Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Almost All States?

Plumbing is an essential part of your daily life. When you trust a plumber to clear your drains, service your water heater or install a water softener, you want the assurance of a job well done. While reading reviews and learning more about the company’s reputation can help, the main thing to look for is a plumbing license. 

Only a few states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — don’t require plumbing licenses at the state level. Instead, they use city and county agencies to offer oversight and licensing. While the actual requirements to obtain a plumbing license vary by region, you can rest knowing that hiring a licensed Expert is the best way to reduce the risk of low-quality workmanship, rip-offs and health issues. 

Educational Expectations for Plumbers 

Here’s a summary of what it takes to obtain a plumber’s license: 

• Education: Many vocational schools and community colleges facilitate plumbing certificates or degrees. In most scenarios, the training covers all the essential skills plumbers use on a daily basis. 
• Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations offer apprenticeship programs that integrate classroom learning with hands-on experience. These programs normally take 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 acquire a license. The subject areas covered include things like plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Qualifications to take the exam vary state-to-state and licensing level. 

Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications 

Plumbers can earn different licenses and certifications based on their knowledge and experience. These vary by location, and not all are available in every state, but the most familiar plumbing licenses and certifications include: 

• Plumbing certificate: Many states only require plumbers to have a certificate to work on residential jobs with a moderate scope of work. This is essentially an apprentice-level plumber working with a certified supervisor. 
• Journeyman plumber: Usually, plumbers can take the journeyman’s licensing exam after finishing an apprenticeship and having 4 – 5 years of field experience. 
• Master plumber: The prerequisites to be considered for the master plumber’s licensing exam vary widely by location. Some places only demand one or two years working as a journeyman plumber, while others insist on four or five years of journeyman experience. 

• ACE certification: Progressing to an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and practical experience. Attaining ACE certification is more exhaustive than most plumber licensing and usually requires yearly recertification to guarantee that techs are up-to-date with the latest industry standards. 

Advantages of Hiring a Licensed Plumber 

Choosing an unlicensed plumber for the job may save you a few dollars up front, but that’s where the benefits end. Don’t gamble on your plumbing — only work with 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. Completing even the most straightforward tasks, like snaking a drain, involves specialized equipment and years of experience. As a result of the intensive training needed for certification, you can rest easy knowing that a licensed plumber will solve the problem. 
• Liability insurance: Most states require plumbers to display proof of liability insurance as one component of the licensing process. This keeps you, the homeowner, from being held liable 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 frequently have to have permits to ensure safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are routinely turned down the needed permits. If they proceed with the job, you could confront code violations and subsequent penalties later on. Similarly, you could face legal repercussions if an unlicensed plumber impairs the local waterways. Eliminate these risks by only employing a licensed professional. 
• Preserved health and safety: A competent plumber understands the proper techniques for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and gas lines. Years of hands-on experience are vital to reduce the risk of water contamination, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
• Reliable services: Not all plumbers have your best interest at heart. A fully licensed team is far less likely to try to scam you than an unlicensed company. In the end, 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 lose their license. Knowing this provides extra peace of mind when hiring a plumber for the first time. 

Set up Any 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 clients 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!