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Homeowners often confuse a plumbing contractor with a plumber. However, they are two different things. It can be confusing because these two terms are often used interchangeably. You might now be wondering what is the difference. You can hire or contact a plumber if you have a plumbing issue, such as a clogged sink or toilet. Plumbers often work for plumbing contractors. Plumbing contractors are almost exclusively involved in new customer acquisition, remodeling, and tasks involving the water supply system or septic tank of a building. Plumbing contractors may be employed by smaller companies. The plumbing trade has the second-highest average annual salary in the industry at $58 360. Continue reading to find out more about what a plumber is and what a plumbing contractor is.
What Is a Plumber?
Plumbing emergencies or standard plumbing services are often the first things that building managers or homeowners call a plumber for. Plumbers’ typical tasks include unclogging toilets and fixing broken pipes. Plumbing experts consider these minor repairs, even though they may seem drastic to the homeowner. Apprenticeship programs are common for plumbers. Plumbers learn to install plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs and showers. They also learn how toilets work, and they can even install food disposals.
What Is a Plumbing Contractor’s Roles and Responsibilities?
The tasks of a plumbing contractor are more complicated than those of a plumber. The plumbing contractor can install electric or gas water heaters, and construct the building’s waste or water disposal system. Plumbing contractors are needed for installations like backflow prevention, gas controls, and other waste system services. It is not a comprehensive list of plumbing contractor tasks, but it does include some that are more complicated than those performed by a plumber. What do plumbing contractors train for? Plumbing contractors undergo training and certifications to provide any plumbing services.
Plumbing contractors can also act as consultants for clients during the planning phase. Plumbing contractors have several responsibilities. They ensure that new construction or maintenance complies with all local, state, and federal regulations, and that commercial plumbing adheres to the Americans and Disabilities Act. They also have the responsibility of the final inspection, where they assess and evaluate the plumbing work they do during the building phase.
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Requirements
Plumbing contractors and plumbers require different licensing levels. The Division of Labor requires that all employees who perform plumbing work be certified and licensed. Plumbing contractors are expected to have excellent customer service skills, mechanical and interpersonal skills, troubleshooting ability, physical strength, and knowledge of plumbing tools and systems. To become a plumber, you must also meet the requirements: Becoming an apprentice, obtaining a master plumbing license, and obtaining a contractor’s license.
Apprenticeship
Plumbers learn their trade through apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships can be sponsored by local unions, companies, or contractors. The time required to complete them varies, ranging from four to five. These programs require you to complete educational hours as well as on-the-job learning. The educational hours are completed at trade or tech schools, where students learn about plumbing codes, regulations, and blueprint reading. On-the-job training involves practical experience in the use of appliances, fixtures, pipes, etc.
Master Plumbers License
You can become a journeyman plumber after completing an apprenticeship program. You can now work independently without supervision. To obtain a master plumber license, you must submit your fees and application to the state licensing agency. You also need to pass an assessment. To obtain a master plumbing license, one must meet the qualifications and pass a separate exam. They also need to adhere to all state requirements.
Contractor’s Licence
To become a plumber, you must obtain a contractor license. Plumbing contractors who are licensed own their own business. They may also hire or subcontract other contractors that are licensed in different trades. The licensing requirements of each state vary. However, they usually include an application fee and passing classes on comprehensive business, law, and building codes.
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Do You Need to Hire a Plumber?
You can hire a plumber to perform basic plumbing tasks. For more complex tasks and projects, you will need to hire an experienced plumbing contractor. Your general contractor will likely recommend a plumber that they’ve worked with on other projects when you are building a new home. Plumbing contractors may be recommended by family members, neighbors, or friends. You can get the best referrals by asking friends and family who they would recommend.
Plumbers will expect to be paid on the same day as service or in a timely fashion. Plumbers make payments differently; they ask clients to pay a deposit before they begin working. The deposit is usually a fraction (usually half) of the estimate, which is then subtracted from the final cost. If you pay the deposit up front, plumbing contractors may be more flexible. They will send you a bill you can pay later.
Conclusion
You should consider the job at hand when choosing between a plumbing contractor or a plumber. The plumber will refer you to the plumbing contractor if the task is too complex or beyond the plumber’s capabilities. Plumbers are usually employed by plumbing contractors and deal with minor issues like burst pipes and overflowing toilets. Plumbing contractors can handle more complex problems that plumbers cannot. They can repair or replace systems relating to water, gas, water heaters, and other connections. Both are essential, but you must know the difference.
