Dalton Henning: American Plumber Story

Meet Dalton Henning from UA Local 85 - Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVACR Service Tech's.

Read his American Plumber story!

 How did you get started in the plumbing trade?

When I was a junior in high school I got into the building trades program. When the plumbers showed up for underground drain waste and vent I was amazed. Then they got inside when we had the shell up and started rough in. I fell in love with sweating copper. It was an art to me and a skill that I picked up. It was something that after I got out of high school I went back by the houses we built and plumbed and I remembered and bragged I did that house. I ended up going to college for a few years and got an associate degree in renewable energy HVAC and renewable energy plumbing. I was suppose to be in the big ticket renewable energy but never kicked off. So I worked at Meijer for 4 years and decided to finally get back into the trades. Plumbing, I wanted to be a plumber I applied at every company in Traverse City, MI. I didn't care if I had to push a broom in the shop or be a parts guy to start. I wanted to get into the skilled trades. I then got a call from Moore Mechanical in Honor, MI and got my apprenticeship going there. I learned a lot and I was mostly on copper. Once they knew and trusted me with sweating copper, I was the copper guy. I did mostly residential projects for when they would have copper mains and water lines and would send me. After a year and a half, I decided to take my talents to UA Local 85, a local union out of Saginaw, MI. I wasn't learning the same things that I am now with the 85. Through their apprenticeship program, I've learned everything about plumbing, pipe fitting, welding, steam systems and HVAC. Through the 85, I have became a journeyman plumber,. I am back flow certified, have the poly fusion welding certification and am a steamfitter. I'm currently waiting until after the first of the year to get into a med gas class and get that certification as well.

Knowing that I will always be needed. I am a skilled blue collar tradesman. I protect the health of the nation. Without plumbers everyone would be sick! I am proud of what I do I want to pass it on to my sons!