Tope Plumbing

I started in the plumbing trade in 1971 as a helper. I dug ditches and picked at the rock the backhoe wouldn’t dig in order to reach the depth needed for proper drainage of the new sewer lines. It took me two to three months before I began to understand what I was doing. I once asked my boss how long will I be a helper and he told me when I could install the plumbing in a simple one bath residence alone without supervision and pass inspection. After six months my opportunity presented itself. My boss also stated that he would give me a helper, a truck, and raise my wages. I installed the plumbing in the one bath resiidence with one kitchen and one laundry. The house also passed inspection. Two weeks later I was in the new truck with one younger helper. Six months more and I had two helpers and have been going strong for a long time.
I have two sons and have taught both of them. My older son, Jason works for a larger plumbing company for the benefits and to “Get away from Dad!” My younger son, Adam has worked with me for the last four years and feels like he’s captive! His truck is almost ready and I am sure if you ask him that he will tell you that “it can’t happen soon enough.”
I learned my trade on the west coast in California where all the codes were strictly enforced. After leaving my original job of three and a half years I worked for one general contractor for four years and was his plumber. He built 52 houses a year start to finish. I was very busy and also doing custom two-story homes for other owners/builders. We had no basements in Southern California, they were slab homes with city sewer.
My dream home was 4200 sq. ft slab ranch which I still have the complete set of plans. When I win the powerball someday, I’ll have my dream. I treat people fair and I always get a good night’s sleep for I know I do good, honest work.
The next time you take a bath just remember that the bathtub (cast iron) weights nearly 390 pounds and was carried upstairs and installed by a plumber. Enjoy your tub bath March 15, 2005

• Address:8225 west 91st Terr Overland Park, KS 66212
• Phone: 913-341-9651
• support@topeplumbing.com