Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Almost All States?

Plumbing is a crucial part of your everyday 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 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 at the state level. Instead, they expect city and county governments to provide oversight and licensing. While the specific requirements to secure a plumbing license vary by region, you can rest knowing that hiring a licensed Expert is the top way to decrease the risk of low-quality workmanship, rip-offs and health concerns. 

Educational Expectations for Plumbers 

This is what it takes to get a plumber’s license: 

• Education: Plenty of vocational schools and community colleges facilitate plumbing certificates or degrees. Usually this training includes all the essential skills plumbers use on a regular basis. 
• Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations provide apprenticeship courses that integrate classroom learning with on-site experience. These programs typically take four to five years, and apprentices earn wages throughout their training. 
• Licensing exam: Each state offers its own plumbing assessment, 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. Qualifications to take the exam vary state-to-state and licensing level. 

Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications 

Plumbers can receive different 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 work on residential jobs with a minimal scope of work. This is generally an apprentice-level plumber working with an experienced supervisor. 
• Journeyman plumber: In most states, plumbers may take the journeyman’s licensing exam after finishing an apprenticeship and having the necessary years of field experience. 
• Master plumber: The requirements to take the master plumber’s licensing exam vary greatly by location. Some places 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 practical experience. Receiving ACE certification is more exhaustive than typical plumber licensing and involves annual recertification to ensure techs stay up-to-date with the most current industry standards. 

Rewards of Hiring a Licensed Plumber 

Choosing an unlicensed plumber for the job may be cheaper initially, but that’s where the benefits end. Why chance it? — only choose a licensed expert, no matter the job, to ensure all the perks of professional experience: 

• Excellent craftsmanship: Plumbing is not an easy field. Performing even the most direct jobs, 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: Nearly all states require plumbers to show 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. 

• Authorized and code-compliant: Major plumbing jobs usually need to have permits to ensure safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are regularly denied the required permits. If they continue with the job, you could receive code violations and fines later on. Similarly, you might face legal problems if an unlicensed plumber impairs the local waterways. Remove these risks by only hiring a licensed professional. 
• Preserved health and safety: A competent plumber understands 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 contamination, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
• Legitimate services: Some plumbers don’t have your best interest at heart. But a fully licensed team is much less likely to try to mislead you than an unlicensed company. Besides, homeowners can file a complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect deception, resulting in a hefty fine or even causing them to forfeit 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 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 schedule reliable plumbing services in your area, please contact a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office near you today!