Fontanero vs. plomero vs. gasfitero
The words 'fontanero', 'plomero', and 'gasfitero' all refer to the profession known in English as 'plumber'. The differences among them exist mainly due to geographical usage in Spanish-speaking countries, differing primarily along regional lines.
Fontanero
This term is used to signify a plumber in Spain.
Necesito un fontanero para reparar la tubería rota.
(I need a plumber to repair the broken pipe.)
El fontanero está revisando el sistema de la tubería.
(The plumber is checking the piping system.)
Plomero
The word 'plomero' is the term for a plumber used in Mexico and some other Latin American countries.
El plomero está arreglando el baño.
(The plumber is fixing the bathroom.)
Llamaré al plomero para que solucione este problema de drenaje.
(I'll call the plumber to solve this drainage problem.)
Gasfitero
'Gasfitero' is a term predominantly used in Andean countries such as Peru and Chile to describe a plumber.
El gasfitero está reparando la fuga de agua en la cocina.
(The gasfitero is repairing the water leak in the kitchen.)
¿Podrías recomendar un buen gasfitero?
(Could you recommend a good gasfitero?)
Summary
'Fontanero', 'plomero', and 'gasfitero' are all terms for the profession of plumber within different Spanish-speaking regions. 'Fontanero' is used mostly in Spain, while 'plomero' is commonly used in Mexico among other Latin American countries, and 'gasfitero' is predominantly used in Andean nations like Peru and Chile.