The time to make a list of plumbers that are licensed is not when there is a plumbing emergency. When a person needs a licensed plumber, the last thing he wants to do or even has the time luxury to do, is to check to see what that plumber’s qualifications are in the midst of trying to get the flooding basement fixed. If that same person had a list of three or four plumbers that he knew were qualified, then he could go about getting estimates from each one of them and then decide on which one works best from the time and cost quote.

How to Choose

The best way to compile a list of plumbers is to start talking to people about their experiences with plumbers. People that have used a plumber have great advice as to which ones were good and which ones are not, and it is important to keep both in mind and the reasons why. Ask family, friends and neighbors what the plumbing problem was and who fixed it, and then ask whether they were satisfied with the work based on expertise, cost and time.

If that does not work, there are plenty of websites for people who need a licensed plumber. Usually these lists are compiled by county or city, and will link directly to that plumbing company’s website for more information. That way the person can double check the licensing policies of the company and see what the lowest license is for their plumbers. This will help an individual choose the highest qualified companies for their list.

If a person is needing a licensed plumber right away because it is an emergency, online or phonebook contact information is probably the fastest means of contacting companies. It is important from the start of the conversation with the company to find out their licensing policies, because if the job is complex, a Journeyman or Master license is what an individual should look for in the plumber who takes the position. He should only get quotes from companies that meet his requirements, or he may find himself at a later date fixing the problem that an inexperienced or under-qualified plumber left behind.

It is always important also to get quotes from at least three companies before choosing one when needing a licensed plumber. Even if the situation needs immediate help, plumbing companies usually send people for quotes right away in emergency situations, so that the quotes can be made quickly and a choice can be made. The quotes should always be in writing with the time, cost, materials and repairs to be made clearly listed out so that there is not confusion on any side.

Sealing pipes and hoses during plumbing projects is critical. That’s obvious. But how to do that correctly can be a little trickier than it looks.

The first tip follows the old mechanic’s rule: the right tool for the right job.

Select sealant according to its proper purpose. Use plumber’s putty for securing sink flanges when installing a garbage disposal unit. Use special-made toilet bowl grease to seal the base of the bowl to the trap (the hole or pipe out which the water is flushed). Use silicon caulk for shower pipes and spouts. And so on.

Never be tempted to substitute, for example, PVC pipe glue to seal a flange or sink where plumber’s putty is called for. Don’t use it to secure hoses. You’ll never get them loose again and, someday, they will have to be replaced.

Be sparing but not stingy.

The right amount of plumber’s putty, say a 1/4 inch bead around the rim of a newly installed sink, makes for a good seal. Use too much and you have an unsightly mess. Too little and you can end up with small holes or cracks that lead to leaks.

Remove any excess before it can dry, but take care not to wipe so strongly that you take away what’s supposed to be there. Also, excess sealant, whether plumber’s putty or silicon caulk, can leave ridges that give you something to bump against with a pan or knife. That can lead to tearing. Simply wipe the excess with a finger or slightly damp sponge shortly after application. Then, carefully wipe up any smears before they dry.

Be generous with Teflon plumber’s tape.

It is possible to use too much, leading to small channels through which water can escape. But it’s rare. It’s extremely flexible and compressible. That makes it hard to overdo the job. However, if you wind on too much it can make fitting on a new hose or threading a pipe difficult or impossible.

Wind it in the proper direction.

When fitting on a hose, it doesn’t matter which way the tape is wound. But if the project calls for threading on a pipe, twisting can undo the Teflon tape. Wind the tape so that the tail points in the direction you will wind onto. That way, as you tighten the fitting, you’re stretching the plumber’s tape further. That leads to a good tight seal, rather than loosening the tape and making it useless.

Avoid torn ends.

Sometimes it will be a lot easier to simply stretch the tape until it breaks or tear it with your teeth. When you’re under the sink on your back with only one hand, the temptation to do that is large. Resist it. Sometimes you’ll get away with it. Many times, it will lead to re-doing the job after you’ve already tightened on the new fitting.

A clean end at the beginning allows the Teflon tape to seat into threads without leaving ragged high spots. Ditto on the tail. In either case, a ragged edge produces an uneven layer that will encourage small cracks. Water drips are not far behind.

Use sealants and tape according to their design and you’ll have a well-sealed hose or pipe. That eliminates water damage and messes… and the need to re-do the job.

A plumber’s job is a vital part of our society. With new construction being done every day, plumbers are in high demand. A plumber’s job description entails a variety of tasks, so training is essential and the requirements are high in order to become licensed as a plumber.

Training

Training for a plumber’s job requires education in the classroom as well as on the job training. It is difficult to learn all the skills required and situations that might be faced in the real world from a seat in a classroom. Online courses are valuable assets for the class work part of the training, since it gives the student flexibility to work in the field and gain those apprenticeship hours, while still moving forward with the class work required to complete the training.

The level of training depends on the level that the plumber wants to achieve. Every plumber has to start as an apprentice. In order to apply for a Tradesman license, which is granted through each state according to their rules and regulations, an apprentice must have completed the course work and also a minimum of four thousand hours working under a Master plumber in the field. All hours have to be verified according to the requirements of the state. That means that an apprentice plumber must have worked full time for one hundred weeks, or almost two years before being able to take the exam for the Tradesman license.

Certain plumber jobs require an even higher level of training, such as a Journeyman or Master level plumber. In order to take the exam for Journeyman licensing, the plumber has to have completed at least eight thousand hours under a Master plumber, which is nearing four years of working in the field before being ready for that kind of licensing. Master plumbing licenses require a plumber to have worked in the field for one year as a Journeyman before being allowed to take the exam.

In the apprenticeship, plumbers learn all that they need for plumbing jobs that they will experience in the field when they are licensed. They learn how to handle and cut pipes, tubing, and fittings. They make calculations so that the right amounts of materials are used. They read building plans and wiring plans so that the jobs can be done safely and effectively. They learn to trouble shoot and work with dish washers, washers, toilets and other plumbing appliances. In addition, they learn customer service and also how to direct less experienced workers.