The world of plumbing is nothing like what you see on TV. In real life, plumbers are not the stereotypical clumsy slob that you see wandering around on TV and in the movies. The truth is – becoming a licensed plumber is not an easy process. In fact, top plumbers can go through more than a decade of training!
Before you even consider trying to become a successful licensed plumber, you need to make sure that you meet certain requirements, such as:
- You need to be good at math and measurements
- You need to be good with your hands
- You need to be comfortable working in tight spaces
- You need to be in good shape (after all, plumbing can be tough work!)
- You need to be good with tools
- You need to have good problem-solving skills
- You need to be able to work with a variety of people
But, plumbing isn’t just about having good physical and mental attributes. In order to become a licensed plumber, you have to go through a long and rigorous training program.
Before you can even try to become a licensed plumber, you will have to spend 4-5 years as an apprentice plumber. Unlike internships, apprentices are paid. As a plumbing apprentice, you can expect to make about half of what a licensed plumber makes. Your salary will likely go up as your skills improve.
You can apply to be a plumbing apprentice in one of two ways:
- You can join your local union and apply for their Plumber Apprentice Program
- Or, you can head to your local trade school and join their apprentice program
In many places, it can be incredibly difficult to join a union. That’s why trade school programs are so popular. Just make sure that your trade school offers the proper apprentice curriculum. Plumbing apprenticeships offer training both in the classroom and on the job; you have to do both to be considered a true apprentice. As an apprentice, you will accompany licensed plumbers on calls. You will learn from them and help them complete various tasks.
Once your apprenticeship program ends, you will have to pass a few tests in order to become a licensed plumber. Each state has its own set of plumbing tests that you have to pass before you can get a license. And, if you joined your local union, you will have to pass a trade test that is administered by them.
After you pass your tests, you will officially be a licensed journeyman plumber – which means you will get a pay raise, and you will finally be able to start working by yourself. As an added benefit, in most states, a plumber’s license covers both gas and water applications.
Journeyman plumbers handle a variety of tasks, like assembling and installing plumbing systems, laying and connecting pipes, installing appliances, doing pressure tests, and making sure that systems comply with safety standards.
But, once you are a journeyman plumber, there is still room to reach even higher in the plumbing industry. If you really want to expand your career opportunities, you can become a master plumber. Master plumbers get to take on much more complex responsibilities, like designing blueprints and new layouts.
Becoming a master plumber is not easy, though. To do it, you will have to spend 4-5 years as a journeyman plumber. Then, you will have to take another test that is regulated by the state you live in. Master plumber tests are incredibly difficult; you may be tested on state plumbing codes, how to install or repair complex plumbing systems, or how to manage complex plumbing projects.
Consider that the next time you see a sloppy plumber on TV!