When there is a problem with your house’s plumbing, you might think that you can easily fix that problem without the need of a professional since it seems easy, and even though some things are easy to fix, not all plumbing work is the same as some need expertise or even license to operate on even if it is your own house.
The requirements for this depend on the state you are in because some states might require a license for something but some states might not.
However, there is a couple of plumbing work that you can do without a license in nearly every state, and this article will seek to explore those.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace showerheads, floor grates & water filter, get a new toilet seat, connect or replace your washing machine hoses, fixing a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, etc. without a license.
- You cannot do bathroom renovations of its plumbing systems, install a hot water heater, replace the pipes inside your house, or carry out other complicated work without a license.
The Dangers Of Working Without License
The first thing you need to know before learning about the plumbing work you can do without any license is the dangers that you are facing when you do plumbing work without the necessary license.
Even though there are many things to cover, the two most important things are that the plumbing work you do might not be good for inspections, and it might create health hazards for you and for those living in the house.
Since you are not licensed, you might not be aware of what an inspection requires with your work, and if you fail to hold up to these requirements, you might face legal and financial penalties that could create massive problems for your budget and house altogether.
In addition to that, if someone catches you doing a plumbing job that requires a license without a license, you might get penalties for that, too.
Plumbing Work That You Can Do Without License
There are some simple plumbing jobs that do not require a license in the majority of the states, but it is worth knowing that some states might still require you to hold a plumbing license to do some of these jobs or some other jobs that a couple of states allows doing without a license.
You can carry out the following jobs without a plumbing license:
- Replace showerheads.
- Get a new toilet seat.
- Replace your floor grates and water filter.
- Connect or replace your washing machine hoses.
- Fixing a leaky faucet or a clogged drain.
- Installing new fixtures, such as toilets and sinks.
- Install new pipes and fittings.
However, it is important to note that unlicensed plumbers cannot work on gas lines or perform any type of work that requires a permit.
Also Read: How Much Money To Start A Plumbing Business Of 2023?
Which Plumbing Work Cannot be Done Without a License?
Complicated plumbing jobs require a license, and if you do these jobs without a license, you might get a penalty if authorities catch you.
These complicated jobs include:
- Bathroom renovations of its plumbing systems.
- Installing a hot water heater.
- Replacing the pipes inside your house.
- Sanitary plumbing and other complicated works.
Also Read: How Much Do Plumbing Business Owners Make Of 2023?
Where Can I Get Plumbing License?
Getting a plumbing license is not an easy task, and it requires a lot of years of training.
As a professional licensed plumber, you can make $200,000 per year on average, and as a plumbing business owner, you can get a lot of independence too.
But all this requires you to have a license. To obtain a plumbing license, you generally have to follow three steps:
- Participating in a journeyman plumber’s apprenticeship.
- Qualifying for your state’s plumbing license exam.
- And passing that test.
The apprenticeship period lasts for 4-5 years and is the most difficult part. But during this time, you learn all the essential traits to become a plumber.
For example, you are taught business practices, OSHA safety and blueprint reading, invoicing and contracting, etc.
As far as the licensing is concerned, the requirements differ from state to state. You can check out your local state plumber license requirement for more details.
The last step would be to pass an exam to obtain the license and legal right to work as a plumber.
Here are Tips From Reddit Users
What am I allowed to do without a license?
by u/unlockita11 in Plumbing
Pros & Cons of DIY Plumbing
Pros
- You get to save money.
Cons
- Insurance companies may not assist you if something goes wrong.
- You may overlook a potential error.
- Anything you break will not be covered in the warranty.
- If you get caught, you will have to pay hefty penalties.
The Verdict
To conclude, plumbing might seem easy when you look from the outside, and some plumbing jobs are indeed easy, like replacing showerheads or things that do not need renovation altogether; these jobs do not require a license, and you can do them without a license.
To get jobs, you need to get hands-on qualified leads, Here are 4 methods to generate plumbing leads for your business.
However, not every work can be done without a license; some plumbing work needs a plumbing license that requires you to be an expert on the topic so that you can live up to everything that legality needs for inspections and for health concerns.
Also Read: 17 Amazing Ways To Get More Plumbing Leads
FAQ
When to call a licensed plumber?
Taking the DIY route in order to save money might seem tempting, but we recommend you call a professional unless you are very confident about fixing a minor problem.
A professional will be able to help you out in the best way possible..
Is it mandatory to have a license to work as a plumber?
Many states compulsorily require you to have a license in order to work as a plumber, such as California, Newyork, etc., and obtaining a plumber license can also help you in increasing your pay considerably.
However, some states, such as Kansas, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Missouri, etc., do not require any license. 4
Do I need a license to perform plumbing in Florida?
Yes, you are required to have a license to work as a plumber in Florida.
Amit Gupta is the founder of National Planning Cycles, a company that helps startups, individuals, and small businesses with their financial planning. He has a vast amount of experience in the finance sector, having managed Google Play accounts for some of the world’s most successful unicorns. Amit is an expert in his field, and he uses his knowledge to help others achieve their individual goals.
ARTICLE SOURCES
The National Planning Cycles is committed to producing high-quality content that follows industry standards. We do this by using primary sources, such as white papers and government data alongside original reporting from reputable publishers that were appropriate for the accuracy of information while still being unbiased. We have an editorial policy that includes verifiable facts with due credit given where applicable.
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