Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Most States?

Plumbing is an essential part of your everyday life. When you hire a plumber to clean your drains, service your water heater or install a water softener, you want the assurance of a job well done. While reading reviews and evaluating the company’s years of experience can help, the first thing to look for is a plumbing license. 

Only six states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — don’t assign plumbing licenses through the state. Actually, they use city and county groups to provide oversight and licensing. While the actual requirements to secure a plumbing license vary by city, you can be certain that hiring a licensed specialist is the best way to minimize the risk of mediocre workmanship, rip-offs and health problems. 

Educational Criteria for Plumbers 

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

• Education: Plenty of vocational schools and community colleges provide plumbing certificates or degrees. Usually this training covers all the crucial skills plumbers use on a daily basis. 
• Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations provide apprenticeship training that blend classroom learning with hands-on experience. These programs usually take four to five years, and apprentices receive wages during the course of their training. 
• Licensing exam: Each state offers its own plumbing exam, which candidates must pass to receive a license. The materials covered consist of plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, vents and venting, fabrication, pipe maintenance, administrative procedures and more. Criteria to take the exam vary based on where you are and licensing level. 

Types of Plumbing Licenses and Certifications 

Plumbers can receive different licenses and certifications based on their education 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: Some states only need plumbers to have a certificate to work on residential jobs with a modest scope of work. This is essentially an apprentice-level plumber working with an experienced supervisor. 
• Journeyman plumber: In many states, plumbers can take the journeyman’s licensing exam after finishing an apprenticeship and having the necessary years of field experience. 
• Master plumber: The criteria to take the master plumber’s licensing exam vary greatly by location. Some states only expect one or two years working as a journeyman plumber, while others insist on four or five years of journeyman experience. 

• ACE certification: Training to be an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and experience. Receiving ACE certification is more stringent than most plumber licensing and demands yearly recertification to guarantee that techs are up-to-date with the latest industry standards. 

Perks of Hiring a Licensed Plumber 

Choosing an unlicensed plumber for the job might be less expensive at first, 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: 

• Awesome workmanship: Plumbing is not as simple as it may seem. Conducting even the most clear-cut jobs, like snaking a drain, requires specialized equipment and years of experience. As a result of the intensive training needed for certification, you can rest assured that a licensed plumber will properly diagnose and resolve your plumbing problem. 
• Liability insurance: Nearly all states require plumbers to show proof of liability insurance as part of the licensing process. This keeps you, the homeowner, from liability for property damage or an injury on-site if a plumber has an mishap while completing work in your home. 

• Legal and code-compliant: Major plumbing jobs often have to have permits to guarantee safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are routinely turned down the required permits. If they proceed with the job, you could receive code violations and subsequent penalties later on. Additionally, you may face legal problems if an unlicensed plumber impairs the local waterways. Eliminate these risks by only contracting a licensed professional. 
• Preserved health and safety: A competent plumber understands the proper strategies for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and natural gas lines. Years of hands-on experience are necessary to decrease the risk of water pollution, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
• Reliable services: Some plumbers don’t have your best interest at heart. But a fully licensed team is much less likely to attempt to scam you than an unlicensed company. After all, homeowners can make a complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect being cheated, 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 provide 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!