When a plumbing emergency occurs, such as a backed up toilet in the middle of the night, a plumber is usually called in to take care of the problem. Plumbers not only take care of emergencies, but they’re also trained to install bathroom and kitchen fixtures like sinks, toilets, faucets, and hot water dispensers, among other items.
If there are burst or leaky pipes, a plumber can also either fix the leak by installing a new washer or valve, or replace the burst or broken pipe. Plumbers do this a lot, but they are only called in to fix existing problems and do not get involved with plumbing renovations or new construction.
When people want to renovate a kitchen or bathroom, a Plumbing Contractor is called in to help revamp the plumbing. Along with everything that a plumber can do, a contractor is responsible for designing the layout of pipes for new construction or for a renovation. Along with waterlines, contractors need to know how to work with gas lines and drainage pipes as well.
Contractors have to make sure that the plumbing for new construction or for a house remodel meets all local, state, and federal building codes for both residential and commercial construction. For commercial construction, contractors also have to make sure the plumbing and fixtures meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines as well.
Anyone employed in the plumbing field has to be licensed in order to work with residential or commercial plumbing, unless they are apprenticing under a licensed plumber or a Plumbing Contractor. A contractor has to be a licensed plumber first, but the requirements for a contracting license vary from state to state. Most states require that someone looking to become a contractor is experienced before they can get their license. Anywhere from two to five years of plumbing experience is required in most areas.
Although no degree is required to work in the plumbing industry, those who want to be contractors and open their own businesses could benefit from a business degree. Most states charge exam and licensing fees for those seeking to be contractors in the plumbing industry.
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