How long does it take to become a plumber?

Thinking about a career in plumbing but unsure of the journey? Plumbing, known for its high earning potential and job security, doesn’t require a college degree to get started. Our comprehensive guide will navigate you through every step – from obtaining your high school diploma to becoming a master plumber.

Key Takeaways

• To become a plumber, you need at least a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of a trade school or apprenticeship program. Math skills are important for measuring and fitting pipes accurately.
• Becoming a plumber usually involves starting as an apprentice, which takes about four to five years of hands-on training. Apprenticeships can be done with trade schools or private businesses.
• After completing the required apprenticeship hours, individuals can become journeyman plumbers and work independently on both commercial and residential projects. They may need to pass a licensing exam specific to their state.
• It may take around four to five years of hands – on training as an apprentice before individuals can become master plumbers. They may need to pass both written and practical exams to earn their license.

 

Understanding the Role of a Plumber

A plumber does many tasks. They work on water, heating and drainage systems. Plumber duties can include installing new systems or fixing old ones. They may need to respond to emergencies like leaks or blocked drains.

Plumbers also do jobs like repairing pipes, replacing parts, cutting pipes and joining fittings together. A good plumber must be strong and have great mechanical skills. They must know how to solve problems fast too! The role of a plumber is not just about using physical strength but it also calls for smart thinking.

Educational Requirements to Become a Plumber

To become a plumber, you will need at least a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of a trade school or apprenticeship program.

High School Diploma or GED

You need a high school diploma or GED to become a plumber. Math skills are very important in this job. Algebra and geometry help you measure, cut and fit pipes exactly right. Trade schools will ask for your high school records before they let you join their programs.

Your grades in math classes matter the most. If you didn’t finish high school, don’t worry! You can get a GED instead. This shows that you have the same skills as someone who did finish high school.

Learning starts after getting your diploma or GED. You can take more math classes at a community college if needed. Look for classes that teach about shape sizes and angles, numbers in word problems, and other basic algebra topics.

These skills make it easier to read blueprints and plan work on water systems.

Trade School or Apprenticeship Program

You can learn plumbing at a trade school or through an apprenticeship program. Trade schools offer lessons on pipe cutting, soldering and understanding plumbing codes. You may also earn a special certification or a two-year associate’s degree in plumbing.

Apprenticeships are more hands-on and take about four to five years to finish. These programs give you real work experience while you study subjects like water distribution, plumbing theory, and reading blueprints.

Both paths have their own benefits but choose the one that fits your learning style best.

Steps to Becoming a Plumber

To become a plumber, individuals must first start at the apprentice level, where they gain hands-on training and experience under the guidance of a licensed plumber. After completing the required number of apprenticeship hours, they can move on to become a journeyman plumber and eventually work towards becoming a master plumber.

Apprentice Level

You start as an apprentice in your journey to become a plumber. This level takes about four to five years. Here, you will work and learn at the same time. Apprenticeships are done with trade schools, private businesses, or community colleges.

You’ll spend around 2,000 hours doing hands-on training each year. In this stage, you learn plumbing codes and rules. You also learn how to read blueprints and stay safe with OSHA guidelines.

The apprenticeship helps you know all about fixtures and drainage systems too.

Journeyman Level

At the journeyman level of becoming a plumber, you have gained more experience and knowledge in the field. This is when you can work on both commercial and residential plumbing projects without supervision.

To reach this level, you need to pass a licensing exam specific to your state. You will also need to renew your license every three to five years. In some states, there is a requirement of working as a journeyman plumber for a certain number of years before you can become a master plumber.

So, at the journeyman level, you are able to take on more responsibilities and work independently in various plumbing projects.

Master Plumber Level

To reach the Master Plumber level, individuals usually need to complete about four to five years of hands-on training as apprentices. This training can be done through trade unions, community colleges, trade schools, or private businesses.

Once they become master plumbers, they have the ability to employ other plumbers for their own business. Some states may require individuals to work as journeyman plumbers for a certain number of years before becoming eligible for the master plumber level.

To earn their license at this level, individuals must pass both a written and practical exam.

Plumber Licensing Exam

To become a licensed plumber, you must pass the Journeyman Exam and Master Plumbers Exam, which test your knowledge of plumbing codes and regulations. Read more to find out how these exams play a crucial role in advancing your career as a plumber.

Journeyman Exam

To become a journeyman plumber, you need to pass the licensing exam in your state. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of plumbing, such as plumbing codes and regulations, blueprint reading, safety procedures, and more.

Once you pass the exam, you can work as a licensed journeyman plumber under the guidance of a master plumber. It’s important to note that some states may require a certain number of years working as a journeyman before becoming eligible for the master plumber exam.

Journeyman plumbers also need to renew their license every few years and participate in continued education to stay updated with new techniques and regulations. Passing the journeyman exam is an essential step towards advancing your career as a professional plumber.

Master Plumbers Exam

To become a master plumber, you need to pass a written and practical exam. This exam is required in order to earn your license as a master plumber. The exam tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of plumbing, including plumbing codes and regulations, blueprint reading, OSHA safety procedures, and more.

It is an important step in becoming a fully qualified and licensed master plumber. Once you pass the exam, you will have the opportunity to start your own plumbing business or employ other plumbers for your company.

Benefits of Becoming a Plumber

Becoming a plumber offers good income potential, job security, and continuous learning opportunities. Read more to discover the rewarding benefits of a plumbing career.

Good Income Potential

Plumbers have good income potential. Even without a college degree, plumbers can earn a high income. Journeyman plumbers can work on their own, both in commercial and residential projects, which allows them to make even more money.

Master plumbers can hire other plumbers for their business, creating additional income opportunities. If plumbers obtain certifications or a two-year associate’s degree in plumbing, they can further increase their earning potential.

So becoming a plumber can lead to a financially rewarding career path.

Job Security

Plumbing offers excellent job security. Once you become a journeyman plumber and obtain your license, you can expect consistent work opportunities. Plumbing is an essential trade, and there will always be a need for skilled plumbers to install, repair, and maintain water systems in homes and businesses.

Additionally, as plumbing systems age, there will be a demand for experienced plumbers to replace old pipes and fixtures. With the requirement to renew licenses regularly and participate in continued education, plumbers have the opportunity to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with industry advancements, ensuring ongoing job security throughout their careers.

Continuous Learning Opportunities

Continuous learning opportunities are a vital part of being a plumber. Plumbing codes and regulations change over time, so plumbers need to stay updated with the latest standards. Additionally, advancements in technology and new techniques in plumbing require ongoing education.

Plumbers can participate in workshops, seminars, or online courses to learn about new materials, tools, and practices. Continuing education helps plumbers improve their skills and stay competitive in the field.

It also allows them to renew their license every few years, as many states require plumbers to complete continued education credits for license renewal purposes.

Journeyman plumbers especially benefit from continuous learning opportunities. They can take advanced courses that focus on specialized areas such as green plumbing or medical gas systems.

These additional certifications enhance their expertise and expand their career options.

Conclusion

Becoming a plumber doesn’t require a college degree, but it does take time and dedication. You’ll need to complete an apprenticeship that can last around four to five years with hands-on training.

After that, you can become a journeyman plumber and work on your own. If you want to be a master plumber, you’ll need to pass exams and gain more experience. It may take some time, but the rewards of becoming a skilled plumber are worth it in terms of job security and potential income.