How to Hire a Plumber

The cost of this will vary from location to location but can run anywhere from $30 to $500. Plumbers perform a wide variety of services, from fixing small leaks, unclogging drains, replacing plumbing pipes, and putting in showers to installing and maintaining water, sewer, or gas lines. They can also install systems like water heaters and softeners or purification systems.

Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

When working under a professional plumber, an apprentice will want to take the opportunity to ask for any plumbing tips or advice about working in the plumbing business. It’s important for an individual to understand exactly what a plumber does before committing to this career. Plumbers work on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional plumbing systems to install plumbing fixtures, repair pipes, fix leaks, or even dig trenches for installing main service lines. Plumbers typically start their careers by attending plumbing schools, taking one of the best online plumbing courses, or completing apprenticeship programs. These educational paths provide them with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to excel in the field. Upon completing these programs and obtaining the necessary certifications, plumbers are better positioned to command higher wages.

Professional vs. DIY Plumbing

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Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available.

Schedule one of our plumbers when it comes time to call a plumber. With these five practical strategies, you can exercise control over your plumbing expenses. Regular maintenance, savvy DIY skills, quality investments, water conservation, and a reliable plumbing partnership are the cornerstones of cost-effective home plumbing management. Master Plumber – You must have one year of experience as a licensed journeyman or ten years of experience. This is another state that requires that plumbers are licensed by theTexas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to work. Plumbing Apprentice –No license required, but you must be registered and work under the supervision of a journeyman or contractor. To get this, you must show proof of four years of experience in the past ten years and you must pass an exam.

Another state that requires that plumbers must hold a state license to work in is Hawaii. Additionally, you must have public liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance and pass an exam. In case you are a journeyman plumber, you must have held a journeyman license for at least a year. Specialty Commercial Contracting License, Plumbing C-37 – allows the installation, alteration, and repair of all plumbing within property lines.

If you want to know if a plumber has ever had a complaint filed against them, check out an area BBB website. Do an online search to find what others in your community are saying about the quality of services they received from local plumbers. Replacing a toilet probably won’t require a permit, but what if you are rerouting a drain? A local plumber will be familiar with permits and codes you will need to follow.

Understanding the kinds of fees that plumbers charge will help in the decision-making process. What follows are answers to some commonly asked questions to make sure homeowners are prepared with as much information as possible. It’s common for homeowners to try solving a clogged drain on their own or wiggling a toilet handle repeatedly to get the toilet to stop running. Beyond that, most homeowners will want to step back and let a pro handle whatever the chore is. It’s simpler and faster to let a plumber quickly and professionally make the repair to keep the problem from getting worse.

Time Saved and Quick Repairs

List which certifications are needed in your state and ask for verification of the candidate’s qualifications. When you recruit a plumber, it is important to make sure that they have also attended a trade school or completed an apprenticeship. Make sure you get familiar with local plumber licensing requirements in the municipality in which you plan to work.

A homeowner will need to hire a plumber when installing any new fixtures that use water and especially when there’s a necessary repair. DIY plumbing repair is a recipe for disaster; a homeowner can accidentally create a much bigger problem when they use the wrong tool or secure a fixture improperly. According to HomeAdvisor, the price range for a plumber is $180 to $489, or an average of $331.