Is Your Plumber Licensed? The Answer Might Surprise You.

Is your plumber licensed? The answer might surprise you. Tips on hiring the “right” plumber over a “right now” plumber. 

 There is nothing like experiencing a plumbing catastrophe that requires you to quickly call a local plumber with the hope they can resolve the issue as fast as possible. Unless you are in the know about your neighborhood’s go-to plumber, you will more than likely turn to an old-fashioned Google search for help. And while there is nothing wrong with turning to Google, it’s important to know that not all plumbing companies are created equal, and not all have the same qualifications either.

In this article, we’ll help you understand the difference between licensed and non-licensed plumbers, and why it is important to always hire a company that requires their plumbers to be licensed.

What are the requirements to be a licensed plumber?
Let’s start by understanding what it takes to become a licensed plumber. To get a plumbing license candidates need to complete at least 4 years in an apprentice school and pass rigorous tests at various stages. These tests include:

• Practical Plumbing Exam: to physically install, repair, and troubleshoot plumbing systems.
• Written Exam: to ensure an in-depth understanding of plumbing terminology.
• Drawing/Code Test: to properly size and design plumbing systems.

This multi-stage testing and extensive training approach is designed to ensure that all candidates have a deep understanding of plumbing systems, codes, and regulations.

Do all plumbers need a license?
This is where things get tricky. Some states may have requirements for licensed plumbers, but at the county or city level this could be different. For example, the State of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati require a state contractor license to be a plumber. But Hamilton County does not require a license to work on residential plumbing. Hamilton County only requires that plumbers pay a fee and register with the county. Which means in some areas, anyone can call themselves a “plumber” as long as they are registered.

If you are wondering how someone who is not licensed learns how to be a “plumber” and can provide plumbing services to residential customers, typically they are trained for a short amount of time under the supervision of a more experienced employee. After a few weeks of training, they are issued a truck/van and begin servicing residential customers on their own. The unfortunate part is that unknowing customers, who hire and trust these companies without realizing that some individuals may lack formal training and certification, could pay the price for their lack of knowledge and skills through costly or unnecessary repairs.

What are the benefits of hiring a licensed plumber?
In addition to the extensive training and skills that come with a licensed plumber, here are a few added benefits as well:

• Building Codes & Regulations: licensed plumbers ensure that all their work is compliant with local laws since they understand building codes and regulations.
• Insurance & Liability: homeowners will have peace of mind since licensed plumbers carry insurance that covers any damage or accidents that may happen on the job.
• Quality of Work & Cost Savings: since a licensed plumber is held to a higher standard, they will have a better quality of work which leads to efficient repairs and less possibility of recurring issues.
• Warranty & Guarantee: licensed plumbers typically guarantee their work since they are held accountable by their state’s licensing board and would not jeopardize losing their license or legal risk by providing faulty services.

Tips for hiring the “right” plumber instead of a “right now” plumber.
We know that it is tempting to hire based on cost. Thanks to inflation, the cost of living is at an all-time high so it is no wonder that people try to save money wherever they can. But as the old saying goes, you truly do “get what you pay for”. And in some cases, unlicensed plumbers are charging the same amount anyway. Here are a few tips to ensure you are hiring the right plumber for the job:

1. Proof of License: first and foremost, homeowners should ask if the contractor is a licensed plumber and if ALL their technicians are licensed as well. Blue Chip Plumbing only hires licensed plumbers and as you learned earlier in this article, that may not be the case for all companies.
2. Insurance Verification: ask for proof of insurance to ensure you are protected in the event that there are damages or an accident occurs.
3. References & Reviews: ask for references or read Google reviews to verify experience and customer satisfaction. The BBB is also a great resource for customer complaints.
4. Local Plumbing Codes: ask about their knowledge of local building codes to ensure that any projects will be up to code. This will not only ensure quality of work but also prevent any future issues if you plan to sell your home or do any major renovations.

In conclusion, it is important to understand that not all plumbing companies are equal. Understanding the differences will not only help you be aware, but it will also help you ask the right questions. This will aid you in getting the proof you need to make an informed decision and hire the “right” plumber for the job.

Did you know that Blue Chip Plumbing only hires licensed plumbers? By hiring Blue Chip Plumbing for your plumbing services you can have peace of mind knowing that they will have the skills and expertise to address any of your plumbing needs. If you would like more information or would like a quote on a plumbing project, contact one of our plumbing specialists here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820.