Plumbing is an important part of your daily life. When you hire a plumber to clear your drains, fix your water heater or install a water softener, you want the assurance of getting the job done right. While reading reviews and evaluating the company's reputation can help, the main thing to look for is a plumbing license.
Only six states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — don’t issue plumbing licenses through the state. Alternatively, they depend on city and county groups to supply oversight and licensing. While the specific requirements to obtain a plumbing license vary by city, you can be certain that hiring a licensed specialist is the ideal way to reduce the possibility of low-quality workmanship, rip-offs and health issues.
Educational Requirements for Plumbers
Here’s what it takes to get a plumber's license:
- Education: Many vocational schools and community colleges offer plumbing certificates or degrees. Usually this training encompasses all the essential skills plumbers use on a regular basis.
- Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations have apprenticeship programs that integrate classroom learning with on-site experience. These programs typically last four to five years, and apprentices get paid wages throughout their training.
- Licensing exam: A participating state offers its own plumbing test, which candidates must pass to acquire a license. The materials covered deal with plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Requirements to take the exam vary state-to-state 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 offered in every state, but the most common plumbing licenses and certifications include:
- Plumbing certificate: Some states only require plumbers to have a certificate to work on residential jobs with a moderate scope of work. This is generally an apprentice-level plumber working with supervision.
- Journeyman plumber: In most states, plumbers will take the journeyman’s licensing exam after finishing an apprenticeship and having four years of hands-on experience.
- Master plumber: The requirements to qualify for the master plumber’s licensing exam vary greatly by location. Some states only expect one or two years working as a journeyman plumber, but others call for four or five years of journeyman experience.
- ACE certification: Progressing to an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the maximum level of professionalism and working experience. Attaining ACE certification is more rigorous than typical plumber licensing and usually requires annual recertification to keep technicians up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Advantages of Hiring a Licensed Plumber
Selecting an unlicensed plumber for the job could save you a few dollars up front, but that’s where the benefits stop. But when it comes to your home’s plumbing — only choose a licensed expert, no matter the job, to ensure all the perks of professional experience:
- Superb workmanship: Plumbing is not as simple as it may seem. Conducting even the most clear-cut projects, like snaking a drain, involves specialized equipment and years of experience. Because of the need to complete classroom education and hands-on training, you can be assured knowing that a licensed plumber will solve the problem.
- Liability insurance: A good number of states require plumbers to display proof of liability insurance as part 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 completing work in your home.
- Authorized and code-compliant: Large plumbing jobs frequently require permits to guarantee safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are regularly turned down the necessary permits. If they continue with the job, you could face code violations and accompanying fees later on. Similarly, you could face legal issues if an unlicensed plumber harms the local waterways. Eliminate these risks by only contracting a licensed professional.
- Preserved health and safety: A competent plumber adheres to the proper techniques for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and fuel lines. Years of hands-on experience are vital to reduce the risk of water contamination, sewer backups and gas leaks.
- Trustworthy services: Some plumbers don't have your best interest at heart. A fully licensed team is far less likely to attempt to mislead you than an unlicensed company. After all, homeowners can make an official complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect being cheated, leaving the plumber with a steep 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 San Antonio Air Service Experts, we go above and beyond to deliver the best plumbing services to our clients across North America. First, we are licensed, insured and ACE-certified. What’s more, everything we do is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule reliable plumbing services in your area, please contact a San Antonio Air Service Experts office near you today!