Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in buildings. They also maintain plumbing fixtures and appliances.
A career as a plumber offers excellent job security and a high median salary. However, it requires a great deal of education and training.
Plumbers are skilled workers who work with pipes and fluid systems that bring water, waste, and gas to homes and buildings. Their jobs include installing, repairing, and maintaining these systems in residential and commercial settings. They must also understand building codes and perform work that is consistent with local laws and regulations.
Plumber education is available at community colleges, trade schools, and other educational institutions. Some programs provide a certificate or diploma. Others prepare students for certification exams, and some offer online courses.
Most plumbers get their training in an apprenticeship program. These programs take four to five years to complete, and they typically combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience under a licensed plumber. Apprentices learn everything from blueprint reading to piping theory, safety standards, and plumbing codes.
Some plumbing apprenticeships are offered through unions. These unions may help aspiring plumbers find employers and pay for some of the costs of their training. These apprenticeships are often more competitive than traditional educational paths, so they can help you gain a foothold in the plumbing industry before moving on to a job with more autonomy and higher pay.
It has several apprenticeships that are available through contractor organizations and unions. Those interested can find information on these programs through the local branches of these organizations or unions.
Once the apprentice has completed their program, they can apply for licensure in their state. Most states require two to five years of experience before a journeyman plumber can be licensed.
After licensing, a journeyman plumber can start working independently. However, they must keep their license current and renew it every year. Many states also require professional or master plumbers to be certified in specific areas.
The plumber industry is on the upswing, and the outlook for these jobs in the near future looks good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that plumber jobs across the country will grow by two percent from 2021 to 2031.
If you’re looking to start your own plumbing business, you need to be licensed in the state in which you’ll be operating. There are a number of different license types, including those for journeyman plumbers and master plumbers. Most states require candidates to meet education and experience requirements before they can sit for a license exam.
Depending on your area of the country, you may be required to obtain both a state-issued license and a city- or county-issued license. Some states, require a business license and insurance coverage in addition to the state-issued license.
You need a plumbing contractor’s license from the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance to perform commercial or residential work in the state. There are also state-issued limited license plumber (LLP) licenses for smaller projects that cost less than $25,000. Regardless of your type of plumbing work, you must be licensed to do work in your local jurisdiction.
You can apply for a plumbing contractor’s license at the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors, online. You can also contact your local city or county to find out if you need a city or county license.
Getting your state-issued plumbing license is important because it shows that you have the experience and training needed to do the job. It can also protect you from potential legal issues.
Most states require that all plumbers have liability insurance and a surety bond. This is to protect homeowners and businesses from any accidents that occur on the job. Unlicensed plumbers may not have this insurance, which can result in property damage and even lawsuits.
Some states offer special licenses for plumbers that specialize in particular areas of the trade, such as water-source piping or gas-line piping. These special licenses can help ensure that the proper piping is installed.
