Plumbing is a crucial part of your day-to-day life. When you trust a plumber to clean your drains, repair your water heater or install a water softener, you'd expect the assurance of getting the job done right. While reading reviews and considering the company's reputation can help, the # 1 thing to look for is a plumbing license.
Only six states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — don’t require plumbing licenses through the state. Alternatively, they depend on city and county agencies to supply oversight and licensing. While the exact requirements to secure a plumbing license vary by city, you can rest assured that hiring a licensed specialist is the top way to reduce the risk of inferior workmanship, rip-offs and health problems.
Educational Requirements for Plumbers
Here’s what it takes to become a licensed plumber:
- Education: Plenty of vocational schools and community colleges provide plumbing certificates or degrees. Usually this training encompasses all the crucial skills plumbers use on a regular basis.
- Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations provide apprenticeship programs that blend classroom learning with hands-on experience. These programs typically last four to five years, and apprentices earn wages during their training.
- Licensing exam: Each state offers its own plumbing exam, which candidates must pass to receive a license. The topics covered include plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Requirements to take the exam vary based on where you are and licensing level.
Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications
Plumbers can earn various licenses and certifications based on their training and experience. These vary by location, and not all are necessary in every state, but the most common plumbing licenses and certifications include:
- Plumbing certificate: Many states only need plumbers to have a certificate to handle residential jobs with a minimal scope of work. This is effectively an apprentice-level plumber working with supervision.
- Journeyman plumber: In many states, plumbers will take the journeyman’s licensing exam after completing an apprenticeship and having the necessary years of practical experience.
- Master plumber: The requirements to take the master plumber’s licensing exam vary widely by location. Some states only require 1 - 2 years working as a journeyman plumber, while others call for four or five years of journeyman experience.
- ACE certification: Training to be an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and experience. Attaining ACE certification is more rigorous than typical plumber licensing and demands annual recertification to ensure techs stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Plumber
Selecting an unlicensed plumber for the job may save you a few dollars up front, but that’s where the benefits stop. Don't gamble on your plumbing — only hire a licensed expert, regardless of the job size, to ensure all the perks of professional experience:
- Awesome workmanship: Plumbing is not as simple as you might think. Performing even the most basic projects, like snaking a drain, involves specialized equipment and years of experience. As a result of the intensive training needed for certification, you can be assured knowing that a licensed plumber will properly diagnose and resolve your plumbing problem.
- Liability insurance: A large number of states require plumbers to display proof of liability insurance as one component of the licensing process. This protects you, the homeowner, from being left responsible for property damage or an injury on-site if a plumber has an mishap while working in your home.
- Legal and code-compliant: Large plumbing jobs often require permits to ensure safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are typically denied the necessary permits. If they proceed with the job, you could confront code violations and accompanying fees later on. Furthermore, you could face legal problems if an unlicensed plumber impairs the local waterways. Prevent these risks by only choosing a licensed professional.
- Preserved health and safety: A qualified plumber understands the proper methods for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and natural gas lines. Years of hands-on experience are vital to minimize the risk of water pollution, sewer backups and gas leaks.
- Trustworthy services: Unfortunately, there are plumbers out there that don't have your best interest at heart. But a fully licensed team is far less likely to try to mislead you than an unlicensed company. Besides, homeowners can lodge a complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect being cheated, resulting in a hefty fine or even causing them to lose their license. Knowing this provides extra peace of mind when hiring a plumber for the first time.
Schedule Plumbing Services with a Licensed Professional
At Eveready Service Experts , we go above and beyond to deliver the best plumbing services to our customers throughout North America. First, we are licensed, insured and ACE-certified. What’s more, everything we do is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. To request an appointment for reliable plumbing services in your area, please contact us today!