In the construction industry, the plumbing sector is one of the most growing divisions and for an individual who wants to Become a Plumber, there are various career opportunities. Plumbing will never be outdated, as every building needs a well-functioning water supply and drainage system. The plumbing system is interlinked with mechanical and electrical systems. So some basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems is also required.

BE A QUALIFIED AND LICENSED PLUMBER BY FOLLOWING THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

For an individual, to become a qualified and licensed plumber there are some basic requirements such:

• Completion of required education
• Duration of apprenticeship programs
• Certification and licensing for conducting plumbing activities
• Training programs

How to Become a Plumber – A Step-by-Step Guide

Plumbing is more than draining and sewerage. It includes installing, maintaining, and repairing a plumbing system. In addition, dealing with heating, cooling, gas, water supply, ventilation systems and more. Be a qualified, certified and licensed plumber by following this comprehensive guide which contains all the essential information. In the construction industry, some specific steps are needed to be completed to be a qualified and licensed plumber. Their steps are as follows:

1) Basic Education

The first step to Become a Plumber is completing the necessary degree. Certain institutes in the United States offer Plumbing degrees and programs. To gain foundational knowledge, it is paramount to complete the relevant education. The minimum duration of education to Become a plumber starts from 6 months which can go upto 2 years. The main programs are Plumbing techniques and technology, pipe fitting and HVAC systems.

2) Apprenticeships for Plumbers

After completing the required education, the next requirement is apprenticeship which is crucial as well as time consuming. An apprenticeship is a structured program under the supervision of a licensed and qualified plumber from a reputable company. Apprenticeship is a combination of:

• Institutional learning
• On job training
• Working under a professional plumber

If you want to become a plumbing estimator you need to be affiliated with a good Plumbing  Estimating Company. A plumbing estimator has all the knowledge about the plumbing system but they use that knowledge to create accurate cost plans. Apprenticeships’ usual duration is 4 to 5 years and the primary elements are installation, repairing and maintenance of Plumbing systems. Also, it involves decrypting technical documents and understanding of blueprints. Last but not least, to acquire knowledge about plumbing codes and regulations.

3) Examination for Plumbing Licenses

At the end of apprenticeship, to become a plumber with certification one has to take an exam. This step is necessary to gain associate certificates and licenses for plumbing work. In the United States, every state has set minimum criteria that need to be met to become a licensed plumber. Following are some examples:

• Alabama Master Plumber License from Alabama Plumbers and Gas Filter Examining Board (requires 2 years of experience)
• Alaska Journeyman Plumber License from Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (minimum 800 hours in residential or commercial plumbing)
• Certified Plumber Contractor License from Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (requires 4 years of experience)
• Master or Journeyman Plumbing License from Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (requires 2 years of experience)
• Plumbing Trainee Certificate and Journeyman level plumber License from Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (4 years of experience)

Classes of Plumbing

It is essential that to become a Plumber, you are familiar with the main classes of Plumbing. They are as follows:

• Drainage
• Mechanical
• Roofing
• Water supply
• Sanitary
• Gas fitting
• Fire protection

These are some of the most prioritized classes of Plumbing and to make it your specialty you need to be a licensed or a registered plumber. You need to know that, if you are a registered plumber you can work in a specific class but you cannot issue compliance certification. Only a licensed plumber with a higher level of education, knowledge and practical experience can issue a compliance certificate.

How Plumbers Are Categorized

The main categories of plumbers in the construction industry are as follows:

1) Domestic Plumbers

They are also known as residential plumbers in the industry and as the name suggests, they deal with residential homes. A homeowner will turn to a domestic plumber for new plumbing installation or repairing the existing system.

2) Commercial Plumbers

A commercial plumber usually works with large projects such as offices, hotels, markets or hospitals. They are somewhat similar to residential plumbers but have to deal with industry-level Piping, drainage or sewer systems.

Plumbing Estimating Services

If you want to become a cost estimator, besides the basic requirements, it is also important to learn about advanced tools and softwares that are being used in the industry. Experts in the industry deliver Plumbing Estimating Services by using advanced cost estimating software to come up with the most precise estimates for plumbing costs in a construction project of any level. Whether it’s a residential or commercial project. The use of software has enhanced the efficiency of estimates. Some of them include:

• FastPipe
• FastDuct
• On Screen Takeoff
• Planswift
• Bluebeam
• STACK
• Quest Estimating

NEED AN ACCURATE ESTIMATE FOR A PLUMBING PROJECT? GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR PLUMBING ESTIMATOR NOW!

Closing Remarks

To wrap it all up, A plumber needs to have good communication skills, time management skills and more importantly an intimate knowledge of plumbing systems. If you want to become a plumber, you’ll need to remain steady and steadfast. A successful career is not built overnight. One has to put in work and dedication. The roadmap to plumbing may appear to be long but if that is your dream job then nothing should stop you. Whether you want to become a certified plumber or not, that’s up to you. Regardless of that, it’s important to remain consistent and strive towards improvement.