Do you want to launch a company that will provide adequately for your family? Do you like assisting people with simple plumbing issues and emergency situations? Do you fancy yourself a wonderful generalist capable of fixing every kind of plumbing or bathroom appliance? Then perhaps you could think about becoming a plumber.
Plumbers are experts in fixing and installing plumbing systems for homes, businesses, and factories. Licensed and insured, these organizations can handle every plumbing need, from new construction to routine maintenance to unexpected breakdowns.
Contractors in the plumbing industry must handle all aspects of running a company, including hiring and firing personnel, budgeting, and promoting their services to customers. They must also make sure that their business follows all plumbing and building codes in effect in the areas in which they operate.
Services Most Often Offered by Plumbers
The following are some of the most common services offered by plumbers:
New plumbing systems, including water supply, drainage, and sewage systems, and fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers, can be installed in any type of structure by a licensed plumber.
Leaks, blockages, and broken pipes are just some of the problems that plumbers are trained to identify and fix. Pipe wrenches, pliers, and sewer snakes are just some of the specialist tools and equipment they may utilize.
Maintenance services from licensed plumbers may keep pipes in good working order and save money on emergency repairs. Plumbing inspections, water heater checkups, and drain cleaning are all examples of what this may include.
Repair for broken pipes, water leaks, and similar emergencies may be available around the clock from some plumbing companies.
When designing plumbing systems for new buildings, plumbers often collaborate with architects, builders, and engineers. They could also offer advice on which plumbing fixtures and systems would be appropriate for a client’s home.
Plumbing contractors may choose to take on the role of project manager, overseeing the entire project from start to finish.
To make sure their clients’ plumbing systems are up to code with municipal, state, and federal laws, plumbers may conduct inspections. They may also furnish records and reports to prove their obedience.
Remodeling and renovation services, as well as water conservation and energy-efficient plumbing solutions, may be additional offerings from plumbing contractors.
To become a licensed plumber, one has to have worked in the field for a particular period of time and pass an examination. Plumbers need to be business savvy in areas like marketing, management, and finance, in addition to their technical expertise.
All things considered, plumbing contractors are crucial to the efficient operation of our homes and businesses. They aid in making sure that everyone has access to potable water, that garbage is taken away in an orderly fashion, and that plumbing systems run smoothly. As plumbing services remain in high demand and new technologies are introduced, the industry has a promising future.
Plumbers' Average Pay
Experience, geographic area, business kind, and the plumbing contractor’s output can all have an impact on their earnings. Because they are responsible for running a business, supervising other plumbers, and offering a wider variety of services to customers, plumbing contractors typically earn more than individual plumbers.
As of May 2020, the median annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $56,330, as reported by the BLS. However, this number does not include the salary of plumbing contractors; it is merely the median wage for individual plumbers.
Payscale reports that a plumbing contractor in the United States may expect an annual pay of around $77,000. Location, years of experience, and the size of the company are just a few of the variables that might affect a person’s salary, which can range from $42,000 to $143,000.
How to Get Started as a Plumber
To become a plumber, you need to study, pass exams, get licensed, and have a head for business. Here is a detailed explanation of the steps required to start a plumbing business:
Acquiring a diploma or GED:
To enter the field of plumbing contracting, you must have completed high school or obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
The Second Step is to Get Some Plumbing Experience:
Plumbing contractors need extensive experience, which may be gained through an apprenticeship or by working for an established firm. Learn as much as you can about plumbing installation, upkeep, and repair.
Third, become licensed as a plumber:
A plumbing license is required to work as a plumber. While each state has its own set of rules for obtaining a plumbing license, in most of them you need to have worked as a plumber for a specific amount of time and passed an examination.
RECEIVING A HISTORICAL VERIFICATION-
If you want to work as a plumber, you’ll need to show that you’re not a criminal. Since joining the military also necessitates passing a state and federal criminal background check, this may not be an issue for you. A background check is required before taking the licensing exam. You need to use a fingerprinting service that is recognized by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to submit your fingerprints.
Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service is a great option if you’re having trouble deciding on a fingerprinting service.
The Fingerprinting company was started by a Veteran and now has many sites. When you use Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service, you can expect prompt service and accurate results; fingerprints are sent to the appropriate agency on the same day, and a report is ready in only two days. As a result, you won’t have to worry about anything but getting the license.
SUBMITTING A LICENSE APPLICATION-
After you have double confirmed that you satisfy all of the criteria, you may submit your application for the license. A downloadable application form is available online in the majority of states.
However, in other jurisdictions, residents are required to print out the application and submit it by snail mail. You should bring a copy of your apprenticeship certificate and all letters of recommendation with you when you apply for the license.
State licensing requirements and associated costs are subject to change. Prices can go as high as $600. The fee is due at the time of application for the license. However, as a veteran, you are eligible for a 100% reimbursement under the VA’s educational assistance program.
PREPARE FOR THE TEST-
You may expect to get a package of sample tests once you’ve applied for the license. Before your exam day, make sure you have thoroughly reviewed all of the practice materials. Keep records of your apprenticeship to assist you study later. Depending on the type of license you’re seeking, the exam might last anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours.
OBTAINING ONE'S PERMIT-
You are prepared to take the test once you have built up your application and studied thoroughly. Obtaining a valid license is a necessary first step before working as a self-employed plumber. After you’ve passed the exam and received your license, you may officially call yourself a plumber. You need 70% or higher to pass this test.
Acquire Professional Competencies:
The ability to run a profitable business is also essential for a career in plumbing contracting. Accounting, finance, marketing, and managerial expertise are all part of it. You should think about enrolling in business school or pursuing a business administration degree.
Get covered by insurance and bonded:
Insurance and surety bonds are a need for every plumbing contractor worth their salt. Surety bonds, workers’ compensation insurance, and liability insurance are all a part of this package.
Get your credentials in order:
It is essential for aspiring plumbers to earn credentials in backflow prevention, medical gas installation, and green plumbing before entering the field. It’s a great way to show off your skills and set yourself apart from the competition.
Launch a Plumbing Contracting Company:
You may begin your plumbing contracting firm when you have attained the necessary plumbing license, business acumen, insurance, bonds, and certifications. First, you need to come up with a business strategy, then register your company, then get all the appropriate permissions and licenses, and last, start looking for customers.
To become a plumber, you need to study, pass exams, get licensed, and have a head for business. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a prosperous and satisfying career as a plumbing contractor in no time.
Obtaining a Florida Plumbing Contractor License
Earning your Plumbing Contractor License will open doors to many opportunities.
First and foremost, if you want to lawfully do plumbing work in Florida, you need a license from the state.
A license in your field attests to your expertise and experience.
When it comes to public and government contracts, only plumbing contractors who have obtained their licenses are eligible to submit bids.
Having a license safeguards your business and your clients.
Having a license will set you apart from other applicants when looking for work.
Your prospective earnings will rise as a result.
Use Your VA Benefits to Become a Plumber
Veterans may make a smooth transition into a new job and launch successful enterprises by obtaining a plumbing contractor license with the help of their VA benefits. Veterans may get the knowledge and training they need to become successful plumbers by taking advantage of the VA’s many educational and training perks.
Veteran plumbing contractors can take advantage of the following VA programs.
- Veterans and their dependents may be able to receive funding for higher education and vocational training thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You may utilize the money from your benefits to get a plumbing education or certification without having to worry about where you’ll live.
- Veterans with service-connected impairments are eligible for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits under the VR&E program. Veterans may get the training and credentials they need to start their own plumbing businesses thanks to this initiative.
- Veterans who served for at least two years in the armed forces are entitled to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill. Plumbing certification and training programs can be funded through these perks.
- Benefits for veterans’ education and training are available through the VA’s Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program if they are enrolled in a recognized apprenticeship or OJT program. Veterans may get the training and credentials they need to start their own plumbing businesses thanks to this initiative.
- The SBA’s Veterans Advantage Loan Program is designed to help service members and veterans get the funding they need to launch or grow a small company. Funding to launch a plumbing contracting firm is available through this program for military veterans.
Checking a Florida Plumber's License
Florida requires plumbers to take 24 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their license current. These rules are in place to guarantee that plumbers in Florida are current on all relevant codes and standards.The general public and company owners alike can check the validity of a plumber’s license in the state of Florida by visiting the website of the Department of company & Professional Regulation and doing a search for a license using the plumber’s name, license number, city/county, or licensing type. If the license is “Current,” “Expired,” “Inactive,” or “Void,” the website will let you know.
In conclusion
The Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, the Veterans Employment and Training Service, and the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program are all additional services and assistance programs that veterans can take use of in addition to these VA benefits.
Using VA funding to train for a profession as a plumber is a great option for veterans looking to enter a new field and launch their own enterprises. Veterans may have fulfilling and successful careers as plumbers with the right education, training, and support.
FAQs
Florida requires four years of experience in the field before issuing a plumbing license. No license is needed to begin an apprenticeship. You can become a licensed plumber and work as a journeyman after completing an apprenticeship.
Contractors from out of state can now apply for a Florida license without first passing the state’s test. Contractors who have held valid licenses in another state for at least ten years may now apply for reciprocity under the new law.
As of the 27th of October, 2022, a plumber’s pay in the United States averages $60,338, with a usual range of $52,267 to $68,722.