Why Do Plumbers Need a License in Most States?

Plumbing is an essential part of your day-to-day life. When you hire 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 years of experience can help, the number one thing to look for is a plumbing license. 

Only six states — Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — don’t issue plumbing licenses at the state level. Instead, they count on city and county governments to provide oversight and licensing. While the exact requirements to earn a plumbing license vary by region, you can rest assured that hiring a licensed professional is the best way to minimize the chance of poor workmanship, fraud and health concerns. 

Educational Requirements for Plumbers 

Here’s what it takes to become a licensed plumber: 

• Education: Many vocational schools and community colleges offer plumbing certificates or degrees. This classroom training covers all the necessary skills plumbers use every day. 
• Apprenticeship: Both union and non-union organizations offer apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. These programs typically last four to five years, and apprentices earn wages throughout their training. 
• Licensing exam: Each state offers its own plumbing exam, which candidates must pass to earn a license. The topics covered include 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 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 common plumbing licenses and certifications include: 

• Plumbing certificate: Some states only require plumbers to have a certificate to complete residential jobs with a limited scope of work. This is essentially an apprentice-level plumber working with supervision. 
• Journeyman plumber: In most states, plumbers can take the journeyman’s licensing exam after completing an apprenticeship and having four years of practical experience. 
• Master plumber: The requirements to take the master plumber’s licensing exam vary significantly by location. Some states only require one or two years working as a journeyman plumber, while others call for four or five years of journeyman experience. 

• ACE certification: Becoming an Advanced Certified Expert demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and experience. Earning ACE certification is more stringent than most plumber licensing and requires yearly recertification to keep technicians up-to-date with the latest industry standards. 

Benefits 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 end. Don’t risk it — only hire a licensed pro, no matter the job, to ensure all the perks of professional experience: 

• Excellent workmanship: Plumbing is not an easy field. Performing even the most straightforward tasks, 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 rest assured that a licensed plumber has what it takes for a job well done. 
• Liability insurance: Most states require plumbers to show proof of liability insurance as part of the licensing process. This prevents you, the homeowner, from being left responsible for property damage or medical bills if a plumber has an accident while working in your home. 

• Legal and code-compliant: Major plumbing jobs often require permits to ensure safety and legality. Unlicensed plumbers are typically denied the necessary permits. If they go ahead with the job, you could face code violations and fines later on. Similarly, you could face legal consequences if an unlicensed plumber damages the local waterways. Eliminate these risks by only hiring a licensed professional. 
• Preserved health and safety: A qualified plumber understands the proper methods for working on water supply lines, sewer pipes and gas lines. Years of hands-on experience are necessary to reduce the risk of water contamination, sewer backups and gas leaks. 
• Legitimate services: Not all plumbers 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 lodge a formal complaint with the state licensing board if they suspect fraud, leaving the plumber with a steep fine or even causing them to lose 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 deliver the best plumbing services to our customers across 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!