Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Almost All States?

Plumbing is an essential part of your day-to-day life. When you trust a plumber to clean your drains, fix your water heater or install a water softener, you want the assurance of a job well done. While reading reviews and considering the company’s history can help, the number one thing to look for is a plumbing license. 

Only a handful of 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 offer oversight and licensing. While the actual requirements to obtain a plumbing license vary by city, you can rest knowing that hiring a licensed specialist is the best way to decrease the possibility of low-quality workmanship, rip-offs and health issues. 

Educational Expectations for Plumbers 

Here’s what it takes to get a plumber’s license: 

• Education: Lots of vocational schools and community colleges offer plumbing certificates or degrees. This classroom training encompasses all the vital skills plumbers use every day. 
• Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations have apprenticeship courses that bundle classroom learning with practical experience. These programs usually take four to five years, and apprentices get paid wages throughout their training. 
• Licensing exam: Each state offers its own plumbing exam, which candidates must pass to receive a license. The subject areas covered consist of plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Criteria to take the exam vary state-to-state and licensing level. 

Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications 

Plumbers can attain multiple licenses and certifications based on their training 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: Some states only need plumbers to have a certificate to handle residential jobs with a moderate scope of work. This is more or less an apprentice-level plumber working with an experienced supervisor. 
• Journeyman plumber: Usually, plumbers can take the journeyman’s licensing exam after completing an apprenticeship and having 4 – 5 years of practical experience. 
• Master plumber: The prerequisites to be considered for the master plumber’s licensing exam vary significantly by location. Some assessments only require 12 to 24 months working as a journeyman plumber, whereas 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 working experience. Receiving ACE certification is more rigorous than most plumber licensing and requires annual recertification to keep technicians up-to-date with the most recent industry standards. 

Advantages of Hiring a Licensed Plumber 

Choosing an unlicensed plumber for the job might save you a few dollars up front, but that’s where the benefits stop. But when it comes to your home’s plumbing — only hire a licensed expert, regardless of the job size, to ensure all the perks of professional experience: 

• Superb craftsmanship: Plumbing is not as simple as it may seem. Conducting even the most straightforward projects, like snaking a drain, requires 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 has what it takes for a job well done. 
• Liability insurance: Nearly all states require plumbers to display proof of liability insurance as part of the licensing process. This prevents you, the homeowner, from liability for property damage or medical bills if a plumber has an accident while working in your home. 

• Legitimate and code-compliant: Large plumbing jobs frequently require permits to guarantee safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are typically turned down the needed permits. If they move ahead with the job, you could confront code violations and subsequent penalties later on. Furthermore, you might face legal consequences if an unlicensed plumber damages the local waterways. Remove these risks by only employing a licensed professional. 
• Preserved health and safety: A qualified plumber knows the proper techniques for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and natural gas lines. Years of hands-on experience are vital to decrease the risk of water pollution, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
• Legitimate services: Some plumbers don’t have your best interest at heart. A fully licensed team is much less likely to attempt to swindle you than an unlicensed company. After all, homeowners can make a complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect deception, leaving the plumber with a steep 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 offer 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 a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office near you today!