Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Almost All States?

Plumbing is an important part of your day-to-day life. When you hire a plumber to clear your drains, service your water heater or install a water softener, you’d expect the assurance of getting the job done right. While reading reviews and evaluating the company’s years of experience can help, the first thing to look for is a plumbing license. 

Only a few states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — don’t assign plumbing licenses through the state. Alternatively, they count on city and county groups to supply oversight and licensing. While the actual requirements to obtain a plumbing license vary by region, you can rest assured that hiring a licensed Expert is the top way to minimize the possibility of inferior workmanship, deception and health concerns. 

Educational Criteria for Plumbers 

Here’s a summary of what it takes to become a licensed plumber: 

  • Education: Many vocational schools and community colleges provide plumbing certificates or degrees. In most scenarios, the training includes all the vital skills plumbers use every day. 
  • Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations offer apprenticeship courses that blend classroom learning with practical experience. These programs normally last four to five years, and apprentices receive wages during their training. 
  • Licensing exam: A participating state offers its own plumbing exam, which candidates must pass to receive a license. The subject areas covered deal with plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Qualifications to take the exam vary based on where you are and licensing level. 

Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications 

Plumbers can attain various licenses and certifications based on their education and experience. These vary by location, and not all are offered in every state, but the most familiar plumbing licenses and certifications include: 

  • Plumbing certificate: Certain states only mandate plumbers to have a certificate to handle residential jobs with a modest scope of work. This is ultimately an apprentice-level plumber working with supervision. 
  • Journeyman plumber: In most states, plumbers will take the journeyman’s licensing exam after completing an apprenticeship and having the necessary years of hands-on experience. 
  • Master plumber: The criteria to qualify for the master plumber’s licensing exam vary greatly by location. Some states only require one or two years working as a journeyman plumber, but others require four or five years of journeyman experience. 
  • ACE certification: Becoming an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and experience. Attaining ACE certification is more rigorous than most plumber licensing and usually requires annual recertification to ensure techs stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards. 

Advantages of Hiring a Licensed Plumber 

Using an unlicensed plumber for the job may be less expensive at first, but that’s where the benefits end. Don’t risk it — only work with a licensed expert, no matter how simple or complex the job is, to ensure all the perks of professional experience: 

  • Excellent workmanship: Plumbing is not as simple as it may seem. Performing even the most direct projects, like snaking a drain, needs specialized equipment and years of expertise. Given the amount of training needed to achieve their certifications, you can rest easy knowing that a licensed plumber will solve the problem. 
  • Liability insurance: A good number of states require plumbers to demonstrate proof of liability insurance as one component of the licensing process. This protects you, the homeowner, from being held liable for property damage or an injury on-site if a plumber has an mishap while performing services in your home. 
  • Authorized and code-compliant: Big plumbing jobs frequently have to have permits to guarantee safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are typically refused the necessary permits. If they continue with the job, you could face code violations and accompanying fees later on. Similarly, you might face legal problems if an unlicensed plumber impairs the local waterways. Remove these risks by only employing a licensed professional. 
  • Preserved health and safety: A certified plumber adheres to the proper techniques for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and fuel lines. Years of hands-on experience are necessary to reduce the risk of water pollution, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
  • Reputable services: Not all plumbers have your best interest at heart. A fully licensed team is far less likely to attempt to swindle you than an unlicensed company. After all, homeowners can make an official complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect deception, which might cost the plumber a severe fine or even causing them to forfeit their license. Knowing this provides extra peace of mind when hiring a plumber for the first time. 

Arrange Plumbing Services with a Licensed Professional 

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we go above and beyond to deliver the best plumbing services to our customers in 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 a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office near you today! 

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