development.
- Worked under guidance of experienced professionals to learn trade best practices and techniques.
- Oversaw job site organization, ensuring compliance with safety standards and efficient use of materials.
- Identified areas for process improvement within the team, enhancing overall service delivery quality.
- Contributed to preventive maintenance schedules, improving system reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated eagerness to learn by asking questions and seeking clarification when necessary.
- Enhanced practical skills by assisting experienced professionals in various tasks.
- Adhered to company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines during daily work activities.
- Learned proper and safe use and maintenance of power tools, hand tools and safety equipment.
- Learned wide range of simple and complex techniques from on-the-job training.
- Observed experienced professionals in action, gaining valuable insights into best practices within the field.
- Exhibited strong work ethic by consistently arriving on time, completing tasks diligently.
- Prepared worksite by setting up required tools and supplies.
- Built strong relationships with team members and supervisors, fostering a positive work environment.
- Completed assigned tasks efficiently and accurately, contributing to overall project success.
- Assisted with problem-solving of challenging projects to develop critical thinking skills.
- Implemented suggestions from mentors, leading to enhanced productivity and skill development.
- Fostered positive work culture by actively participating in team-building activities.
- Streamlined apprentice training process, enabling new apprentices to become productive more quickly.
- Enhanced team collaboration by organizing and leading weekly meetings to discuss project statuses and resolve issues.
- Facilitated smoother project workflows by maintaining clean and organized work environment.
- Contributed to customer satisfaction by providing timely and courteous service during on-site assignments.
- Improved safety standards by consistently adhering to all workplace safety protocols and identifying potential hazards.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new techniques and applying them to daily tasks.
- Participated in community service projects, showcasing company's commitment to social responsibility.
- Enhanced productivity with introduction of more efficient method for organizing tools and equipment.
- Assisted in development of new training module, resulting in more comprehensive onboarding experience for new apprentices.
- Enhanced communication skills by effectively conveying project needs and updates to supervisors and peers.
- Supported in troubleshooting problems, leading to minimal downtime and maintaining project momentum.
- Completed all assigned tasks ahead of schedule, allowing for early initiation of subsequent project phases.
- Supported project managers with timely updates, enabling better project tracking and client communication.
- Gained proficiency in various hand and power tools to ensure tasks were completed efficiently and safely.
- Reduced material waste by implementing more accurate measuring and cutting techniques.
- Loaded and carried materials to facilitate transport at construction sites.
- Assisted with post-construction cleanup and maintenance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure project requirements were met with high standards.
- Offered constructive feedback during project reviews, contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
- Followed industry regulations and local building codes.
- Utilized equipment to break old forms and structures.
- Inspected completed projects to meet customer expectations.
- Prepared and applied construction materials to build structures or fill gaps.
- Maintained relationships with local suppliers for cost-effective materials.
- Developed safe and efficient workflows for construction projects.
- Provided excellent customer service and answered questions related to project timelines and costs.
- Conducted quality control of materials used in construction.
- Developed successful system for tracking project progress.
- Built custom homes to develop local areas.
- Used explosives to demolish structures according to instructions.
- Supervised installation and repair of plumbing systems in residential and commercial settings.
- Led team in troubleshooting complex plumbing issues, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented safety protocols to minimize workplace hazards during plumbing operations.
- Managed inventory control for plumbing materials, optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste.
- Collaborated with contractors to design plumbing layouts that meet building codes and client specifications.
- Evaluated existing systems for improvements, recommending upgrades to enhance performance and reliability.
- Maintained safe working environments through regular site inspections, hazard assessments, and implementation of corrective actions when necessary.
- Ensured compliance with local plumbing codes through regular inspections and quality assessments of work performed.
- Collaborated with architects and engineers in the design phase of construction projects, contributing valuable insights as a Master Plumber.
- Improved overall efficiency by implementing new processes for scheduling service calls, prioritizing urgent repairs, and managing workflow among team members.
- Saved clients money on utilities bills by recommending energy-efficient fixtures during consultations for renovations or new installations.
- Ensured safety compliance by diligently adhering to local building codes and OSHA regulations during all plumbing tasks.
- Played an integral role in the hiring process for new team members, conducting interviews and evaluating candidates based on technical competencies and cultural fit within the organization.
- Appropriately fitted pipes by identifying dimensions, sizes, and shapes needed to replace faulty pipes.
- Interpreted blueprints to determine locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required.
- Expanded client base through positive word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers following successful plumbing installations or repairs.
- Tested and operated hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for heating and cooling systems.
- Read blueprints to determine appropriate materials and procedures for each project.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to determine locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by accurately diagnosing and repairing complex plumbing issues in a timely manner.
- Independently worked on projects, while offering process coordination and cooperation with other teams.
- Offered guidance and training to junior team members.
- Filled pipe systems with water and air to determine location of leaks.
- Eliminated risks by correctly identifying potential safety hazards.
- Measured, threaded, and cut materials to correct angles.
- Fabricated piping pieces and components in line with design specifications for each system.
- Assisted with repairs to steam, drainage, and sewer lines.
- Communicated with customers to provide recommendations on repairs, determine project estimation costs and define project completion dates.
- Repaired plumbing systems, components, and equipment.
- Operated drill motors, grinders, chop saws, hack saws, and burning torches to perform tasks.
- Cut and drilled holes in walls to permit passage of pipes.
- Used clamps and brackets to attach pipes to walls, structures, and fixtures.
- Set up appliances like water heaters, filters, and dishwashers with correct settings to maximize performance.
- Contributed to the company''s reputation for excellence by consistently meeting or exceeding performance metrics related to workmanship quality, timeliness of service delivery, and customer satisfaction ratings.
Education
High School Diploma -
Shaler Area High School
Pittsburgh, PA06-1984
Journeyman And Master Plumbing Licence -
Ampac
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Pump installation
- Water heater repair
- Expert troubleshooting
- Sewer line maintenance
- Gas line installation
- Residential plumbing
- Commercial plumbing
- Backflow prevention
- Pipe insulation
- Plumbing code compliance
- Fixture installation
- Industrial plumbing
- Blueprint interpretation
- Cross-connection control
- Water treatment
- Hydronic heating
- Pressure regulation
- Drainage system design
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Preventative maintenance
- Skilled with both hand and power tools
- Hand and power tools
- Piping installation
- Drainage systems repair
- Remodels and new construction
- Equipment operation
- Pipe installation expertise
- Blueprint reading
- Staff management
- Blueprints
- Plumbing
- Troubleshooting
- Plumbing repairs
- Residential construction
- Commercial construction experience
- Residential plumbing design
- Estimate preparation
- Codes compliance
- Septic system installation
- Silver and soft solder expert
- Manual rigging installation
- Gas piping
- Drain field placement
- Air and water piping
- Sewer and domestic water lines
- Fixture repair
- Basic math aptitude
- Water heater maintenance
- Safety protocol adherence
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Power tool operation
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Plumbing fixture installation
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Affiliations
- Freemason
Timeline
Master Plumber
Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing & Heating
05.2023 - Current
Master Plumber
F-5 Facility Services
10.2020 - 05.2023
Master Plumber
Professional Plumbing And Heating
10.2010 - 04.2019
4th Yr Apprentice/Journeyman and Master Plumber
D&L Plumbing Inc
08.1989 - 01.2019
Journeyman And Master Plumbing Licence -
Ampac
High School Diploma -
Shaler Area High School