For many people, there’s no difference between plumbers and plumber contractors. They call plumbers plumber contractors and plumber contractors, plumbers and see no problem in this substitution of concepts. However, at the 5 Star plumbing company, we know there is a significant difference between these two categories of professionals.
In this article, we’ll try to distinguish these categories and highlight the main differences in the work of representatives of these two professions.
Who is a Plumber
For example, you have a leaky sink or a clogged toilet. You need to call a professional to fix the problem. If the scale of the problem is so low, you need to call a plumber, as plumbers are responsible for dealing with problems like these.
They are the first people you need to contact when you have issues with one or a few following plumbing:
- Shower drains;
- Bathtubs;
- Water filtration;
- Faucets;
- Showers;
- Food disposals;
- Sinks;
- Hot water dispensers.
If there’s a plumbing emergency, householders need to call a plumber. If they need some basic plumbing service, they need to call a plumber, as well. These specialists are responsible for dealing with such tasks as unclogging toilets or fixing drains. Even though they deal with such responsible tasks, people consider plumbers specialists for minor repairs.
Plumbers learn to fix showers, bathtubs, food disposals, toilets, sinks, and built-in water dispensers under the guidance of experienced plumbers. Once they learn all the basic rules and techniques under the guidance of the professional, they are ready to work on their own.
Usually, plumbers work for plumber contractors, but if there’s a small business, a plumber can substitute a plumber contractor, as well. It’s only possible if this plumber has the proper qualification.
Who is a Plumber Contractor
Plumber contractors, like plumbers, know how to deal with standard plumbing issues. But plumbing contractors, unlike plumbers, have a wider area of responsibility. Also, the tasks in this area of responsibility are more complex.
As we already mentioned, if you need to unclog the toilet, you need to call a plumber (though a plumber contractor knows how to deal with this issue, too). But if you need to install a water heater, gas connections, gas valves, or backflow prevention, or if you want to construct a waste disposal system, contact a plumber contractor.
Some of the plumbing issues a plumber contractor can deal with:
- Consult clients in the planning phase (They check whether the maintenance or new constructions aren’t violating local, federal, or state laws during the plumbing process. They also check if the commercial plumbing meets the demands of the Americans and Disabilities Act (ADA));
- Build a new water system;
- Control the plumbing process;
- Inspect the completed work;
- Set water heaters and gas connections.
The reason why plumber constructors can deal with such severe issues is the level of their preparation. Working under the guidance of an experienced plumber is not the only option for them as they go through several levels of preparation before they can claim themselves professionals in the plumbing sphere.
How to Become a Plumber Contractor
The first thing both plumbers and plumber contractors should have is a license by the Division of Labor. Without this, plumbers can’t complete even basic plumbing services. Without this license, plumber contractors can’t consult clients and call themselves professionals.
Also, plumber contractors and plumbers (and especially contractors) should have people and mechanical skills, knowledge in customer service, troubleshooting abilities, physical stamina, and awareness of the latest plumbing tools and systems.
Additionally to all the demands mentioned above, plumber contractors have to complete the further levels of preparation:
- Become a trainee;
- Receive a master plumber license;
- Receive a plumber contractor’s license.
Training
The standard period of apprentice training is about four to five years, and usually, you can get sponsorship from some company, local union, or contractor to attend this training. To complete the training, you have to attend the required amount of educational hours and on-the-job training. You can complete educational hours at technical schools where you learn blueprint reading, regulations, plumbing codes, and other theoretical parts of the plumbing profession. During the on-the-job training, you learn how to work with water pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing.
Master Plumber License
Once you complete the apprentice training, you become a trainee plumber. It means you can work without being controlled by an experienced contractor. To receive a master plumber license, you have to pass an exam, satisfy state requirements, submit necessary requests and fees to the state licensing agency, and pass an evaluation.
Plumber Contractor’s License
To satisfy the requirements and receive a plumber contractor’s license, you need to submit all necessary fees and attend classes in law, business, and building codes. Once you do this, you get the plumber contractor’s license, and from that moment, you can have your own plumbing business, hire plumbers, and give them work so they can work for you.
