A plumber license is required in order to practice as a plumber in most places, and it indicates that all education and training has been completed to work in clients' homes with their plumbing. The process of getting a license, however, varies based on location. The first step is to complete a plumbing program at a plumbing school, after which a license may be applied for and obtained if all required steps are followed.
Plumbing school consists of training in interpreting construction drawings; assembling, installing, and testing plumbing systems; repairing water heating systems; installing plumbing for dishwashers and other appliances; and starting a plumbing business. If a student does not wish to start his or her own business, he or she may work for a contractor, such as a construction company, water treatment center, or power plant. Knowing the ins and outs of the various plumbing specialties can lead to more recommendations and more business.
Before a plumber can get a license, he or she must be proficient in making sure that water is running properly and fixing pipes that leak, freeze, or burst. When companies or individuals hire a plumber, they expect the professionals to be able to identify the problem and fix it. Emergency plumbers are often needed by companies that rely on facilities at top functioning levels because of their constant use.
No educational prerequisites are required for plumbing school, but prospective plumbers should enjoy working on hands-on projects, be adept at using tools, and be motivated to succeed. After the education program, training is required, which usually takes place as an actual plumber job under the supervision of a professional with more experience. Following this training, an aspiring plumber must take and pass an examination before a license may be applied for.
Links to the application for a plumber license can generally be found on a commerce website, either in the Resources section or under a heading such as Business Licenses or Professional Licenses. Some sites allow visitors to select their location, and it will automatically direct them to the local plumber form. Other sites require searching for a general application.
Once the form is located, the plumber must fill it out completely. It will ask for detailed descriptions of the person’s education, training, and experience as a plumber. The form will also likely ask for the names and contact information of the plumbers who the student worked with while completing training. The form and associated fee, which varies by location, must be either mailed to the address listed or submitted online according to the directions on the website. Assuming that the application is approved, the license should arrive between a week and a month later.