Licensed and Insured As a Plumber Near Me
Whether you’re installing a new hot tub, plumbing for a new addition or fixing a leak in your home, a plumber can be invaluable. And a licensed, insured one can help you save money in the long run.
A plumbing license is not the same as a business license, but it’s important to check both before hiring someone. A business license identifies a company’s legal status and outlines the specific services it provides. A plumbing license, on the other hand, demonstrates that a contractor has the skills, expertise, and experience to handle your job.
Most states have licensing requirements for plumber near me, and it can take a lot of work to become certified. It involves a combination of education, apprenticeship, and testing. The requirements vary by state, but generally a person must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also attend an approved vocational or technical training program in plumbing.
Are You Licensed and Insured As a Plumber Near Me?
Some cities and counties require a certain number of hours of hands-on experience before granting a plumbing license. For example, Colorado requires applicants to have at least 6,800 hours of plumbing experience before they can apply for a journeyman’s license.
There are also many different licenses that allow a plumber to specialize in a particular area of the trade. For instance, a master plumber can perform work on commercial properties, while a pipefitter can repair or install pipes that carry gas, water, and steam.
Licensing in most states takes years and requires a significant amount of education and hands-on experience. Most states also require plumbers to pass specialized examinations to qualify for their license.
Most states require licensed plumbers to be insured, and a good insurance policy will cover damages to your property. It should also protect you in the event of injuries or death while on a job site.
An important aspect of a good insurance policy is that it will cover your business vehicles, such as a van or truck. These vehicles often travel to different jobs sites and are used for transporting tools, equipment, materials, and supplies.
Moreover, it can protect your business from financial losses due to accidents on the road and theft or damage of equipment. In fact, it may be necessary to buy a special contractors equipment policy because the majority of plumbers have a large variety of tools and equipment they use for their plumbing business.
A good insurance policy will also protect your employees from injuries or medical expenses while they’re on the job. Workers’ compensation policies usually cover employees’ medical costs and a portion of lost wages if they are injured while working for your company.
Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states, so a plumber can be licensed in one place and work in another. However, these agreements are on a case-by-case basis and are typically only granted to qualified plumbers.
You can also verify that a plumber is licensed by calling the local plumbing board in your city or county. These agencies typically have a website where you can check if your potential plumber has a valid license, and they also have a hotline you can call to report a complaint.