Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Most States?

Plumbing is a crucial part of your daily life. When you call a plumber to clean your drains, service your water heater or install a water softener, you’d like the assurance of getting the job done right. While reading reviews and evaluating the company’s reputation can help, the # 1 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 through the state. Instead, they depend on city and county groups to offer oversight and licensing. While the specific requirements to earn a plumbing license vary by region, you can be certain that hiring a licensed specialist is the best way to reduce the risk of low-quality workmanship, deception and health concerns. 

Educational Expectations for Plumbers 

This is what it takes to become a licensed plumber: 

• Education: Plenty of vocational schools and community colleges provide plumbing certificates or degrees. In most scenarios, the training includes all the crucial skills plumbers use every day. 
• Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations have apprenticeship programs that blend classroom learning with hands-on experience. These programs usually take four to five years, and apprentices earn wages throughout their training. 
• Licensing exam: A participating state offers its own plumbing assessment, which candidates must pass to acquire a license. The materials covered include things like plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Qualifications to take the exam vary by state and licensing level. 

Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications 

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

• Plumbing certificate: Many states only need plumbers to have a certificate to work on residential jobs with a modest scope of work. This is primarily an apprentice-level plumber working with supervision. 
• Journeyman plumber: In many states, plumbers may take the journeyman’s licensing exam after completing an apprenticeship and having four years of hands-on experience. 
• Master plumber: The requirements to be considered for the master plumber’s licensing exam vary significantly by location. Some states only require 1 – 2 years working as a journeyman plumber, but others require four or five years of journeyman experience. 

• ACE certification: Progressing to an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the top level of professionalism and experience. Attaining ACE certification is more rigorous than typical plumber licensing and demands yearly 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. Don’t gamble on your plumbing — only hire a licensed expert, regardless of the job size, to ensure all the perks of professional experience: 

• Outstanding craftsmanship: Plumbing is not as simple as it may seem. Performing even the most direct tasks, like snaking a drain, needs specialized equipment and years of experience. Given the amount of training needed to achieve their certifications, you can rest assured that a licensed plumber will properly diagnose and resolve your plumbing problem. 
• Liability insurance: A large number of states require plumbers to demonstrate proof of liability insurance as part of the licensing process. This keeps you, the homeowner, from liability for property damage or medical bills if a plumber has an accident while completing work in your home. 

• Legitimate and code-compliant: Major plumbing jobs often have to have permits to ensure safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are typically refused the necessary permits. If they continue with the job, you could face code violations and fines later on. Additionally, you can face legal problems if an unlicensed plumber damages the local waterways. Eliminate these risks by only employing a licensed professional. 
• Preserved health and safety: A qualified plumber knows the proper strategies for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and gas lines. Years of hands-on experience are essential to decrease the risk of water pollution, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
• Reputable services: Not all plumbers have your best interest at heart. However, a fully licensed team is far less likely to try to mislead you than an unlicensed company. After all, homeowners can lodge a complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect being cheated, 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. 

Set up Any 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 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 receive reliable plumbing services in your area, please contact a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office near you today!